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After driving about in the xA Release 1.0 earlier this year, I was pretty thrilled to be offered a chance to spend a week in Scion's latest, the 2005 xA Release 2.0. (The fact that it gets 32+ m.p.g., compared to the 19 m.p.g. I experience regularly in my 2000 Toyota Tacoma, in these times of record high gas prices, was definitely an added bonus).
Reviewing the April press release covering the xA, I saw that Scion has included a variety of cosmetic upgrades in this 1700 unit limited edition vehicle. The nice thing about Scion's Release Series is that they've included many of the optional accessories that you'd want to hunt down for your new ride anyway, while staying away from the items that are easily available on the non-RS models. The key examples are the color-keyed rear spoiler and front grill.
The rear spoiler looks to be the same high quality model used on the RS 1.0. However, the front grille is different, and looks a little more 'opened' up and cleaner than the 1.0's design. Our RS 2.0 came with the sharp looking EP-10 Spoke Alloy Wheels (a $665 upgrade); of course if you're going all out you'll want to get TRD 19" wheels, or even better yet, get the cheaper (included) 6-spoke wheel covers and the replace the wheels completely with an aftermarket set.
Nothing is ever perfect, although my one gripe with the RS 2.0 is a pretty strange one. I wouldn't have noticed it myself, but my wife, in short sleeves, pointed out that the lower parts of the limited edition seat covers are, well, scratchy. Nothing that a little time in the seat won't smooth out, but I can say it literally rubbed her the wrong way.
Just for review, here's the key elements of the Release 2.0 upgrade:
- bright Spectra Blue Mica exterior
- distinctive sports grille
- fog lights
- color-keyed rear spoiler
- black fabric with blue accents
- blue interior lighting kit
- embroidered floormats
- numbered plaque (limited edition of 1700)
- Upgrade Cost: $1035
Although the xA RS 2.0 doesn't have the retina-burning paint job of the RS 1.0's Absolutely Red, it's still a head turner with the Spectra Blue Mica and color-keyed everything. There's actually not a whole lot to say about the cosmetic upgrades of the 2.0 that can't be shown even better with pictures, so please spend some time and check out the pictures in the photo gallery from our drive around San Francisco and Santa Cruz.
Special thanks to Michael and Catherine Dobrin of Michael Dobrin Public Relations.
View the ScionZone.Com 2005 xA Release 2.0 photo gallery
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