Scion xB
Encyclopedia
The Scion xB is a vehicle made by Toyota for the United States market and sold under their youth-oriented Scion
brand. It is a box-shaped, 5-door compact hatchback.
. It was a small station wagon based on the Toyota Echo/Yaris
platform. The xB was one of two models in the lineup of Toyota's US-exclusive Scion division present at the brand's 2004 launch, the other being the xA
, based on the Toyota ist
.
To create the first generation xB, the bB was modified from right- to left-hand drive, the front passenger area was also changed significantly with the bB's front bench seat replaced with bucket seats and the column-mounted shifter changed to a floor-mounted shifter.
The available drivetrains also differed. The bB was available with either the 1.3 L I4
2NZ-FE engine or the 1.5 L 1NZ-FE, mated exclusively to a 4-speed automatic transmission
with available all wheel drive. The xB was only available with the 1NZ-FE that produced 108 hp and 105 lbft in US spec, but offered both a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission
. All-wheel drive was not offered on the xB.
The Toyota bB was not equipped with a spare tire. On the Scion xB, a compact spare tire was stored under the left side of a raised rear cargo floor. Since the spare tire raised the cargo floor by several inches, a storage bin was added to the right of the spare tire to reclaim some of the lost storage space. A jack was stored under the driver's seat of the xB.
The Toyota bB had a pull-out storage tray under the passenger seat that the xB lacks.
The bB went on sale in February 2000, whereas the xB went on sale in June 2003 for the 2004 model year. Sales of the first generation bB ended in December 2005, whereas the first generation xB ended sales in June 2007.
(IIHS) frontal offset test, all measured categories in this test were also rated "Good". The xB was given a "Poor" overall score in the side impact test. The xB model year 2004-2006 did not offer side airbags but includes them for model year 2008–present.
. The new xB is less boxy in shape and larger than its predecessor. The 2008 xB is 2.8 inches (71.1 mm) wider, 12 inches (304.8 mm) longer (including 4 inches (101.6 mm) longer wheel to wheel) and over 600 pounds (272.2 kg) heavier than the first-generation xB.
The first-generation Scion xB was very similar to its original bB inspiration, but the second-generation xB was based on American buyers "wants" relative to the first-generation, combined with the new styling of the 2005 bB.
and built by Five Axis Models in Huntington Beach, California
, with interior design by Calty senior designer Bill Chergosky and Naoki Hamajima. It included a 2.4-liter I4 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, 14-inch brakes with slotted rotors, 20-inch billet aluminium wheels, LED fog lamp, remotely operated power rear hatch, asymmetrical tri-level instrument panel features a large information ticker, mp3 docking station, dual moonroof, suicide door
s.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2005 New York Auto Show.
and the Toyota Camry, which at 22 miles per US gallon city / 28 miles per US gallon hwy has a higher fuel consumption than the previous model's 1.5 L engine (26 miles per US gallon city / 31 miles per US gallon hwy).
website in addition to the features on the base unit. A navigation system is also available. The SNS 100 system can play DVD movies in addition to GPS functionality and the features of the base system, aside from the backlit color choices.
In 2011, for the 2012 model year, a new radio with bluetooth
became standard.
, electronic brakeforce distribution
, Vehicle Stability Control driver and front passenger dual stage airbags, front seat-mounted side torso airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and a first-aid kit.
The Scion xB is given an overall "Good" score in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
frontal offset crash test. And another "Good" overall score in the side impact crash test, with all nine measured categories also rated "Good". And a "Good" score in the roof strength test. The IIHS has given the xB its Top Safety Pick award.
Car and Driver
magazine rated the 2008 xB as one of the top ten safe vehicles under .
rises to for the manual
and for the automatic transmission
. In addition, the Scion xB went on sale in Canada
for the first time along with the entire Scion lineup.
are both halting production until further notice. Plants affected by the disaster include the Toyota Motor Hokkaido Plant, the Toyota Motor Tohoku Plant, and the Central Motor Corporation Miyagi Plant, which produces the Toyota Yaris
.
Although Toyota expected the xA to sell better than the xB, the reverse proved to be true, with the xB outselling its brother 2 to 1, possibly due to the xB's distinctive styling, and the xB's unique combination of van-like cargo and passenger space with a very compact
size. The latter features appealed to buyers outside the target demographic who were looking for a thrifty but roomy vehicle as a substitute for a more mainstream minivan.
