Toyota builds another Yaris
By Brian Chee
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January 31, 2007
What it Is
2008 Scion xD – 2007 Chicago Auto Show Preview: Toyota introduced the all-new Yaris and Matrix today at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, wowing the gathered journalists with its ability to morph two cars into a single Scion. So maybe they didn’t mean to do that, but that’s the end result, and who says a car like the Scion xD isn’t attractive to the young buyer or two out there, or, perhaps, a few fifty-somethings with fresh tats and a jones to drive something cool like their kids do? With a clever interior, a decent if mainstream design, and a powerful-enough engine, the Scion xD is the answer to a lot of questions – just older, more mature questions.
Why it Matters As a replacement for the generally unloved Scion xA, the xD doesn’t have to climb high mountains to be considered a success – and it probably wouldn’t matter if it did. According to Scion, the xD is part of the “plan” to maintain a small lineup, bring new cars to market often, and keep concepts fresh.
What’s Under the Hood
Powered by Toyota’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, the Scion xD makes 128 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm – two more horses than when the this same powertrain is bolted into the larger Matrix. Even though the xD is built on the same platform as the Yaris, it gets a bigger engine than the Toyota at 1.8 liters compared to the Yaris’s little 1.5-liter ticker. Differences with the Yaris also include the xD’s size. Though it’s just an inch wider, the xD is four inches longer on a wheelbase that measures the same length, and the xD sports 16-inch wheels as standard.
What it Looks Like
Scion’s new xD looks like the son of a Yaris and a Matrix, with a few futuristic styling cues tossed in such as exaggerated wheel flares and large tires, horizontal and high riding headlamps, and a revised Scion grille.
What’s Inside
It’s all about Plastic Fantastic – but that’s how it should be for a car such as the xD. As it is, there’s plenty of innovation tucked inside, and the side panels do have a nice graphite-like pattern and feel. There seems to be a healthy amount of head and legroom, and the rear seats slide forward and back for more leg or cargo room. The rear seats also recline, and can be adjusted into five different positions. Storage and cargo space includes a storage tray beneath the steering wheel and a hidden space below the cargo floor. Indeed, just like the Scion xB, there’s plenty of practical touches inside the xD to go with the cool controls. An especially nice touch is the soft grip shifter.
What Scion Says
“The xD is a clever new take on the five-door urban subcompact, with style and
flair to match its efficiency and utility,” said Mark Templin, Scion’s vice president. “The
xD’s aggressive styling is wrapped in a small, agile package, while its interior offers
impressive details and a spacious cabin.”
What We Think
Not cool enough to make the “Scion Life,” the 2008 xD looks like a decent car that will serve its buyers well for a good number of years. And while it has a fair share of edgy futurism, it nonetheless looks like a Yaris. But that’s okay. In two years, we’ll see a new one – and how great is that?
Photos courtesy of Brian Chee, Toyota Motors of America
