REVIEWS:
2011 Scion xDDecember 14, 2010
By Joe DeMatio, Evan McCausland
The Scion xD is a modest little hatchback but
it's very well-executed. I like its looks. I used it
to run errands around town on the day before
Thanksgiving, and I was thrilled with its intown
visibility and the ease with which I slid
into a tight parking space at the alwayscrowded
Ann Arbor Farmers Market. The
ergonomics and utility of the interior are
impressive. Very good steering feel, accurate
and quick. I didn't even mind the automatic
transmission, even though the 1.8-liter fourcylinder
makes a modest 128 hp.
For $16,565, it's a lot of car and also not a lot of car. The carpeting is thin and cheap, and the interior lighting isn't
much. But stability control, ABS, lots of air bags, and a nine-speaker stereo are standard, plus A/C and cruise control.
For this price, I shouldn't be complaining.
- Joe DeMatio
, Deputy EditorI've always viewed the xD (and its xA forebear) as the frumpy sibling of the box-chic xB, but this little hatchback is an
attractive package, especially when compared to the Toyota Yaris five-door. Both are built from the same platform
and drive similarly, but the xD gets an extra 0.3 liter of displacement, and, accordingly, an additional 22 horsepower
underhood.
That isn't a gigantic jump in power, but it's enough to transform a vehicle's personality. The Yaris feels a bit sluggish,
but the xD's 1.8-liter, even when mated with the four-speed automatic, is surprisingly lively. Brisk acceleration,
coupled with decent chassis tuning and impressive steering weight, help lend this subcompact a sporty feel.
Both cars include a long list of standard equipment, but the xD trumps the Toyota here, too; power windows and
locks, cruise control, an impressive Pioneer audio system, and a USB audio input. This, coupled with the extra power
underhood, makes the Scion worth the $750 premium over a comparable Yaris.
- Evan McCausland
, Associate Web Editor2011 Scion xD
Base price (with destination): $16,565
Price as tested: $16,565
Standard Equipment:
1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine
4-speed automatic transmission
Front disc, rear drum brakes with ABS
Electric power steering
Vehicle stability control
Traction control
Tire pressure monitoring system
Power windows/locks
Remote keyless entry
Cruise control
Air conditioning
Pioneer 160-watt AM/FM/CD with 6
speakers
Auxiliary and USB port with iPod
connectivity
Tilt steering wheel with audio controls
60/40 split rear seat
Options on this vehicle:
None
Key options not on vehicle:
Navigation system -- $1999
XM satellite radio -- $449
Bluetooth connectivity -- $299
Auto-dimming rearview mirror -- $229
Fuel economy:
27 / 33 / 29 mpg
(city/hwy/combined)Engine:
Size: 1.8L DOHC I-4
Horsepower: 128 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 125 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Drive: Front-wheel
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Curb weight:
2665 lbWheels/tires:
with covers
195/60R16 Bridgestone Turanza EL400
all-season tires
16-inch steel wheelsCompetitors:
Ford Fiesta, Kia SoulNissan Versa, Honda Fit,