2008 Scion xD Review

PROS
Terrific fuel economy, Lots of standard safety features, Maneuverable

CONS
Cramped rear seat, Little grip from skinny tires, Utilitarian interior

When Toyota introduced the Scion brand in 2002 executives promised that models wouldn't grow stale. If a particular car outlived its usefulness, it would be replaced by something different.

Scion stayed true to its pledge and the subcompact xA stepped aside just four years after it was introduced. Replacing it for 2008 is a car of similar dimensions called the xD. Like the xA, the xD comes only as a front-drive, four-door hatchback. When compared to the xA, xD is three inches longer in wheelbase and three hundred pounds heavier. It competes at bottom end of the market with other budget subcompacts like the Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Nissan Versa, and Toyota Yaris.

Other than the interior and exterior styling, perhaps the biggest difference between the xA and xD is under the hood. The xA made due with a 1.5-liter 108-horsepower four. xD gets a 20 horsepower boost thanks to a larger 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Transmission choices remain a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

A single model is offered with a list price of $14,550 and a destination charge of $620. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, brake assist, tire-pressure monitor, and front, front-side, and curtain side airbags. Other standard equipment includes air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, front bucket seats, split-folding rear seat, power windows, doors, and locks, keyless entry, and AM/FM/CD player with digital-media player input and iPod controls.

Options include Navigation system, stability control, satellite radio, remote engine start, rear spoiler, and alloy wheels. Scion dealers also offer a number of dress-up accessories that can be factory installed at time of purchase. Like all Scion models, xD is built in Japan.

Get up and Go
Compared to the xA, xD is a rocket. That's not saying much as the xA was one of the slowest cars on the market. Scion doesn't offer a 0-60 mph time, but it's likely around 10 seconds on manual transmission models. Initially, the engine feels peppy, but it seems to labor in passing situations or when climbing hills. While this is common among budget subcompacts, the younger buyers that Scion covets may want a little more scoot.

The manual transmission is easy to shift, but the clutch is light and hard to modulate in stop and go traffic. The automatic transmission has only four speeds and this dulls acceleration somewhat. Some competitors offer CVT or five-speed automatics.

On the up side, fuel economy is much better than similar-sized competitors. The EPA ratings for the manual transmission model are 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Even more impressive is the real-world economy of the xD. In an equal mix of city and highway driving, expect to average about 28 mpg. If your commute includes lots of expressway cruising, you might see 32 mpg. Scion says that the xD will run fine on regular-grade gasoline.

On the Road
No surprise, the xD rides like a typical subcompact. Most bumps are filtered but not completely absorbed. Large bumps sometimes pound through, and the ride grows busy on scalloped concrete surfaces.

On the flip side, the xD is quite nimble. The steering, though a little over boosted, is quick, the turning circle is very tight, and the brakes are strong and easy to modulate. Body lean is moderate in fast turns and the skinny tires give little grip in aggressive driving.

Interior noise levels are lower than the subcompact norm. Tire roar on concrete highways is the biggest problem. Wind noise is modest, even at extra-legal speeds and the engine only grows buzzy above 70 mph.

Behind the Wheel
With lots of hard, black plastic, the interior of the xD comes off as stark. A small speedometer and even smaller tachometer sit directly behind the steering wheel, a welcome change from the center-mounted gauges in the xA. Atop the center stack are large and clearly marked audio controls. Slightly lower are three simple dials for the climate control.

All in all, the interior isn't as inviting as it could be, but also has a hip factor that should play with the younger set. Keep in mind that up-level audio systems and the optional navigation system feature lots of small buttons that can be a distraction.

The front bucket seats are standard subcompact fare, meaning that they are serviceable and comfortable, but lack lateral support. There's no height adjustment, either. Leg and head room are adequate. Taller drivers will want more of both.

The driving position is good and outward visibility is excellent, except to the rear three-quarters where thick pillars block the view. Doors open wide and the seat height is slightly higher than in some other subcompacts.

Rear seats are flat but comfortable and large enough to accommodate two adults, though taller adults will want more leg room. There's no driveline hump and that's a boon to foot room.

The cargo area is roomy for the class and the rear seats fold flat for tumble forward. There are also a couple of covered bins at the rear of the cargo area. With twin glove boxes, door map pockets, and lots of storage cubbies, interior storage is good.

Bottom Line
Before you jump back at the xD's $14,550 base price, remember that it includes six air bags, antilock brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, 180-watt audio system with integrated iPod controls, keyless entry, and tilt steering wheel. Yes, some competitors cost thousands less, but not when comparably equipped.

That said, the xD is a uniquely styled subcompact car that is very fuel efficient and will meet the needs of most commuters. It could use a little bright work inside and perhaps another couple inches of rear-seat leg room, but otherwise it's an excellent alternative for shoppers in this class.