Scion xA and xB

Scion, the new car marque from Toyota Motor Sales USA, unveiled the xA and xB, the first two production models from the new brand.

"Scion is about personalization. It's about providing buyers with a personalized dealership experience, a personalized ordering process and personalized vehicles," said James Farley, vice president, Scion.

The xA makes its North American debut as a muscular subcompact five-door that features an athletic stance, and strongly sculpted wheel arches. The xA is powered by a 108 horsepower 1.5-liter engine, and buyers can select either a standard five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed automatic.

The xA has a wide front grille and strong rocker panel extensions that enhance the horizontal, muscular stance and visually draw the vehicle closer to the ground. Buyers can choose from a palette of six exterior colors.

Inside, the xA has metal-tone instrument panel trim and matching ventilation controls on the center console, stylized black-on-white gauges and textured treatments on the doors, dashboard and seats. There are numerous storage bins including an illuminated translucent storage compartment in the center cluster and hidden under-floor storage in the cargo area, which gives owners maximum flexibility for carrying large and small items.

The Scion xB is a production version of the bbX concept that first debuted at last year's New York Auto Show. This subcompact is an aggressively styled vehicle that demands to be noticed. The xB weighs in at just over 2,400 pounds and shares the same engine and transmission combinations as the xA.

On the outside, the xB sits low on its wheels and rises tall and wide with flat panels and 90-degree angles. This achieves maximum space from minimal exterior dimensions. It sits on P185/60R15 tires and 15-inch wheels with a slightly lowered suspension for a firm feel with confident handling. The xB features large door openings, tall seat-height and sprawling head and legroom.

The interior is multi-purpose and uniquely combines class-leading materials and finish, with surprising versatility. The instrument panel is covered in a fresh, cross-grain vinyl that provides a modern look, while the center stack housing audio and ventilation controls feature metal tone trim. The speedometer and odometer are more centrally located for easier readability and feature black-on-white gauges, while auxiliary controls feature amber illumination.

Driver and passenger enjoy front sport seats. The second row seats fold flat in a 60/40 configuration and are removable, along with the spare tire, providing a completely flat floor for hauling cargo. Ample storage compartments throughout the cabin add even more roominess.

Since music plays a key role with Scion's target audience, Pioneer was chosen to provide both vehicles with a standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system featuring Scion Sound Processing (SSP). This digital sound processing feature lets Scion drivers choose between three settings - SSP Neutral setting keeps the music in the background, SSP Hear enhances the sounds with crisp highs and lows, and SSP Feel has a sound curve that lets passengers not only hear the music, but feel it.

The standard and optional audio equipment will satisfy the most techno-savvy consumers. The standard CD player will read MP3 files and the audio head unit is satellite-radio-ready, for those who want to add this feature. The available six-disc CD changer features audio display illumination that changes among 10 colors at the touch of a button. The most demanding audiophiles may even choose an available subwoofer. Both vehicles were developed with an increase in sound absorption materials, ensuring a quiet cabin for listening to music or conversing with passengers.

In addition to wheel covers and audio, Scion has developed approximately 40 accessories for each vehicle that will be covered under the standard Scion limited warranty when dealer- or port-installed. These items range from fog lamps, rear spoilers and interior mats to two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheels, strut tie bar braces and auxiliary interior lighting kits, accommodating a broad spectrum of customer tastes.

The Scion dealership environment caters to younger buyers who want the resources to answer their questions, but who also need the freedom to explore at their own pace. The Scion showroom accomplishes this through three key areas - a product area, a discovery zone and consultation space - each with a specific focus. The discovery zone is supported by self-service Internet kiosks and printer stands, where users can log onto the Scion Web site, custom-equip the car of their choice and then save or print out the data for reference. This streamlines the purchase process and facilitates a more personalized shopping experience.

"By delivering a process that suits their desires for a personalized approach, we believe we will connect with consumers on a practical and emotional level," continued Farley. "This connection creates opportunities for early relationship building and we intend to see these relationships translate into lifetime advocacy."

"Scion will offer new products, a new culture and a new approach to selling that is fresh and custom tailored to meet the needs of an emerging generation of new car buyers," said Farley.

The Scion xA and xB will go on sale this June exclusively in California. In February 2004, the market will expand to cover the south, southeast and east coast. A few short months later, Scion will simultaneously complete the national rollout and launch the third Scion vehicle.

Scion website: www.scion.com

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