So I've been browsing extensively trying to find new and pertinent information on the upcoming xA. Most of us are wondering what it will look like... will it be around... what sort of changes will be made.. those sorts of things. The future, I'm afraid, looks rather bleak..

The most alarming bit, for me anyway, is the complete lack of a release series. Toyota HAS sort of made an unofficial promise in that they launched a "Release the Two" website. Why else would they basically demand themselves to release another xA RS if they had no plans of doing it? The fact that it STILL isn't out after a good six months of RS action between the xB and tC is a bad sign for us all. I, personally, was waiting for news on it before purchasing mine but gave up after nothing had been decided by the middle of March (am now a proud owner of an '06 xA).

Of course, most of us aren't exactly looking forward to it even when it is released, given the catastrophic letdown of the 2.0. Not because of the color, not because of the value for money (which was still pretty good). But because it didn't have the absolute best feature of the first RS. The sunroof.

When you also consider that all of the optional dealer accessories on the xA are ALSO optional accessories on the xB, you begin to see where the xA is headed.

And the rumors. With Toyota introducing the Yaris its unlikely they'd clutter their own model lineup with a similar car, though its worth pointing out that the only model option the Yaris lacks is a four-door hatchback. The current hatch has only two doors as does one of the coupe styles, the other having four doors... so the good news is that the xA fills in the gap there. But the wildest rumors that have so far multiple points of origin are on the engine and the styling. With the xB rumored to have an absolutely colossal upgrade to a 2.4 liter engine (same Camry engine as the tC) and the xA up to a 1.8 (used in the Matrix). With the rumored 4wd (that's NOT AWD for the uneducated ones - though that IS an option on the Ractis) that will produce a fair amount of grip (if not a fair amount of understeer as well).

But the most difficult change will most likely be in the styling. We are hearing from a limited number of sources that it will resemble the Ractis, which sort of resembles the lovechild of an xA and an xB - that is, a balanced blend of both but since they're related, it still ends up looking like your cousin's uncle's stepchild's... oh, you get it). We understand the need for change in the xA. It has limited rear passenger space and a small cargo, but most xA owners agree that it isn't a call to a drastic change. But the problem isn't in xA owners, is it? While the xA's percentages are up, it pales in comparison to the xB and is a complete embarassment when stood up to the tC (the tC, by the way, outsells the xA and the xB COMBINED two-to-one!).

So what was the purpose of this horribly long post anyway? Well, it was to discuss, hope for, influence, speculate, complain, and wonder at the future of the car we all love (or hate if you're one of those people that browse message boards to get under someone's skin).

More specifically, its too sound off on one of the following issues:

The engine upgrade
The styling changes
The release series
The future of the model itself

If you took the time to read all this you were probably entertained or you were probably really bored. In either case, I hope you have something to respond with.

Damn that was a long first post.

Small oversight regarding the Yaris - there IS a four-door hatch (5-door) model but it is not yet an option in the US.

Muy interesante.

I'm just wondering, where is evrybody getting all this "no RS xA" info from?

Oh crap, did I vote right? I voted almost entirely as in almost etirely different...

I'm going to quote myself from the RS3.0 Color discussion topic:

Well unfortunately I forsee a bleak immediate future. The xA as it is will cease to be made very soon and two new Scion models will be coming out. I fear the xA will be totally left in the dust for some time. In the farther future we may gain some respect as a 1st gen Scion and a rare one at that. I'm still fighting, futilely at that, for a lost cause that I had been since I've joined these forums (in 2004 I believe). The xA gets no respect, even the show worthy ones are looked over and seldom do you see a trophy class for an xA. I guess the one thing that holds true and is the best thing for us no matter what anyone else does or says: We love our xA's and are proud of it.

Agh, please don't leave the xA behind! I'm just waiting to hear some concrete news on whether or not there actually will be a 2008 model. If not, I better haul arse and get an '06!

There will be an 08 model in somewhere around April-May in 2007. Not sure if it'll be called an xA anymore though.

the 2008 will be a completely new model. It won't be the ractis or aygo or any other JDM hatchback.

Here you go,

http://thehollywoodextra.blogspot.com/2006/07/next-scion-xa.html

Those pictures were already in the other thread and have been deemed photoshops already.

oh I see... I am sorry for my stupidity.

It's cool, not everyone has the time to read all the other threads.

theres a hair in my soup

I agree the sunroof was the best thing about the first release series. However, its easy enough to get a nice OEM style sunroof from an OEM supplier like webasto. The xA fills a gap the yaris doesnt, and has everything most people want, standard. To get the $10,500 yaris hatch spec'ed out with 15" wheels, full power, mp3 stereo, etc would easily add a few grand to the price. A local dealer had a loaded hatch with aftermarket "katzkin" leather and fancy wheels for $18k!

