2008 Scion xB

Whoever said a circle doesn’t fit in a square didn’t have Scion’s vision.  Rounding out the corners of their signature box car, the xB, Scion thinks that their all-new and larger 2008 re-design will draw even more young fans to their brand.

Now Scion says that everything they did to the new xB reflects what their owners wanted.  But in the end, while it’s a smoother box is it a better box? 

If they did it once, they can certainly do it again!  That’s what Scion had to be thinking when they embarked on the first major overhaul in their brand’s brief history. Spearheaded by an all-new version of their hip, shoebox-on-wheels, the 2008 xB.

Scion said they listened closely to fans in designing the new xB 5-door: they wanted more room. So, the xB has grown longer and wider. Wheelbase is up 4 inches to 102.4, and overall length has stretched a full foot to 167.3 inches.

Grabbing elements from the T2B concept vehicle, the new xB still retains its right angle shape, but now with smoother edges surrounding its flat panels.  Up front, elongated headlamps and fascia brake cooling ducts set off a now open upper grille to create an almost pouty facial expression.

Out back, taillights are now inset towards the hatch, and a single rear backup lamp is on the left bumper.

The xB rides on 16-inch steel wheels, ready to be re-accessorized. 

Inside, things have changed even more dramatically.  Total cabin volume is up from 90 to a whopping 122.5 cubic feet.  The dash has a more linear yet still quirky design. The old car’s high mounted speed/tach/fuel grouping gives way to a row of round readouts including a digital info display.

The front seating position offers a roomier, lounge-like feel despite the surprisingly lower specs for head and leg room.  Hip and shoulder room, however, have increased.  Since all xBs come almost monospec, the array of standards is generous. From cruise control and steering wheel switchgear, to a full complement of airbags.

Naturally the standard 160-watt Pioneer audio has iPod connectivity. A premium unit further adds the ability to download images and video clips to an electroluminescent screen.

The rear seat remains adequate for three buddies. Typically, it is split 60/40 and folds flat for a larger, smoother cargo floor.

And therein lies the xB’s most sizable improvement. With 21.7 cubic feet behind the second row, max cargo space jumps by more than 60% to a gaping 69.9 cubic feet.

The xB also gets a huge jump in power.  The original xB’s miniscule 1.5-liter engine is replaced by the Camry’s smoother 2.4-liter double-overhead-cam 4-cylinder with variable valve timing.  Output is a galloping 158 horses - that’s 55 more than before - and 162 pound-feet of torque.

A trendier center stack mounted gearshift controls either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic with new manual mode shift.

The xB automatic has Government Fuel Economy ratings of 22 city/28 highway on Regular gas.  We returned 24.2 miles-per-gallon in real world driving.  The xB’s Energy Impact Score is a moderate 14.3 barrels of oil consumed per year.

On the track, our automatic xB proved to be lethargic no more. 0 to 60 in 9.4 seconds. While not a rocket, it’s still a 2 second improvement, and the manual does even better. The engine pulls smoother for a confident quarter-mile in 17.3 seconds at 82 mph.

The xB’s driving dynamics are defined by simple MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam in the rear.  Standard VSC with Traction Control is there, but not overly intrusive.

Handling is guided by quick steering.  There’s just enough oversteer to enjoy driving at the limits.  The xB felt smoother and sports-car-tight, managing its added horsepower like a champ.

Braking is courtesy of 4-wheel discs with ABS and Brake Assist.  Arrow straight halts averaged a good 129 feet with minimal fade.

The xB’s sticker with a manual is a thrifty $16,270.  With the automatic, it’s just $17,220.  You may have noticed how many times we used the word “smoother” in this road test. While the 2008 Scion xB still caters to its cult, there is no doubt that Toyota-style refinement has made its mark. That mainstreaming may put a few diehards off. But, we predict that the xB’s still quirky styling, more likeable interior, safer performance, and continued bargain pricing, will make the xB even more addictive.