2008 xB Review
From ScionZoneWiki
In May 2007 ScionZone.Com had the opportunity to drive the 2008 Scion xB and to learn all about the features of the latest remodel of our favorite "Toaster". Launched in 2004, the Scion xB was unlike than anything to hit the market in recent memory. Dubbed "The Way Coolest New Car" (Newsweek Magazine), and yet so un-cool: this box shaped wagon that shared more external styling with a moving van than the prototypical two-door coupe that was being built by every other manufacturer for the under-35 market.
After shocking the public once with the original xB, this go-around is a whole new adventure: a little rounder, a little tougher, but still clearly the Scion xB that won the hearts of young people nationwide.
The 2008 xB features an all new platform from earlier model years, with styling coming out of both Toyota's own Calty Design Research and Kanto Auto Works of Japan. The styling comes almost directly from Scion's t2B Concept vehicle unveiled at the 2005 New York Auto Show. It maintains the narrow headlights and narrow, low radiator grille that we're used to seeing on all of Scion's offerings.
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Colors
The 2008 Scion xB is offered in six colors:
- 040 Super White
- 1F7 Classic Silver
- 209 Black Sand Pearl
- 3N0 Blackberry Crush Metallic
- 8U3 Hypnotic Teal
- 8S6 Nautical Blue Metallic
Electronics
Scion kept the center mounted dash instruments but they're looking quite a bit different from earlier models. A digital combination meter features four dials and an LCD display, including
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The standard Pioneer audio system features six speakers and comes with an iPod adapter and auxiliary input for external devises. Steering wheel mounted controls allow the driver to safely change stations and volume without losing sight of the road.
The power door locks automatically unlock and lock when shifting the automatic transmission in and out of park. Speed-linked locked is also available (and can be changed by the owner), and is standard on manual transmission models.
External and Internal Dimensions
The large cargo space on a small footprint has always been one of the xB's great features. For 2008, the exterior dimensions and passenger space have both been increased:
| Measurement | 2008 xB | 2007 xB | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 102.4" | 98.4" | 4.0 inches longer |
| Overall Length | 167.3" | 155.3" | 12.0 inches longer |
| Width | 69.3" | 66.5" | 2.8 inches wider |
| Track F/R | 60.0/59.8" | 57.3/56.3" | 2.7/3.5" inches wider |
| Curb weight, lb. 5MT | 3020 | 2395 | 625 pounds heavier |
| Curb weight, lb. 4AT | 3086 | 2450 | 636 pounds heavier |
| Headroom F/R | 40.0"/41.2" | 46.1"/45.7" | 6.1/4.5 inches shorter |
| Passenger volume | 100.8 cu ft | 90.1 cu ft | 10.7 cu ft more passenger space |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 21.7 cu ft | 21.5 cu ft | 0.5 cu ft more cargo space |
Engine
So we're looking a little shorter, a little roomer... and quite a bit heaver! Yes, our little toaster has bulked up a bit. But don't worry, in the war of F=ma, we've got quite a bit more F to balance out the extra m:
- 2AZ-FE 2.4 liter 4-cylinder
- Based on the existing Scion tC engine
- 158 hp @ 6000 rpm - compare this to 103 hp for the '07 models
- 162 lb-ft @ 4000 pm
Like the tC, the 2008 xB features Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to reduce emissions and increase torque throughout the engine's operating speeds. For 2008, the 2.4 liter engine has been upgraded to a 9.8:1 compression ratio, increasing fuel efficiency, improving performance, and reducing emissions.
Transmission
The 2008 xB is available with either a 4 speed automatic transmission (U241E) or a five speed manual transmission (E351). The automatic transmission features a sequential type shift lever. In sequential mode, you can hold the transmission in a specific gear, or shift it up and down manually, not unlike a manual transmission, but without the clutch.
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Wheels, Tires, Brakes
For 2008, the Xb comes with a P205/55R16 89H tire on 16-inchx6.5J steel wheels. Standard on the xB is Scion's Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) - each wheel has a tire pressure sensor and transmitter which can light a warning light on the dashboard when the air pressure drops out of spec.
New for 2008, the xB now features four wheel disc brakes (formerly the rear breaks were drum brakes) and a shorter throw brake pedal for higher performance. The braking system comes standard with a variety of sophisticated features: ABS, EBD, BA, TRAC, and VSC. Here's the alphabet soup breakdown:
- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) - Enhances driver steering control by reducing wheel lockup under hard braking conditions
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) - Balances brake pressure distribution according to vehicle load and braking conditions
- Dynamic adjustment of braking force at each wheel
- transfers braking front-to-rear and side-to-side
- Works by measuring minute amounts of wheel slip under braking to balance individual wheel cylinder pressures to available traction
- Brake Assist (BA) - Supplements braking pressure under emergency braking
- Pressure sensor on master cylinder detects "panic" brake application by signature rise rate
- If driver does not continue to apply sufficient pedal pressure for panic stop, additional pressure provided to calipers and wheel cylinders by VSC pump
- Traction Control (TRAC)
- Upon start-up acceleration, if wheel-spin is detected, the TRAC system may reduce engine power and/or apply brakes to a spinning wheel
- Enhances stability during start-off on low traction surfaces
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) - Utilized brake and throttle control to counter understeer and oversteer.
VSC and TRAC can be disabled via switch if you feel that big brother has a little too much control of your ride.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel economy hasn't been officially set yet, but Scion expects both the manual and automatic transmission specs to get around 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Not stellar? Remember that the EPA revised it's estimation methods beginning with 2008, so you won't be able to easily compare current 2007 fuel economy estimates with 2008 ones. Like other models in Scion's lineup, the 2008 xB is a certified ultra-low emissions vehicle (ULEV).
The drive
We took the xB for a scenic drive around San Francisco, through Chinatown, down the Great Highway and Pacific Ocean, and finally up to Twin Peaks. The small footprint of the xB is nimble in traffic and fun to drive overall. The significantly larger engine in the 2008 models carried us up and down the hills of San Francisco as expected. It's no rocket, but it does the job.
Visibility isn't impaired by the shortened headroom of the 2008 model, and the xB was easy to drive in hectic SF traffic. We didn't get to spend any time with the xB on the freeway, but the lower profile of the new model should help it cruise along at high speeds as well.
What about the overall appearance? It's still certainly an xB, but it's lost a little bit of it's uniqueness with the softer lines, more sloped front, and shorter height overall. Perhaps moving it a bit towards mainstream will widen the appeal of the vehicle even more, however, some of the hardcore enthusiasts might be put off - they might shop for a '07 after all. Time will tell.
The 2008 Scion xB hit the dealers in mid-May of 2007. Look for it today, and visit our other xB pages and forums to talk about your thoughts on Scion's latest revamp of this popular vehicle.
Links
- ScionZone.Com xB Message Forums
- ScionZone.Com 2008 xB Drive Photo Gallery
- Scion Press Photos : 2008 xB and 2008 xD
- Scion Press Release: Scion Launches All-New 2008 xB (2007-May-03)
Categories: XB | 2008
