New Car Review: The 2010 Scion xB
By Bob Plunkett
This is wild: It's Saturday evening on The Strip and traffic on the daylight-bright thoroughfare is jamming with way-cool cars pulsating from serious on-board audio kits.
Our vehicle, squeezing into the center of the pack is the souped-up and stretched 2010 iteration of xB, that urban utility wagon by Scion.
All Scions carry a long list of standard features including power steering, power controls for windows and door locks and exterior mirrors, a cruise control unit and remote keyless entry device, air conditioning, a steering wheel that tilts and houses audio controls, plus the four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brake system (ABS) and eight air bags surrounding riders on front and rear seats.
Inside, the four-seat compartment feels airy and spacious, despite overall dimensions which tie the xB to the itsy-bitsy class. But the wheelbase length stretches to 102.4 inches and the overall length runs to 167.3 inches with the width measuring over 69 inches. This sets up a large platform not only to enhance the vehicle's stability and ride quality but to forge surprisingly generous room for riders in the cabin.
There are a number of stow spots -- like a convenience tray for the driver, a glove box, console box and front door bins. Then a tray concealed below the back bench houses out-of-sight items like a laptop or camera.
This Scion feels fun to drive, particularly in an urban environment on city streets. It zips to speed with a quick run through the lower gears, while handling seems acute with responsive steering conducive to quick-cut maneuvers. It qualifies for ULEV-II (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) status and delivers fuel economy numbers up to 28 mpg.
High-tech electronic controls include electric power steering (EPS) and standard safety gear such as vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), and the ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and electronic brake assist (EBA).
There's more value for the 2010 xB due to a new standard Pioneer head unit for the audio system and no increase for xB's base price. Also new is the optional Alpine Premium audio unit that's wired and ready to accommodate a navigation system and back-up camera.
New gear aboard the 2010 version includes an organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen, USB connectivity, Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) and a subwoofer RCA output. It also has USB and auxiliary (AUX) ports on the center console so you may link to a portable music collection through the xB's six Pioneer speakers.
The MSRP for a 2010 xB begins at $15,750 with a manual transmission. Add the automatic shifter and that figure rises to $16,700.
For more car reviews visit RTM's New Car Reviews section
For information on this 2010 Scion xB visit scion.com
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Posted by: Newbit technology | 12/19/2009 at 03:56 PM