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The Herald
Posted on Thu, Aug. 19, 2004
BARRY SPYKER: Driven
AUTO COMMENTARY
Scion xA a colorful change of pace

The Scion xA, one of three models in Toyota's new youth-oriented line, is fun, inexpensive and offers terrific opportunities for accessorizing, including an unusual interior lighting package.

The people behind the Scion, Toyota's new youth-oriented line, know their market. It's a twentysomething crowd known as Gen Y and by 2010, they say, this crowd will account for 25 percent of the light-vehicle market.

Scion folks know Gen Y thinks emotionally as well as rationally, that Y'ers like things ''real'' and aren't afraid to experiment with new brands. And that they want a simple, comfortable buying experience.

My message to Scion: Don't be so narrow-minded. Having spent more than a week in the xA version, this is an economical yet roomy and fun little car that just may appeal to a much broader group. And who's not for a simpler buying experience?

Even Paris Hilton, star of Fox's The Simple Life -- among other more provocative video presentations -- would breeze through this buying process. The xA and boxier xB come in one trim level. Side and side curtain air bags ($650) are the only option.

Choose the color, automatic or stick, and then get into the fun stuff: an extensive list of dealer-installed accessories. These are things like an audio unit with multicolor options (Ice Blue, Passion are nice) on the face, multicolor lighting for the cup holders, satellite radio and Bazooka subwoofer.

Scion also boasts an innovative car-buying formula. A recent stop at Maroone Toyota in West Broward (Scion centers have their own corner of selected Toyota dealerships) proved the sales pressure indeed is minimal.

Internet kiosks allow buyers to log onto Scion.com and explore the possibilities at their leisure. They can even do a simulated construction of their dream car: Add on the accessories and print it out.

A 50-inch plasma screen features Scion highlights. Just below it is an accessory display case to help you gather some customizing ideas.

Any questions? Maroone's Internet sales manager Fabio Duque said Scion seekers don't usually have a million questions. They're well informed and often already know exactly what they want, he said.

While there are a few showroom models, your car will not likely be at the dealer's lot. Scion uses what it calls a pooled inventory approach. Scion says it can get the car, though, in just one week. Duque says it's more like three-to-five days.

Following the popular Saturn formula of no-haggle pricing, there is nothing to negotiate with a Scion. The xA is base-priced at $12,480; Add the automatic and pay $13,280.

But get accessory-crazy and you can get over $18,000, like the test car with its subwoofer ($429), interior lighting package ($579) and red accent sport package ($37. Rear spoiler and mudguards are also available.

The surprising thing is that the xA offers a good list of standard features for a car under 13 G's: AC, power windows, locks and mirrors, ABS with electronic brake distribution and a 160-watt six-speaker Pioneer sound system. The CD player will read MP3 files and the audio unit is satellite radio-ready.

Truth is, this car feels pricer than it is (that's called value). In the front seat, it's roomy, comfortable and with its tall cabin comes big windows for great visibility.

The back seat is another story. Rather cramped back there, and the 12 square feet of cargo space in this five-door subcompact means you pack very carefully. If you get the monster subwoofer back there, forget about it. (You can take it out, though).

Only two of you? Cool. Fold the seats down and open up 32 cubic feet of space.

The gauges are in the center, but are easy to see and easy to get used to. Also in the center is a deep storage shelf, covered by a transparent door and lighted.

While we're on the subject of lighting, the interior lighting package is awesome. Run througn myriad colors on the face of the stereo unit, then match it with colored lights on the twin cup holders. For a special touch, turn on the green footwell lights. Kind of weird, but nice if you drop a coin at the toll booth.

Scion xA has a surprising road presence, too. During a blustery T-storm, I actually managed to hang out in the left lane with the SUVs and felt quite comfortable. Packing MacPherson struts with coil springs in the front and torsion beams in the rear, its ride is comfortable and not overly firm.

Corner roll is not bad, likely due to the car's short wheelbase. This is the Smart car's slightly bigger brother. It is minuscule and can be parked almost anywhere -- just try to find it when two mammoth SUVs are on either side of it!

Power (what there is of it) comes from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that has variable valve timing. It gets 108 horses at 6,000 rpm and 105 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm.

Not too impressed? Well, it isn't what you might call spirited, but it is enough to get up and go around town, and it's fine once on the highway.

Passing power? Just remember, patience is a virtue.

But mileage is EPA-rated in the 30s: 32 in the city, 38 on the highway. My combined was more like 30, but my test-week ride is likely more aggressive than your daily driving.

The xA is a lot of car for a little money (by today's standards, anyway). With its unusual look, a bunch of radical accessory options and surprising handling, it is likely to appeal to Scion's target market. And if you like this little car but have a few more gray hairs than the Gen Y types, tell them it's for your son. Who's to know?

Barry Spyker is The Herald's automotive editor. He can be reached by e-mail at bspyker@herald.com or by phone at 305-376-2334 in Miami-Dade or 954-764-7026, ext. 2334, in Broward.[/b]