EXTRA DOPE
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Sun, Nov 8, 2009
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
EXTRA DOPE
By Doug Stokes Scions were originally intended as iPod-gen mobility units deliberately set up to be completely unappealing to anyone over 25 years old. And then some of the older folks found out that they fit into the original xB box pretty good and that the little unit fit into their lives pretty good too. That's where this xD comes in, let's call it a mini-crossover and simply note that the styling while blatantly blunt, is understandably utilitarian, yet perky. And in the BRIGHT Barcelona Red Metallic that ours is done up in... "Perky" honestly is the perfect word for it. The first thing that one (at least this "one") notices about the Scion xD is that this machine is relatively compact but that the seating position is tall, way higher than the average small sedan, which goes a long old way in assuaging the feeling of being in a small vehicle on a big freeway.
Scion xD and xB (background)
So what, pray tell, oh observant car reviewer, would the second thing be? It
would be, and is, handling. At first this Scion feels almost springy, as if the
vehicle stability control was helping maybe just a little bit too much for my
taste. Granted, I like to think that I'm a semi-Luddite when it comes to almost
any kind of driving enhancement that was developed after (hydraulic) power
steering and brakes. And then I go right on and gush over the greatness of a
well-tuned, electronically-controlled automatic transmission and variable
valve-timing (both highly-complicated mechanisms). So, please don't be too
scandalized if I tell you that I actually ended up enjoying the way that this
new Scion (to use an older term for handling) "drove".
There's good people-room throughout. Four doors equals four adults. Check! The
differences between this machine and the Scion xB that we drove a couple of
years back are subtle. This is the far more technically modern of the two
machines, slightly smaller in most dimensions and (if we may split a few hairs)
the more wagon-like of the two rolling Wonder Bread loaves.
As small and light as this one was, it garnered darn good ratings in the Federal
Smash'em'up Derby, er ... Government Safety Ratings. Four stars (five is best) in
the frontal ratings for driver and shotgun, and fully five twinklers for both
rear seat passengers. We strongly recommend that you never, ever, roll ANY
machine, but if you do, this one rates pretty high (4 stars out of 5). Belt up
every time please, staying safely inside if you tip a car over is also a
terrific idea.
While we're at the numbers, Uncle EPA sez: 26 city/32 highway to tell the truth
I was having so much fun with this one that I flat failed to check my mileage,
however I, for one, believe everything that the government tells me. In this
case, how far off could they be anyway?
What I can tell you is that there's plenty of unassuming, but perfectly useful
motoring involved here in this utility vehicle that priced out at $17, 463 all
up, a number that included well over a grand in options: vehicle stability
control: $650, carpet floor mats/cargo mats: $155, Scion security: $469, and
something called a Rear Bumper Appliqué for (whoa, how much?) $69.
The real point of all of the above (and below) talk about technology and money
is how much passive safety (the stuff that the vehicle does FOR you, without you
asking) has been fully democratized herein, 4-wheel Anti-lock brakes, for
example.
A few sort years ago, ABS brakes were a dearly expensive option. Here they are
standard, as are Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist. So are
the airbags for all four passengers, plus additional side curtain air bags, and
smart seatbelts that incorporate an anticipatory accident-sensing locking
system. Tire pressure monitors (items that once were to marvel at on high-ticket
items Corvettes and Mercedes) are there too. You get a whole lot of tech for a
small price, but your personal active safety device (You) is still the same,
and, bay far it is still the most important component. None of the above devices
can reason. You can.
All in all I really liked the ride and (once I got used to the various "assists"
going on) the handling. Toward the end of my week behind the wheel, I started to
really challenge (clear) off-ramps and certain interesting (deserted) stretches
of road not far from home. I am a trained, card-carrying (Motor Press Guild)
dues-paying ($60 bucks a year dues) driver, do as I suggest, not as I do
(please).
I had two nattering little complaints, neither of which would keep me from
recommending this machine, nor my wife from actually wanting to buy one for her
own personal use "... Next time." In no particular numerical order they are: 1.)
There IS actually a tachometer located in the instrument binnacle. However,
finding it to view and attempting to read it are well nigh impossible. The
solution is just leave the car in drive and slap the lever down one gear for the
off-ramps. 2.) It is, of course, very cool that there's a shoulder belt for both
folks who will use the back seat, but the one hanging there from the ceiling
like a sleeping bat was a distraction from first day to last for me. Nattering
as I said, but this is a hard-bitten, unbiased, straight from the shoulder,
review and finding anything wrong with this one was not all that easy.
That's it - a truly sweet, truly humble machine that cheerfully makes good on
the Scion promise of automotive honesty. Can you say "Scion" without cracking at
least a wry little smile? After driving a number of the brand's offerings over
the years, I sure can't.
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
You don't need to be a weatherman to know which way the fun blows.
For more information about Scion products, go to
www.scion.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Name of vehicle:
2009 Scion xD
Price:
$14,650
$15,450, with automatic transmission
$17,463, as tested
EPA gas mileage rating (city/highway/combined miles per gallon)
27/33/29 manual transmission
26/32/28 automatic
Engine:
1.8 liter DOHC 16-valve four-in-line with VVTi
Power:
128 horsepower at 6000 rpm
Torque:
125 pound-feet at 4400 rpm
Transmission:
5-speed manual/4-speed automatic
Drive configuration:
Front engine, front-wheel drive
Steering:
Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Suspension:
Independent McPherson struts front with stabilizer bar
Torsion beam rear
Brakes:
Power assisted ventilated disc brakes (front)
Power assisted drum brakes (rear)
Dimensions
Length: 154.7 inches
Width: 67.9 inches
Height: 60 inches
Curb weight:
2624 pounds (manual)
2668 pounds (automatic)
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