Question:

Why does everybody want a Matrix? That has 4wd, looks slightly longer then a xA.. I really don't see a point of having 4wd, all it is is just added and unneeded weight to the car?

 

I dunno about 4wd, but would like to see a performance variant, to increase the company image.

The tC is great, but one car alone cannot carry the company image, similar to the way a Toyota Supra does not sell any more Camry's or Corolla's. . .

I would like to see a performance variant, being able to put down performance numbers that will win respect from auto enthusiasts, and I'm not talking about adding a very lame lip and slapping an "S" badge a la Corolla. It doesn't have to quite be a Neon SRT-4, but it needs to be relatively inexpensive as well, and that IS asking a lot.

How about the 1.5L turbo engine available in Asia? They run it in the Vios I've seen in Thailand, and I'm sure that with the trillions of baht being invested into increased production capacity can be exploited. Although some modifications are available at the dealer, adding a turbo would be too expensive in installation costs to draw the public into buying a car, and it doesn't get the same kind of attention. . . people want it to be at least half way decent coming out of the showroom.

My thoughts? Keep the current xA as is, plus a few small changed to keep us happy, like the ones listed above. . . nothing too drastic. But introduce a performance model by using any variety of the huge parts available from other Toyota's, and create a performance machine. I'm talkin at least 170hp, which is do-able. Independent rear suspension, and 4 disc brakes should be able to finish the job. I believe this would attract many more buyers to the brand, and having reached the showroom, most will opt for the cheaper version of the xA. . . it's all about marketing your "halo" car to sell the profitable "bread and butter" cars. Not to mention, if this is done to the xA, it could easily be applied to the xB as well, as it almost the same platform.

This is the design direction I would like to see from Scion, as I currently see Mazda as beeing the biggest threat to the company. It seems that every Scion customer has at least considered the Mazda 3. Even for me, it was a tough call. And to properly compete with a company that sells sport ("Zoom"), you don't have to make every car sportier; just a small handful. Most buyers want the image of a sports car. . . we don't actually want a REAL sports car. BTW I know this will really make a lot of you on the forums angry, but it's true. Realize that most on the forum are sport/car enthusiasts, and that those who crave huge power really represent a tiny % of buyers. . . but what's important is that we all want to have that image.

I'm a businessman first, a car enthusiast second.

 

^^ He does bring up some good points. Maybe have a base xA & like a said a sport xA. Have it come stock with the TRD Springs & Shocks. Also to add to the sport have the spoiler stock & have those side moldings body color. Also maybe a leather wraped steering wheel. There is a lot of things that could be done. Also how about a LSD, Turbo & the echo final drive.

 

It's true. I like sporty up to the point that it doesn't affect my fuel economy. Gas sure is expensive. And there are those of us who may actually care about the environment but can not afford a hybrid currently.

 

I thought I replied before - :D

I WOULD LIKE:
a no ABS option
adjustable seat height - or just lower it by 1-2 inches
lowered ride
move the stickshift a couple of inches forward - away from the driver - just a little - no too much! - there, that's it...
new color choices
sunroof or moonroof
new grill/hood area -- like the R1
need leather steering wheel

I KNOW OTHERS WOULD LIKE:
leather seat trim option
cheaper interior neon lighting
bigger wheels option

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT MY XA:
shifting is so easy
great that it's a 4-door + liftback!
love the torque on the engine - it starts great
ride is good at 80mph
turns pretty good
i like the strange short pyramid shape - makes it different
seats 4
rear seats fold down flat

That's about it for now...

 

Yeah thats why I suggested the echo final drive with the turbo option. If it was all done right you might lose only 1mpg average the only down side is you would need to run 91 gas. In the extreme the turbo might make better gas milage. If it kicked out a good deal more power in the lower range the engine would not need to work as hard to get the same speed so I could see how that might happen to.

 

I don't know if anybody else mentioned this, but how about fixing the 1-2 shift on the 5spd!!!!! The shift is soooo slow, and it grinds easily if rushed!

 

we did talk about the speed issue at the meet. and forced induction to them seem out of the ?
how ever they did talk alot about larger displacement and a 6 speed tran!
they were some what suprized that their ist has any sport compact interest!
To them the xA is cheep & cool.
look the name of the xA game is weight vs power!
thats why we want it to be more sporty!
but will any of us give up our five doors for it?
i think when they came to the US they didnt expect us to be import speed freaks about the xa! I love my car and after you stiff, grip and breath yours you will feel the same. keep up the good work!
I get to meet Jim Farley tommarow, i will ask him about the 2nd xa if he has time or even shows up!
peace tjd!

 

Simply put, a real tuner car is what I would like to see. An AWD car would put Scion up in the ranks or Subaru, VW, Mitsubishi, ect.

 

Heh, I changed my mind. I repositioned my seating... again, and voila! What an improvement. How is this possible?

Anyway, forget about lowering the seats as I listed - I got it perfect now. I moved my seat forward. I guess the lesson is always true - adjust your seats so that your back is flush with the seatback. All the way from your lower-back to the back of your head - must be in contact with the back of the seat.
All other positions will fall into place once this is achieved. I still can't believe I improved my seating...

'Tis fascinating... captain.

...And wider tires (although not needed, looks good if rear tires are wider) (even though it's FWD)
...How about something like 205/55R16 - heh he, I just made that up.
...optional drop - heck I don't know, by 2 inches? would that work? Just an option - the standard would still be like a micro-SUV.
...moonroof would be great - there's room right above your head.

:D all that stuff would cost more. And yea, you could do it all yourself - 'cept moonroof.

Then, how crazy would a convertible version be?