Yes the wait is over. I have finally seen and driven the mythical Xd. And what I have seen is good.

I was very pleased with he smoothness of the ride and the engine provided a more than ample amount of power to zip around town. The Xd's VVT-i engine did not scream in protest when I attempted steep inclines or passed someone on the highway at 70 mph, something I cannot say for the Xa which I tried out just last month. Plus the Xd now comes with standard cruise control! Huzzah! And the gas mileage isn't too bad either. 27/33 with a manual. Oh and did I mention power locks, windows, keyless entry, ABS, and side curtain airbags all come standard too? Oh... I like that.

I found the seats in the Xd to be exceptionally comfortable as I drove about town, and I had plenty of leg room which is saying something as I am 6'2. If the steering wheel had not been able to tilt up and down though my knees would have been in trouble. Crisis averted! As for the interior I found it pleasing and I actually liked the "Waterfall" design. I enjoyed the convenience of having everything right there in a row. The sound system was more than adequate for me. I don't really need or want bone jarring base though, so some people will definitely be wanting to install some aftermarket speakers/subwoofers to get the most out of their eardrums. I also adore the fact that I had stereo controls located right on the steering wheel. Its a great convenience feature that allowed me to keep my eyes where they should be. On the road! I did not find any part of the interior to scream "Cheaply Made!" as some other posters have complained about. I guess it's really all about personal taste and standards on that subject. By far my favorite "Cool" new thing inside was the new speedometer/tachometer group gauge. I had been worried that I would find it tacky or gimmicky, but upon driving the Xd I sort of fell in love with the design.

Cargo space in the back was large enough for groceries and the like, but with the fold flat seats it would allow more than enough room to fit some larger items if you don't mind giving up that rear seating space. The Xd is no pickup however. You will not be moving furniture to your house with this thing.

The few things I didn't like were how the automatic Xd's shifter worked. Instead of it going straight up and down to select park/neutral/drive as in the Xa, it went at odd angles and zig-zagged around to go from park to drive. I could see how it would be very easy to accidentally start out in 3rd gear. The other fault would be the middle rear passenger seatbelt being suspended from the ceiling. What brilliant mind thought that up I wonder.

In conclusion this car surprised me. I tried out the Ford Focus and the Honda Fit, but this little Scion has captured my complete attention. It has the cache` and the style to look sexy for your friends, but also common sense features to make you pat yourself on the back for being so responsible. All in all I think this a great choice for anyone looking for a fun but sensible hatchback.

 

congratulations!

some pics of the car? specially the gauges?

"The few things I didn't like were how the automatic Xd's shifter worked. Instead of it going straight up and down to select park/neutral/drive as in the Xa, it went at odd angles and zig-zagged around to go from park to drive. I could see how it would be very easy to accidentally start out in 3rd gear."

yup I had to get used to that with my tC but you will find it comfy in a while

 

i tested it out (and have had a few other vehicles that do it). after a day or two, its just like normal... besides, You don't really have to angle it, if you just kinda gently pull down it does it's own thing. i fail to see the point, though, on any car. it looks cool, i guess?