Theres going to be another xA, even if its a rebadged Ractis. Which wouldnt be bad, IMO. Id buy one!

As for the tC outselling both "x" models combined? Great! Its an excellent deal for a sports car, which was something i wasnt in the market for. One of the reasons i got an xA is because it ISNT popular. Bulletproof drivetrain, low maintenance, discreet appearance... like the yaris and echo's cool as hell cousin!

I sold my 1998 civic CX hatch and got an '06 IIP xA and couldnt be happier. its nice having 4 windows that roll down at the touch of a button, and a stereo that can play a disc with 120+ songs on it. I waited for the honda fit, but its not worth it. the yaris isnt worth it either.

The next xA won't be a rebadged ractis and the tC isn't a sports car.

The next xA won't be a rebadged ractis and the tC isn't a sports car..



ditto

You might could say the Tc is a sporty coupe, basically like the Celica used to be.

As for the Ractis being the next generation xA, lots of people are saying it is not. If it were, then I'd never consider buying it because I think it is ugly.

I really wish some pictures would come out about the next generation xA. I'm amazed there isn't anything available yet. There are normally spy photos available. I guess the xA replacement isn't a big enough deal.

You might could say the Tc is a sporty coupe, basically like the Celica used to be.

As for the Ractis being the next generation xA, lots of people are saying it is not. If it were, then I'd never consider buying it because I think it is ugly.

I really wish some pictures would come out about the next generation xA. I'm amazed there isn't anything available yet. There are normally spy photos available. I guess the xA replacement isn't a big enough deal.

I guess to Scion it isn't. :( But to me and the rest of the xA community who are anctiously been waiting for ANY pics of the 08, or even the RS which is supposed to come out in August, which is only a couple days away, it IS a big deal...Too bad Scion dosn't care.

I think the xA replacement will be a big deal and Scion is doing a good job keeping it under wraps. That's not good for the people wanting to buy one, though. From what I've heard about the replacements I think the new xA will be a bigger hit than the xB this time around.

I sure hope so, they really let us down supporting the xA this time around. I mention I own a Scion and everyone has trouble guessing which one it is. "oh the box, those things have a lot of room" No I dont drive the xB "then you have the cool 2-door sport model?" No, I'm not a girl or some young punk with a fast and furious attitude. I drive this car. "holy @%@# that thing looks nice, how fast does it go?" *Shakes head and walks away...* So sad.

I sure hope so, they really let us down supporting the xA this time around. I mention I own a Scion and everyone has trouble guessing which one it is. "oh the box, those things have a lot of room" No I dont drive the xB "then you have the cool 2-door sport model?" No, I'm not a girl or some young punk with a fast and furious attitude. I drive this car. "holy @%@# that thing looks nice, how fast does it go?" *Shakes head and walks away...* So sad.

If only it weren't true...

I was struggling for a long time over which to get. I love the value for money of the tC (well, all of them have good value for money) and I love the interior space of the xB. But I always liked the style of the xA most and the kicker for me was that it was the least popular. Buying one tells people that I actually have a personality and am not jumping in on the latest pop craze.

I'm disappointed in insignificant ways with my xA. I can overlook its shortcomings and even learn to love them for what it is. I don't think I could do that with the tC. Its supposed to be the top of the range so whatever is missing would be inexcusable.

-mC

I sure hope so, they really let us down supporting the xA this time around. I mention I own a Scion and everyone has trouble guessing which one it is. "oh the box, those things have a lot of room" No I dont drive the xB "then you have the cool 2-door sport model?" No, I'm not a girl or some young punk with a fast and furious attitude. I drive this car. "holy @%@# that thing looks nice, how fast does it go?" *Shakes head and walks away...* So sad.

If only it weren't true...

I was struggling for a long time over which to get. I love the value for money of the tC (well, all of them have good value for money) and I love the interior space of the xB. But I always liked the style of the xA most and the kicker for me was that it was the least popular. Buying one tells people that I actually have a personality and am not jumping in on the latest pop craze.

I'm disappointed in insignificant ways with my xA. I can overlook its shortcomings and even learn to love them for what it is. I don't think I could do that with the tC. Its supposed to be the top of the range so whatever is missing would be inexcusable.

