Scion xB

Scion xB generations

Toyota launched Scion in 2003 to win younger buyers in the United States. The xB was its signature model: a tall, square-cut box with the wheels pushed out to the corners and a low price. It became the brand's best-selling model in the US until 2011, when the Scion tC overtook it. The background of the brand is in the history of Scion.

First generation (2003–2007)

Sales began in June 2003 as 2004 model-year cars. The xB was a rebadged Japanese-market Toyota bB, built on the platform of the Yaris (Echo in North America). Toyota changed it for the American market: it moved the controls from right- to left-hand drive and replaced the front bench with two bucket seats. The column shifter gave way to a floor-mounted one, and the spare wheel moved under a raised boot floor.

The 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE engine produced 81 kW (108 hp) and 142 Nm. With a kerb weight of about 1,086 kg the xB was slow on the motorway and economical in town. Buyers could choose a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

By our calculation, the first xB carries about 13.4 kg per kW, while the heavier but stronger second generation needs only about 11.6 kg per kW. The square body gave the small car a huge cabin for its length. Wheels at the corners keep the wheel arches out of the passenger space, and the rear seat folds 60/40. Its weak point was side impact safety: in IIHS tests the first xB scored "Good" in the frontal offset test but "Poor" in the side test, because 2003–2006 cars had no side airbags.

Second generation (2007–2015)

The second xB was unveiled at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. It moved to the Corolla E150 platform and grew substantially: it was 300 mm longer, 71 mm wider and about 270 kg heavier than the first car. It lost some of the original's compact, quirky feel but gained space, power and safety equipment. Toyota sold the same car as the Corolla Rumion in Japan and the Toyota Rukus in Australia, and built it at Kanto Auto Works in Kanegasaki, Japan.

Under the bonnet sat the 2.4-litre 2AZ-FE four-cylinder from the Camry, with 118 kW (158 hp) and 220 Nm. It made the xB much quicker, but fuel economy got worse: 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, about 10.7 and 8.4 l/100 km. Gearboxes were a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic with sequential shifting. Standard safety equipment was generous for the class: four-wheel ABS with brake assist and EBD, stability control, and front, side and curtain airbags.

Updates and Release Series

Scion offered numbered Release Series editions, each in a single colour and a limited run, in most model years.

Inside the xB: cabin and equipment

Toyota's quality standards applied in full. The dashboard is made of good plastics, the seats are trimmed in hard-wearing fabric, and the glovebox is large. In the second generation the instruments sit in the middle of the dashboard, which the old 1cars text finds awkward because the driver must look away from the road. Standard equipment included air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking and a CD and MP3 audio system. Options included an upgraded audio system with a subwoofer, USB port and Bluetooth, sports suspension parts and alloy wheels. The 3.0 Release Series even had 7-inch screens in the front headrests.

Driving and practicality

The xB uses MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion-beam rear axle, with a rear anti-roll bar to limit body roll in corners. The front brakes are ventilated discs and the rear brakes drums. The first generation suits city driving best, with light controls and compact dimensions. The second is calmer on the motorway thanks to the 2.4 engine but uses more fuel. The boxy shape makes both easy to load, and the high roof suits tall passengers and bulky items. Boot space of today's practical small cars is compared in the biggest-boot hatchback ranking.

Safety ratings

The second-generation xB was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick six years in a row. It scored "Good" in every measured category of the frontal offset and side impact tests and "Good" in the roof-strength test. Car and Driver listed the 2008 xB among its ten safest affordable vehicles. This was a big step from the first car's poor side-impact score.

Sales and the end of the xB

Production ended in December 2015. Scion replaced the xB with the iM hatchback for the 2016 model year, and when Toyota closed the Scion brand, the iM became the Toyota Corolla iM. The Australian Rukus ended in October 2015 and the Japanese Corolla Rumion in December 2015.