The xB, like the xA and tC, was also available in a "Release Series" for each of its model years. These came with limited-edition paint colors, matching seat colors, and special modifications such as DVD players, custom tail lights, special wheels or wheel covers, and other accessories, along with special badging indicating the serial number. Limited Edition vehicles were, from a marketing standpoint, used to create a buzz for the brand name, with their exterior colors tending toward loud or bright hues (i.e. orange, yellow, red, blue, green). Preordering is available at each dealership on a first-come, first-served basis. Scion's "Pure Price" program requires dealerships to sell the vehicle at the advertised price. Resale values of Release Series vehicles command a premium because of their packaged options and scarcity.
2004 model year
2005 model year
2006 model year
2008 model year
2009 model year
2010 model year
2011 model year
has produced an electric version of the first generation xB called the eBox
.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University
's Robotics Institute
have converted a Scion xB into a commuter electric vehicle
as part of their ChargeCar research project.
model based on the second generation Scion xB. The body was available in Cannonball Black, Comet Blue and Wasabi Green.
The 7:8 full-sized concept and the toy were unveiled in 2007 SEMA show.
released the "Coolbear", which is an exact copy of the first-generation xB - but with a different front end.
Scion (car)
Scion is a brand of vehicles produced by Toyota Motor Corporation for the North American market. Founded in 2002, Scion's long-term goal is to appeal to Generation Y consumers. The first Scion models, the xA hatchback and xB wagon, went on sale in California in 2003, followed by a sports coupe, the...
brand. It is a box-shaped, 5-door compact hatchback.
First generation (2004-2006)
The first-generation xB was a lightly modified and rebadged version of the Japanese-market subcompact Toyota bBToyota bB
-First Generation :It is based on the Toyota Vitz.While the box-shaped car was initially targeted towards Japanese men in their twenties, it is also popular with women buyers.-Open deck :...
. It was a small station wagon based on the Toyota Echo/Yaris
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is a subcompact car produced by Toyota since 1999. Between 1999 and 2005, some markets received the same vehicles under the Toyota Echo name...
platform. The xB was one of two models in the lineup of Toyota's US-exclusive Scion division present at the brand's 2004 launch, the other being the xA
Scion xA
Scion xA is a five-door hatchback subcompact marketed in the US from 2004-2006 — as an export model of the Japanese Domestic Market Toyota ist. Based on the first generation Toyota Vitz hatchback, the xA shared a platform with the Toyota Platz sedan....
, based on the Toyota ist
Toyota ist
The Toyota ist is a subcompact car made in Japan by Toyota.It is exported to the United States as the Scion xA and Scion xD and to Europe as the Urban Cruiser.-First generation:...
.
First generation xB vs. first generation bB
Only the first generation models for both the xB and bB are related. Second generation models are based upon different platforms.To create the first generation xB, the bB was modified from right- to left-hand drive, the front passenger area was also changed significantly with the bB's front bench seat replaced with bucket seats and the column-mounted shifter changed to a floor-mounted shifter.
The available drivetrains also differed. The bB was available with either the 1.3 L I4
Straight-4
The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
2NZ-FE engine or the 1.5 L 1NZ-FE, mated exclusively to a 4-speed automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
with available all wheel drive. The xB was only available with the 1NZ-FE that produced 108 hp and 105 lbft in US spec, but offered both a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
. All-wheel drive was not offered on the xB.
The Toyota bB was not equipped with a spare tire. On the Scion xB, a compact spare tire was stored under the left side of a raised rear cargo floor. Since the spare tire raised the cargo floor by several inches, a storage bin was added to the right of the spare tire to reclaim some of the lost storage space. A jack was stored under the driver's seat of the xB.
The Toyota bB had a pull-out storage tray under the passenger seat that the xB lacks.
The bB went on sale in February 2000, whereas the xB went on sale in June 2003 for the 2004 model year. Sales of the first generation bB ended in December 2005, whereas the first generation xB ended sales in June 2007.
Safety
The Scion xB received a "Good" overall score in the Insurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that...
(IIHS) frontal offset test, all measured categories in this test were also rated "Good". The xB was given a "Poor" overall score in the side impact test. The xB model year 2004-2006 did not offer side airbags but includes them for model year 2008–present.
Second generation (2007-present)
The second-generation Scion xB is styled as a 5-door version of the t2B concept unveiled at the 2006 New York Auto Show. Toyota unveiled the production xB at the 2007 Chicago Auto ShowChicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is held annually in February at Chicago's McCormick Placeconvention complex. It is among the largest auto shows in North America....
. The new xB is less boxy in shape and larger than its predecessor. The 2008 xB is 2.8 inches (71.1 mm) wider, 12 inches (304.8 mm) longer (including 4 inches (101.6 mm) longer wheel to wheel) and over 600 pounds (272.2 kg) heavier than the first-generation xB.
The first-generation Scion xB was very similar to its original bB inspiration, but the second-generation xB was based on American buyers "wants" relative to the first-generation, combined with the new styling of the 2005 bB.
Scion t2B (2005)
Scion t2B (Tall-Two Box) is a concept car designed by Calty Design ResearchCalty Design Research
Calty Design Research Incorporated is a Toyota design studio established in 1973. They have two facilities: one in Newport Beach, California and another in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Calty's primary focus is exterior styling...
and built by Five Axis Models in Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach is a seaside city in Orange County in Southern California. According to the 2010 census, the city population was 189,992; making it the largest beach city in Orange County in terms of population...
, with interior design by Calty senior designer Bill Chergosky and Naoki Hamajima. It included a 2.4-liter I4 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, 14-inch brakes with slotted rotors, 20-inch billet aluminium wheels, LED fog lamp, remotely operated power rear hatch, asymmetrical tri-level instrument panel features a large information ticker, mp3 docking station, dual moonroof, suicide door
Suicide door
A suicide door is a car door hinged on the trailing edge, the edge closer to the rear of the vehicle. Such doors are rarely used on vehicles in modern times because of their disadvantages....
s.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2005 New York Auto Show.
Toyota Corolla Rumion (E150N, 2007-)
A differently styled version for the Japanese market.Toyota Rukus (2010-)
A differently styled version for the Australian market, with the 2.4l 2AZ-FE engine and a four speed semi automatic gearbox, released June 2010.Engines
The second-generation xB is equipped with a 2.4 L straight-4 Toyota 2AZ-FE engine rated at 158 hp and 162 lbft, shared with the first-generation tCScion tC
The Scion tC is an automobile manufactured and sold by Scion, a division of Toyota. Introduced in the United States in June 2004 and Canada in 2010. The name tC does not fit in with its stablemates the xA, xB, and xD, because the name XC designation has already been used by Volvo for its lineup of...
and the Toyota Camry, which at 22 miles per US gallon city / 28 miles per US gallon hwy has a higher fuel consumption than the previous model's 1.5 L engine (26 miles per US gallon city / 31 miles per US gallon hwy).
Transmissions
A five-speed manual and a sequential-shift four-speed automatic are the only factory options aside from the color and stereo.Equipment
A choice of three new head units are available on all 2008 Scions. All sound systems feature six speakers and standard iPod connectivity. The base head unit has MP3, WMA, and AAC CD compatibility and Scion's SSP equalizer presets. The base unit can also be set to any of three Scion model presets (xB, xD, or tC) and includes an "Automatic Sound Levelizer" feature that automatically increases the volume as the vehicle speed and ambient noise increases. The Premium head unit features a small LCD that can display pictures and movies downloaded from Pioneer'sPioneer Corporation
is a multinational corporation that specializes in digital entertainment products, based in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan. The company was founded in 1938 in Tokyo as a radio and speaker repair shop...
website in addition to the features on the base unit. A navigation system is also available. The SNS 100 system can play DVD movies in addition to GPS functionality and the features of the base system, aside from the backlit color choices.
In 2011, for the 2012 model year, a new radio with bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
became standard.
Safety
All xB's come standard with four-wheel anti-lock brakes, brake assistBrake assist
Brake Assist is a generic term for an automobile braking technology that increases braking pressure in an emergency situation. The first application was developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and TRW/LucasVarity...
, electronic brakeforce distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution ', Electronic brakeforce limitation ' is an automobile brake technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's brakes, based on road conditions, speed, loading, etc...
, Vehicle Stability Control driver and front passenger dual stage airbags, front seat-mounted side torso airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and a first-aid kit.
The Scion xB is given an overall "Good" score in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that...
frontal offset crash test. And another "Good" overall score in the side impact crash test, with all nine measured categories also rated "Good". And a "Good" score in the roof strength test. The IIHS has given the xB its Top Safety Pick award.
Car and Driver
Car and Driver
Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
magazine rated the 2008 xB as one of the top ten safe vehicles under .
2011 refresh
Scion announced in March 2010 that the 2011 model, on sale late March 2010, is being given a refresh. Two new colors are available, and there are minor changes to the exterior body including a revised front and rear bumper, new front grill, and new headlights and tail lights. The interior changes include a revised gauge cluster, center console and new driver and front passenger seats with new materials. The MSRPSuggested retail price
The manufacturer's suggested retail price , list price or recommended retail price of a product is the price which the manufacturer recommends that the retailer sell the product. The intention was to help to standardise prices among locations...
rises to for the manual
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
and for the automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
. In addition, the Scion xB went on sale in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
for the first time along with the entire Scion lineup.