-mC

coming from a stripped 1998 civic CX hatch (2dr, 14" wheels, NO power steering, power windows, locks, A/C, tach, or stereo... or rear windshield wiper/washer, rear doors )... i cant see any shortcomings at all.

and even with a smaller 1.5l engine, and the same specs on paper? the xA feels like it has more torque and horsepower. must be the gearing, 15" wheels, and the vvt-I? i took a trip to laughlin the first week i had it, and on the hills, it pulled 5th gear no problem. on the civic, id have to drop it to 4th or 3rd.

If only it weren't true...

I was struggling for a long time over which to get. I love the value for money of the tC (well, all of them have good value for money) and I love the interior space of the xB. But I always liked the style of the xA most and the kicker for me was that it was the least popular. Buying one tells people that I actually have a personality and am not jumping in on the latest pop craze.

I'm disappointed in insignificant ways with my xA. I can overlook its shortcomings and even learn to love them for what it is. I don't think I could do that with the tC. Its supposed to be the top of the range so whatever is missing would be inexcusable.

-mC

Do you think owning an xA makes you different? I see xA's everywhere. Buying the Scion that sells the least amount of cars doesn't reaffirm your great personality or set you apart from the crowd. The xA is still part of the "pop craze" you so desperately need to distance yourself from.

I'm not trying to be a d!ck but do you need your car to reaffirm your individuality?

I like to think of the car as my inner self, it's unique and I don't care if anyone else can see that just so long as I know it. Our cars (for most of us on this site) are our alter-egos, you drive the car because you feel that it most personifies yourself and should it need some mods then so be it, all the better to more closely reflect yourself.

Your car can be an extension of your personality but if your car defines your personality then you probably don't have a good one to begin with.

Enough of that. Lets get this thread back on topic.

Do you think owning an xA makes you different? I see xA's everywhere. Buying the Scion that sells the least amount of cars doesn't reaffirm your great personality or set you apart from the crowd. The xA is still part of the "pop craze" you so desperately need to distance yourself from.

I'm not trying to be a d!ck but do you need your car to reaffirm your individuality?

No no, you are mistaken. I'm merely trying to explain my choice. The exclusivity of it merely kicked it over for me. I was always a fan of the xA's styling, the value for money, everything. The fact that it was unpopular was merely the extra push needed, if needed at all.

I do like to think that people buy cars that tell something about themselves, not define them. In that way, I thought the xA fit pretty much from Day One.

But yeah, enough of this existenialism stuff. :blah:

Let's get back to what the damn car is gonna look like!

-mC

Do you think owning an xA makes you different? I see xA's everywhere. Buying the Scion that sells the least amount of cars doesn't reaffirm your great personality or set you apart from the crowd. The xA is still part of the "pop craze" you so desperately need to distance yourself from.

I'm not trying to be a d!ck but do you need your car to reaffirm your individuality?

No no, you are mistaken. I'm merely trying to explain my choice. The exclusivity of it merely kicked it over for me. I was always a fan of the xA's styling, the value for money, everything. The fact that it was unpopular was merely the extra push needed, if needed at all.

I do like to think that people buy cars that tell something about themselves, not define them. In that way, I thought the xA fit pretty much from Day One.


-mC

agreed. ive always been a hatchback type of guy, cept for my 81 rabbit convertible that was almost as versatile with the top down. took a couch home from ikea in it once . i like practicality, durability, and versatility, with a dash of sportiness. all in a low-key package. that describes the xA to a "T".

I, myself, bought my xA cuz of the pix I saw on the internet of the RS 1.0. I thought it was cool as hell and never in a million years did I think I could have actually fit in one. (I'm 6ft. tall) But, not only can I fit in one but I also can get my 4 dawgs in ( A Rotty, Boxer, and two Pits:NOT small dogs) another person, a gas grill bottle, AND groceries!!! Yes, this is NOT made up! Plus my xA gets looks wherever I go and ppl STILL ask me "what is that?". I LOVE my xA and I still excited to go for a burn in it!!!! I hope they don't ruin it when they "rework" it!!!!

i hope te xa stays just like it is for another year....

im trading in the box in march, and if i cant get one like it is now, i dont know what ill get

Here you go,

http://thehollywoodextra.blogspot.com/2006/07/next-scion-xa.html

If it looks anything like this I'm glad I got an '06! Looks like a Aveo got tangled up with an HHR
from this angle. The other pic over at thehollywoodextra loks like the frontend of a Yaris.

the 2006 Scion xA looks better than the new "Ractis" possible-xA.

I don't have an xA but have been looking at them for months. I like the unique yet cool looking body style. All one has to do is add some nice rims from Pep Boys and this little car looks about 40% better. That's cheap-yet during my test drive of a 2006 Polar White Scion xA, 5-speeds, I felt like the little car was built very well.

