Also, this test mule has been spotted around the US. It is clearly a left hand drive Toyota Auris interior in a 2 door hatch body. I can only hope they make the xD a 4 door if it is in fact going to be based on the Auris. It would make sense for them to make it just two since they stated they are considering bringing the Yaris 5 door hatch over.

 

That's cool Funktional. I hope for your sake they do have something in awd/4wd.

 

Maybe this is a AWD/4WD test mule testing in winter conditions. With a manual tranny?

 

http://www.batfa.com/newcar-toyota-ractis.htm

 

I hope it'll be the Ractis, but I doubt it.

 

the front looks like a dodge

 

The little corner of metal on the back door looks just like on the Auris. How can we be sure that's the xD and not some other car?

 

We can't. I really have no clue at this point. I do think it's interesting however that Toyota bought a stake in Subaru from GM in 2005 and planned a small joint venture with them for a vehicle to be built in Indiana though. Could they have possibly been looking to get something from Subaru's extensive experience with AWD?

I would say without a doubt that this vehicle is some variation of the Auris. Part of me wishes it would in some form be the xD, and another part of me feels it would be too expensive for Scion's line of vehicles, especially with AWD or 4WD.

I guess we should know something after the Miami event next week.

 

did it hava a 797 plate on it ?

 

I think if you compare the picture of this highly-disguised test mule against that of the JDM Toyota Ractis, note that the A-pillar design and most of the nose design is IDENTICAL. This tells me the Scion xD is essentially the US version of the Ractis, probably powered by the 130 bhp 1.8-liter I-4 used on the European-market Toyota Yaris TS sports hatchback.

 

Here's the Ractis. The rear window on the test mule seems to slope upwards, whereas the Ratis' rear window doesn't.

No sidemarkers on the Ratis, either. (I suppose they could've been added on the test mule, but I don't know why.

Also, Ractis has a four-bolt wheel patern. Test mule has five.

 

Anyone notice the 5 lugs on the test mule?

 

good eye

 

yeah, it'll be an Auris copy. I've seen the completed pics in a Japanese publication

 

If that's true, I could live with that. It's basically the Corolla Hatch in Europe, I guess.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=118792#4

 

yeah the auris is it

 

damnit... i had fingers crossed for the ractis myself

 

If the Scion xD is based on the Toyota Auris, the main engine will be the new 2.0-liter 140 bhp (SAE 08/04 net) unit found on the JDM Toyota Corolla. I think Toyota could use the i-CVT automatic if they reprogram it for better suitability with American driving conditions.

 

If indeed it is the Auris, it looks like it'd be a direct competitor with the Versa, too.

 

hey im new here...and maybe its just me...but i feel no love for the matrix...i used to have one and modded it as well as i could being a female in michigan in the scene. Last january of 2006 i got rearended and the car was totaled...i would love to get another matrix, but right now i have other things to handle before a modding another car up....but i cant wait to see what the xD will look like if it really does come out. and depending on the looks and style of it, it may be the next car in my future.... here are a couple pics of what my matrix looked like...if anyone is interested: