The 2004 XA Sub-Compact Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $12,480 - $13,280
Base Invoice Range: $11,855 - $12,615
MSRP As Tested: $12,965
Versions: XA Sedan
Vehicle Category: Sub-Compact Economy Sedan
Engine Location: Front Engine
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive.
Engine As Tested: 1.5-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, VVT-I, I-4 cylinder, 108-horsepower at 6,000rpm and 105 lb-ft torque at 4,200 rpm.
Transmission As Tested: Standard 5-Speed, Manual, 4-speed ECTAutomatic.
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): Manual/automatic 32/38
Standard Safety Features: Driver and front passenger airbags, power-assisted disc brakes, ">Antilock Braking System (ABS).
Competition: Toyota Echo, Kia Rio, Suzuki Aerio, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Aveo
Review
Sci-what? Scion, it's one of the newest manufacturers to hit the car dealerships lots. It's so new in fact, that sales are currently confined to California - they're slated to begin in the other 49 states throughout 2004.
Like Lexus, Scion falls under the Toyota umbrella. Although brand new to the market, Scion is backed by Toyota's reputation for building quality, durable vehicles. Good news for consumers. And, even better news for Scion as it can ride piggyback on Toyota's established consumer confidence level; thereby, scaling the tricky, often lengthy, hurdle of new manufacturers: convincing buyers that their vehicles are well-made and reliable.
However, why, with Toyota's current success and extensive model lineup, would they want to introduce Scion? Well, according to Scion representatives they're targeting a brand new group of buyers who aren't necessarily attracted to Toyota's lower-priced, conventional-looking models (i.e., Corolla and Camry). They're going after Generation Y. And, according to their research, Generation Y is a lot choosier when it comes to deciding what they're going to drive. For Y, a car not only needs to be different than what their parents are driving, but it also has to be smart, high-tech and, given their annual income, inexpensive.
Meet xA and xB
Currently, there are two Scion models: Scion xA and Scion xB. The xB has actually garnered more attention than the xA due to its very boxy, angular look (think: Honda Element meets an EMS ambulance).
However, our test vehicle for the week happened to be the xA. Touted as a car with an "aggressive exterior" and "muscular stance," Scion marketers would probably wince when they read this, but, to us, the xA's sheet metal fancies another sub-compact, which isn't exactly suave: the Geo Metro. Granted, the rocker panel extensions, fog lights and rear spoiler do help the xA's appearance. Nonetheless, the body is that of an economy car. Of course, if you're total monthly income consists of an allowance and perhaps a part-time job then economy is a good thing, especially when it comes to fuel costs. The xA averages 32 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the open road.
However, where the Scion xA truly shines - and sets itself far away from its competitors - is inside the cabin during late night cruising. You see, long after the sun has set and clubs open their doors, the real fun begins as the xA presents a light show unlike any other.
The Scion light show
The Scion is most fun at night. What's your color? Amber, blue, green or red floor boards? With the push of button, lights shoot out beneath the driver and passenger seats, accenting front and backseaters' footsies.
Are you into color coordination? Then, the single-slot Pioneer audio system with 10-color LCD display illumination is for you. It's like the mood ring of stereo systems, allowing drivers to choose among amethyst, amber, red, orange, green and many other colors.
Feeling oh so blue? Stash a Sprite or Dansani water in the cup holders and watch them glow sapphire as the cup holder illuminates. Other lighted features include a center storage compartment (glows orange) and your basic instrument panel glow (amber).
Scion's stereo
Hidden surprises can be found throughout the xA, especially when it comes to the upgraded audio system. In addition to offering as many color selections as found at a snow cone stand, the xA's Pioneer system features Scion Sound Processing (SSP) with three modes: neutral, hear and (the quite literal). The neutral setting keeps the music in the background. The hear setting enhances the sound with crisp highs and lows. And, the hear setting is excellent should you need to stay awake during long road trips or should you want to show of your car's audio system to all of Beaumont. Feel vibrates the windows, the seats and your insides. In addition to pulsating sound and multi-color selections the xA's audio system also includes MP3 playback and satellite tuner capability.
Performance
Powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the xA does a decent job of escorting you around town. During our drive, we found the engine straining when merging onto the interstate, but once we were up and cruising it performed fine. Horsepower peaks at 108 at 6,000 rpm and 105 lb-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm.
In Conclusion
Scion has found an intriguing new approach to outfitting vehicles. They've taken the old saying, "it's the little things that matter" to heart and directed that toward a generation of up and coming consumers.
In fact, the Scion's "personalization" options are so intriguing that we recommend you visit their Web site: www.scion.com. Even if you're not in the market for a sub-compact that glows amber, red and blue, you most likely get a kick out of Scion's little things: choice of steering wheel covers (red or gray), sport pedals (red, blue or silver) and remote keyless entry cover (red, blue or clear).
Ratings (1-10)
- Style: 6
- Performance: 6
- Price: 8
- Handling: 7
- Ride: 7
- Comfort: 6
- Quality: 9
- *Overall: 7
More Data
Where Built: Japan.
Major Options:Side impact airbags, automatic transmission .
Seating: 5
Number of Rows: 2
Length in Inches: 190.6
Warranties: 4 years/50,000 limited warranty, 6 years/unlimited corrosion, 4 years/50,000 miles free roadside assistance, 4 years/50,000 miles free scheduled maintenance .
Weight in Pounds: 2,340.
Maximum Payload in Pounds: Not Available.
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weigh in Pounds: 3,305
Towing Capacity in Pounds: Not Available.
Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 11.9
Destination Charge: $485
