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From DallasVoice.com Auto Designed for Gen Y trendsetters, Scions have a durable and efficient soul
Scion’s first-generation Box was launched in 2003, and it quickly became a Toyota icon. It offered full-size sedan space for four within a compact wagon footprint that looks like the box a Volvo came in. Starkly different than anything else, its efficiency and funky style won over young and mature drivers alike. Rounded, enlarged and significantly refined, the 2008 edition is even better. Based on the Toyota Yaris platform, the xB is noticeably bigger, and it’s streamlined like a 1950s locomotive. Flared fenders, high windowline, and thick D-pillar give the car a hint of ’30s street rod. Interior space is also increased. Front passengers sit in captain’s chairs, so the xB never feels like a penalty box: the steering wheel has audio controls and there’s even an iPOD jack. Backseat passengers have ridiculous amounts of legroom, and the split-fold rear seats can accommodate huge hauls. Driving the xB was nothing like I expected. A 158-HP 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, connected to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission. A simple independent front and torsion beam rear suspension system was tight. When I woke up to 5” of snow one morning, I had no worries. The little car trudged through like a pro with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, traction control and Vehicle Stability Control. Fuel economy is rated 22/28-mpg city/highway. As-tested price, $16,230. Competition includes the Chevy HHR, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Kia Rio5. 2008 Scion xD
Contrary to the xB, Scion’s xA model was rounder, but also very economical. Replaced for 2008 with the xD, it’s a cool alternative to its more flamboyant larger brother. Actually, the xD looks like the love child of xA and xB. With its second-generation cars, Scion is adopting a “digital organic” styling. Flowing curves and arcs are tensed with sharp creases and angles. Designers melded modern styling and practicality. The instrument housing contains a radar-inspired speedometer and auxiliary gauges, and the tinted center stack flows around the radio and climate controls. Split rear seats and a large hatch can swallow a bicycle, music instruments or a full load from the home-improvement store. Dual front, side seat-mounted, and rear curtain airbags protect everyone. Killer audio comes standard — with a 160-watt Pioneer system and iPOD connectivity. When the iPOD is in use, the faceplate displays the artist, track, and album information. Drivers can customize the faceplate screen with images or video clips. Rear head unit allow owners to add external amps. Scions are a party on top and underneath. On the business side, is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that generates 128 horsepower through either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The really good news is that the xD is frugal, achieving 26/32-mpg city/hwy with the optional automatic transmission. That’s not quite as good as last year’s xA, which that achieved up to 38-mpg on the highway (fuel economy ratings were revised for all cars sold in the U.S.), but the xD is a lot more car for the money, and worth the penalty of a few mpg points. Prices begin around $15,000, but came to $17,244 for our test model. Competitors include the Chevy Aveo, Honda Fit and Nissan Versa. DRIVER’S SEAT
Who: Will Padilla Occupation: leadership development consultant Why are you famous in the gay community? I play rugby for Dallas Diablos — flanker. I drive a: 2003 Dodge Dakota. Purchased from which dealer? Some Dodge Dealer in Kentucky. Were you a tough negotiator? No, cause I didn’t have room to with my trade-in. How much did you settle on? 12,850. Insurance agent: Travelers Auto. Monthly insurance rate? $87 Why this car? I wanted a truck, and had three days to purchase one. This dealer would give me a loan at the time and take back my trade-in. Favorite feature: Truck bed.
Anything interesting in your glove box? A Swat edition Swiss Army knife. Car nickname: Don’t have one. Previous vehicles: 1998 Isuzu Rodeo and 1995 Ford Probe GT. Average weekly fuel expenses: $100. Do you merge well with other drivers? Yes, I always use blinkers. Have you ever been naked in your car? Not this one. How often do you wash your car? Every couple months — by hand. Are you a more of a grandma or a lead-footer on Dallas’ highways? Lead-footer. Do you think good drivers make good lovers? Hell yeah! Worst speeding story: On my senior prom night, I got a ticket for going 3 miles over the speed limit. Worst flat tire: In a parking lot after work in 100-degree weather. Worst intersection in Dallas: Not sure yet. I haven’t been here long enough (relocated here from Kentucky last year). Most ridiculous car repair: Faulty wiper-blade switch. I could have died that day it rained. Thought that races through my head when I’m going through a yellow light: I just got hit! Best car memory: My Ford Probe — back in high school, it was pimp and fast. These articles appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition June 13, 2008. © Copyright by DallasVoice.com |
