http://blogs.consumerreports.org/car...n-xb-test.html

 

Yeah, the C-Pillar cutout it kinda funky. I don't know why they just didn't add the netting kit with the car, otherwise it looks kinda dumb. I'm gonna put some speaker's there prob, and I imagine people will come out with a custom kit for adding them in at some point. I don't mind the visibility, I just think it was a bit short-sighted. Bout the only complaint I have with mine, so not too bad.

 

Ooh, just can't wait to find out how many golf bags fit in it...
*******.

 

Sounds to me like the guy that wrote that blog is auditioning for a job at Car & Driver with some of his lame jokes.
I especially like the picture posted showing the C-pillar. The picture was taken from the middle of the back seat. Yeah that's where I sit when I drive.
Frankly I don't have any vision issues with the C-pillar and I could care less if my kid's buddy sitting in the back seat has a clear view to the rear.

 

I hear that. If anything, it's the "B" pillar that usually cause blind spots more than the "C" pillar. I've got a crystal clear view from the driver's seat.

 

The new Consumer Reports is out, and gives the xB a "CR Recommended".

 

Can someone please explain to me where the A, B and C pillars are? lol

 

Here's a summary


http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...29/060189.html

 

 

I have a paid subscription to Consumer Reports online and the xB is still showing as not yet road tested. Bummer. I'll have to go look for the new issue at Barnes & Noble!

 

They have the test up now on the web site. They still recommend it. Nice sign.

Summary:

HIGHS | Access, interior room,
rear seat, standard ESC, neat
interior details.
LOWS | Driving position, dark cabin,
visibility, fit and finish.

 

Cool. I see it now.

It's actually in two places on the site. It's in the main section under make and model and also in their report on new small cars. In the latter there are some extra pictures and a VIDEO too!

(I'd post links but I'm pretty sure it's subscriber-only access.)

 

i have no complaints of visibility issues. i'm 5'6 and i see everything just fine.

 

nice write up on the xB, I agree especially with the big backseat, great storage and performance. I do disagree with their write up on the Mazda 3speed as I test drove one and did not like it at all. Yes it is very quick, but the driving experience is very strange, felt very jerky, of course torque was a problem in corners and the car felt really cramped driving. The Mini S is a much more fun car to drive, not as quick in a straight line, but quicker through corners and feels more like you are part of the car.

 

In the exact same real-world combined city/highway MPG test that yielded 30mpg from an XB1, the xB2 got 23mpg.

This has nothing to do with new/old EPA ratings, or with interpreting the MPG readout on the dash. It's calibrated, repeatable testing using lab instruments and procedures in a real-world setting. They put every car through the same tests.

This was, they note, the same result achieved by a 4cyl AWD Rav4 in that test. It's unusual for them to make such a comment in one of their test reports.

r

 

Yes, it's interesting that the xB got the same MPG in their test as the RAV4 AWD 4-cyl even though the xB weighs about 300-400 lbs less than the RAV4.