Solid build quality, nice acceleration and great looks. Good stereo, too, one that invited further playing around with it's controls and graphic equalizing to get that "just right" sound to your Guess Who/Foghat tunes. :silly:

I guess I'd put it this way. As long as my 2001 Kia Sportage 4x4 with 118, 935 miles runs great like it is I'm not gonna trade it in. But I love this '06 xA just like it's built (you won't hear me complaining about the lack of cruise control offered-I don't want or need cruise control), I wouldn't want any option except for the arm rest(and I could just buy one off the net and install it myself). I'd just insist on some low-cost Pep Boys Proline alloys and get those right away.

Don't change the xA, Scion! Leave it alone, or, improve it so much we'll forget the present xA completely! :silly: :silly:

i dont like the "new gen" xA if it comes out like that

dont worry that website has been wrong about so many things since day 1, I highly doubt that the Ractis will be the new xA.

the 2006 Scion xA looks better than the new "Ractis" possible-xA.


The reason why I think the 2008 xA will go with a Ractis-derived model is 1) Toyota can use most of the body stampings used on the Ractis now and 2) the Ractis and the Yaris/JDM Vitz are essentially on the same platform, so the new 1.8-liter 132 ps (circa 128 bhp SAE 08/04 net) engine used on the Yaris TS sports hatchback arriving in Europe later this fall can be used on the new xA.

From the pictures I've seen on the Ractis' interior, it is a worthy competitor against the Honda Fit, especially since the back seat in the 2WD version folds forward to be flat against the floor just like Fit's seat. (The Ractis' rear seats does lack the Tall mode configuration, though I think Toyota might just modify it to correct this oversight. :) )

From everything Ive seen and heard, there will be a new rel series xA arriving. They are in the process of finalizing the color to reveal it. But it will come out to tie everyone over until the xD release in mid 07.

The xD was built fresh from the ground up on a larger platform with a larger engine so its looks are like nothing youve ever seen. It is the kind of vehicle that people are either gonna love or hate, just like they did with the xB. But trust me you will not be disappointed. The future is NOW.!.!. and SCION will lead the way.

the 2006 Scion xA looks better than the new "Ractis" possible-xA.

I don't have an xA but have been looking at them for months. I like the unique yet cool looking body style. All one has to do is add some nice rims from Pep Boys and this little car looks about 40% better.

im going to hunt down some old skool toyota tercel center caps and a set of 14" trim rings for the black steel wheels. the only scion wheel covers i even came close to liking were the 03-? "turbo-fan" style.

Scion xA Lim Rel 3.0 on it's way. in Stingray Metallic Light Blue(it's official)
- Uniquely Developed KenStyle Front and Rear Ground Effects
- Color Keyed Rear Spoiler
- Color Tuned Seaqt Fabric
- Release Series Wheel Covers
- Radar Intrusion sensor-equipped Scion Security
- XM Sat. Radio Tuner with Cover, Includes 3 months subscription
- Individually numbered xA release series badging

2100 to be made.
Expect them to start rollin in next month!!!!

Scion xA Lim Rel 3.0 on it's way. in Stingray Metallic Light Blue(it's official)
- Uniquely Developed KenStyle Front and Rear Ground Effects
- Color Keyed Rear Spoiler
- Color Tuned Seaqt Fabric
- Release Series Wheel Covers
- Radar Intrusion sensor-equipped Scion Security
- XM Sat. Radio Tuner with Cover, Includes 3 months subscription
- Individually numbered xA release series badging

2100 to be made.
Expect them to start rollin in next month!!!!

no sunroof? IMO, thats the only thing that makes the RS special. everything on that list can be added cheaper and likely better via the aftermarket.

I like the release series badging, the ground effects... but uh, its still disappointing. The xB got an absolutely killer pack and even the tC had some "ooh-la-la" with the alcantara seats. I'm disappointed, but not really. Now I don't feel so bad about picking mine up too soon and missing out on a sweet release series (i.e. one with a sunroof).

But hopefully it'll push a few more hundred people into getting our beloved xA!

-mC

Here you go,

http://thehollywoodextra.blogspot.com/2006/07/next-scion-xa.html
looks like next gen Aveo...GAHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Here you go,

http://thehollywoodextra.blogspot.com/2006/07/next-scion-xa.html
looks like next gen Aveo...GAHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

theyre all a buncha retards on that site...

and by retarded, i mean "they can do ANYthing!"

i personally dont like the looks of the new one, the C-pillar and whole back end are too "rav-4ish"

if anything, they ought to figure out a way to make the overhangs even shorter, while putting in a bigger engine. the passenger compartment is just right. big engine, small car.