Production
The Scion xB is produced by Kanto Auto Works, Ltd.based in Japan. Due to the 2011 Japanese Earthquake, production has been suspended starting 14 March 2011. The Scion xB and Scion xDScion xD
The Scion xD is a five-door hatchback subcompact marketed in the US and Canada by Japanese manufacturer Toyota beginning with the 2008 model year — replacing the xA. The Scion xD and the second generation xB were first shown to the public on February 8, 2007 at the Chicago Auto Show...
are both halting production until further notice. Plants affected by the disaster include the Toyota Motor Hokkaido Plant, the Toyota Motor Tohoku Plant, and the Central Motor Corporation Miyagi Plant, which produces the Toyota Yaris
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is a subcompact car produced by Toyota since 1999. Between 1999 and 2005, some markets received the same vehicles under the Toyota Echo name...
.
Scion marketing
The Scion xB's marketing is aimed at Generation Y, Americans born between 1980 and 1994. This group of car buyers is extremely important to manufacturers due to their large numbers (78 million) and their differing perceptions and demands of the vehicles they drive. Despite the Scion xB's target market, the average age of an xB buyer is 46.Although Toyota expected the xA to sell better than the xB, the reverse proved to be true, with the xB outselling its brother 2 to 1, possibly due to the xB's distinctive styling, and the xB's unique combination of van-like cargo and passenger space with a very compact
Compact car
A compact car , or small family car , is a classification of cars which are larger than a supermini but smaller than or equal to a mid-size car...
size. The latter features appealed to buyers outside the target demographic who were looking for a thrifty but roomy vehicle as a substitute for a more mainstream minivan.
Release series vehicles
2004 model year
- xB RS 1.0 only available in Hot Lava Orange with 2100 units produced (504 units w/5spd, 1596 units w/automatic)
2005 model year
- xB RS 2.0 only available in Solar Yellow with 2500 units produced
2006 model year
- xB RS 3.0 only available in Envy Green with 2200 units produced
- xB RS 4.0 only available in Maziora Torched Penny (polarized goldish-brown) with 2500 units produced)
2008 model year
- xB RS 5.0 only available in Gold Rush Mica with 2500 units produced (second RS Scion other than the tC to have a sunroof)
2009 model year
- xB RS 6.0 only available in Absolutely Red with 2500 units produced
2010 model year
- xB RS 7.0 with a four-piece DAMD body kit, only available in Murasaki (purple), with 2000 units produced
2011 model year
- xB RS 8.0 with a four-piece Kenstyle body kit, only available in Voodoo Blue, with 2000 units produced
Electric vehicles
AC PropulsionAC Propulsion
AC Propulsion is a San Dimas, California, USA company founded in 1992 by Alan Cocconi that specialises in alternating current-based drivetrain systems for electric vehicles. Tom Gage is currently the company's CEO. The company produces goods such as electric vehicle drive systems and their top of...
has produced an electric version of the first generation xB called the eBox
AC Propulsion eBox
The eBox is a conversion of a Scion xB vehicle into a battery electric vehicle produced by the U.S. company AC Propulsion.-History:AC Propulsion executives announced their intention to convert Scion xBs to battery electric vehicles in October, 2003...
.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States....
's Robotics Institute
Robotics Institute
The Robotics Institute is a division of the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. It is considered to be one of the leading centers of robotics research in the world....
have converted a Scion xB into a commuter electric vehicle
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle , also referred to as an electric drive vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion...
as part of their ChargeCar research project.
Sales
In terms of sales, the Scion xB is Scion's most popular model.| Calendar Year | US Sales |
|---|---|
| 2002 | n/a |
| 2003 | 6,936 |
| 2004 | 47,013 |
| 2005 | 54,037 |
| 2006 | 61,306 |
| 2007 | 45,834 |
| 2008 | 45,220 |
| 2009 | 25,461 |
| 2010 | 20,364 |
Scion RIDE
It is a 1:18 RidemakerzRidemakerz
Ridemakerz is an American retailer of customizable toy cars. The business was started in 2007 by Larry Andreini, Chip Foose , and Maxine Clark .- History :...
model based on the second generation Scion xB. The body was available in Cannonball Black, Comet Blue and Wasabi Green.
The 7:8 full-sized concept and the toy were unveiled in 2007 SEMA show.
Chinese copy controversy
In 2009, Great Wall Motor of ChinaPeople's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
released the "Coolbear", which is an exact copy of the first-generation xB - but with a different front end.