Scion xA

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Scion xA is the American market name given to the Toyota iSt, a subcompact car based on, and very similar to the 1999 to 2005 Toyota Vitz hatchback, which served as the basement for Toyota Belta sedan sold in the US as the Toyota Echo.

Compared to the Echo, the xA features stiffer suspension, rear stabilizer bar, bigger brakes, more aggressive wheels/tires, and slightly more aggressive final-drive ratios. It also weighs 275 pounds more. It comes better-equipped than the Echo (i.e. standard anti-lock brakes, tachometer, power windows/locks, and a Pioneer MP3 stereo system). The xA has proved to be the slowest-selling Scion due to lack of appeal when compared to the xB. For the 2006 model year, Toyota/Scion has given the xA a "refreshed" look.

Recent Changes

Some of the revisions included on the 2006 xA include revised front bumper, side skirts, and rear bumper. It also includes turn signal indicators on the side mirrors, audio controls located on the steering wheel, and it is the first production vehicle to offer an optional iPod input with headunit display. Other small changes to the xA for 2006 include a more refined, user-friendly headunit and more exterior colors.

Technical Data:

• Engine:
  • 1.5 L DOHC I4 engine.
  • 108 hp (81 kW) @ 6000 rpm (revised to 103 SAE net horsepower in 2006)
  • 105 ft·lbf (142 Nm) of torque @ 4200 rpm (revised to 101 ft·lbf in 2006)
• Cargo volume: 11.7 ft³ (331 L)

Release Series

Beginning in late spring 2004 with the launch of the 2004 Scion xB RS 1.0 (Release Series 1.0) Scion decided to create limited edition vehicles pre-packaged with exclusive accessories in limited quantities. Limited Edition vehicles from a marketing standpoint were used to create a buzz for the brandname, with their exterior colors tending to be loud or bright hues (i.e. orange, yellow, red, blue, green). Because of the growing popularity of the Scion product line and the scarce production runs (most dealers only got 2-3 of each RS model), these limited edition vehicles quickly sell out. Preordering is available at each dealership on a first-come, first-served basis. To the customer's benefit, Scion's "Pure Price" MSRP binds dealerships against market-demand vehicle mark-up. Naturally, resale values of Release Series vehicles command a premium because of their packaged options and scarcity.

2005

• xA RS 1.0: Available only in Absolutely Red with 1,550 units produced.

• xA RS 2.0 only available in Spectra Blue Mica with 1700 units produced.

2006

• xA RS 3.0 only available in Stingray Metallic light blue with 2500 units produced.

Criticisms

Consumer Reports is underwhelmed with this car because it is underpowered and noisy. Although I cannot disagree with this assessment, I must also point out that it is a solidly built and well-equipped car that will seat adults in back with reasonable comfort in spite of its size. Driving it evokes memories of the original Volkswagen Beetle in terms of its handling characteristics and the sheer joy of driving it. Real world gas mileage is around 33-35 MPG pretty much regardless of driving conditions or technique.

Worldwide

The Scion xA is sold in Japan as the Toyota iSt.

See also

External Links

• Edmunds.com: 2006 Scion xA
• JB car pages: Scion xA:
• mph Magazine: Economy Car Comparison
• Scionlife: xA Owner's Forum

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see Scion xA, which includes these contributors.