Its practicality
Form follows function
Practical

 

I love how much space such a small car can have inside. And being able to sit up higher gives better visibility. Very fun to drive...comfortable ride, great hanling (for a box with wheels). I've always liked the Japanese compact design concept, and this car is the best US embodiment of that.

See above answer...and I like that it's kind of distinctive. Aerodynamically NOT the problem I thought it might be (handles winds on the freeway just fine).

Fun.

 

I've got a genetic defect that makes me predisposed to British sports cars I think it's something I got from my father. While the xB is not British it's the closest thing yet to a Mini Cooper from the 60's. No the new Mini is nothing like the old Mini - park an old one next to a new one and the new one looks like a limousine in comparison.

Its got the square look, a single round speedo in the middle of the dash, easy to get in and out of (when you are 50 it is a big deal) and is a blast to drive. Also, beyond all of that it has the added benefits of starting every time, a heater that does more than make noise and does not leak oil like a sieve.

I've always like the old Mini Coopers but don't have the time to keep yet one more British car up on the maintenance.

 

There are many posts about why there are so many"old" people that drive xBs. some say it is because they are easy to get in and out of and have a lot of room. I call BS on this. Yes there is plenty of room--but that is not the reason I bought one. Many of my generation were a little non conformist. One of the most popular cars of my time was the VW bug. It was small, got good gas mileage, looked different, was reliable, was easy to mod--sound like any car you know??? The boxy design makes it unique. I just call it my box. Good luck with your assignment--and never trust anybody over 30!! Oh wait---too late for that.