I think what they should do is sort of "steal" the Chrysler 300m's door/window design feature. I'm not a fan of the car, but I do think you get a really sporty look by creating a very high sightline like the 300 does. Small windows, high ride height. I think they could get away with just that little tweak and maybe some limited design cues to give the car a better profile.

I think, for some reason, what turns most people away is the rear. It can look somewhat underwhelming at many angles. Almost looks weak. Not in the sense of being "bad" but in the sense of being "without strength."

Bah, I've already got mine, screw'em!

-mC

I have heard the xD has the face of the tC "with an underbite"! Ihope hope there are official pictures soon -- I feel like a kid waiting for Chistmas to come.
Howard in Gilroy Ca.

I love my xA... it's a great little car.. just dropped it 2" with tanabe DF210s.. awesome!

This is my issue with the xA - not with the car itself.. not with how it is marketed.. but with how it is displayed at dealerships. I saw potential with the xA to be a sporty little hatch.. similar to a civic hatch or a focus hatch... it could be racy and fun looking... and while they made the xA look as such in advertisments and magazine renderings - they never LOOKED like that on the showroom floor!

Imagine an xA .. slammed to the ground .. all tricked out sitting on the showroom floor.. people would gobble them up... but no.. its rather conservative looking until you do something to it... a bit plain and echo-ish.. it takes an artistic eye to see the potential... I think the xB's appeal for customization is a bit more obvious, and the tC is sporty looking..

I disagree with toyota's decision... I think the interior could be a little more refined like you see in the Yaris... its a little plasticy and cheesy... but it is a cheap car... It looks like more thought went into the Honda Fit's interior.

It takes aftermarket parts to make the xA look sporty.. if they did it right in front of your eyes... 'stock' I think it would sell better...

Ditching the xB just doesn't make sense... it's a hot seller... and I don't agree that scion will lose its 'youth appeal' if it has more than 3 vehicles at once.. that's just insane.

I love my xA... it's a great little car.. just dropped it 2" with tanabe DF210s.. awesome!

This is my issue with the xA - not with the car itself.. not with how it is marketed.. but with how it is displayed at dealerships. I saw potential with the xA to be a sporty little hatch.. similar to a civic hatch or a focus hatch... it could be racy and fun looking... and while they made the xA look as such in advertisments and magazine renderings - they never LOOKED like that on the showroom floor!

********************
i went to the LA county fair, and toyota had a really nice display of all their models. the scions were there too, but stuck in the far back corner, like bastard stepchildren. i wasnt surprised.

they had the yaris hatch and sedan there, near the front. all the cars had the "power package" and 15" wheels, stuff the scions have standard. the sedan stickered over $15k, and the 2dr hatch over $13k with the same stuff the scions have STANDARD. the only "semi-trick" thing about the 2dr hatch was the sliding/reclining rear seat. i wonder if the hardware is adaptable to the rear seat in the xA???

it was interesting comparing the xA to the matrix. it really seems like a smaller version of one. and about $5k less...

*****************************

Imagine an xA .. slammed to the ground .. all tricked out sitting on the showroom floor.. people would gobble them up... but no.. its rather conservative looking until you do something to it... a bit plain and echo-ish.. it takes an artistic eye to see the potential... I think the xB's appeal for customization is a bit more obvious, and the tC is sporty looking..

I disagree with toyota's decision... I think the interior could be a little more refined like you see in the Yaris... its a little plasticy and cheesy... but it is a cheap car... It looks like more thought went into the Honda Fit's interior.

********************

i dont really think the xA interior is that cheesy. they use a lot of different textures and materials, compared to something like a daewoo aveo. if anything, the yaris interior seems to be less thought out and more downmarket.

and the fit is nice, but not $4000 nicer than an xA.

**********************************

It takes aftermarket parts to make the xA look sporty.. if they did it right in front of your eyes... 'stock' I think it would sell better...

Ditching the xB just doesn't make sense... it's a hot seller... and I don't agree that scion will lose its 'youth appeal' if it has more than 3 vehicles at once.. that's just insane.

I checked out the Yaris at several dealers and every sales guy told me the same thing. Same company, same engine, whaever is standard in the xA is extra on the Yaris, plus xA is four door and yaris is two door. Price is about the same once all accessories are put in. Each one of them said you cannot go wrong with the xA. Safe to say after two months, very happy with the car. glad did not buy the Yaris.