The xD is a clever new take on the five-door urban subcompact, with style and flair to match its efficiency and utility, said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. "The xD's aggressive styling is wrapped in a small, agile package, while its interior offers impressive details and a spacious cabin."
Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2008 xD. Its urban personality is communicated as it hugs the road with its wide stance, thick muscular body, short overhangs, accentuated wheel flares and large tires. Other styling cues that set the xD apart include a long and narrow back window, and the Scion family traits-horizontal headlamps, an integrated rectangular lower and upper grille, and turn signals built into the side mirrors.
The all-new xD is powered by a lively 1.8 L four-cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), a first to the Toyota family. The xD engine produces 128 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm and comes with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. The efficient 2008 xD is EPA-certified as a Low Emission Vehicle. It has EPA fuel economy ratings of 27 mpg city/33 mpg highway for the manual transmission model and 26/32 for the automatic. Starting with the 2008 model year, all estimated fuel economy ratings will be calculated using the new EPA methodology.
Engineers designed the xD with a short, wide frame in mind for better handling and comfort. In addition, the xD features an L-arm type MacPherson strut in the front and torsion beam suspension in the rear for increased stability and a pleasing ride.
The xD rides on 16-inch steel wheels and 195/60 R 16 tires, and stops with front ventilated disc and rear drum brakes. Customers will be able to choose from three standard wheel covers.
Inside, the simple dash features an instrument panel located directly in front of the driver while the center cluster-digital clock and HVAC and audio controls-flows down the center. The xD's unique speedometer and tachometer have been consolidated into one circular gauge centered on the instrument panel. Indicator lamps, LCD fuel gauge and odometer flank the centralized gauge.
The interior of the xD was designed for convenience, utility, and comfort. xD features front bucket seats and 60/40 fold flat rear seats for a level cargo space. The rear seats can slide forward and back up to six inches for additional leg room and cargo area. In addition, they can recline ten degrees and be adjusted into five different positions.
The xD's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system is unique to its segment and focused on youth lifestyle as it features iPod connectivity and a mini-jack port located beneath the HVAC controls for easy access. This standard head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen.
The xD's optional Premium audio system adds one more feature to the standard head unit, the ability to download "skins" to play on the organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer's website. In addition, Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit. The faceplate light also changes from deep orange to blue at the touch of a button.
The xD comes mono spec like all Scion vehicles. Customers need to choose exterior color and transmission type, while the only factory option is Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC). The xD has ample standard safety features including four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); driver and front passenger dual stage airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; and active headrests on driver and front passenger seating.
Scion also generously equipped the xD with more upscale standard features compared to other vehicles in its segment. These features include cruise control; power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; a tire pressure monitor system; tilt steering wheel with audio controls; first-aid kit; and multi-information display. The multi-information display allows the driver to toggle between the odometer, trip meters, instant fuel economy, average fuel economy, drivable distance and average vehicle speed.
More than 40 Scion Genuine and TRD accessories will be available at launch for xD. New to the accessory line up for the 2008 model year is the Scion navigation system. The system features a 160-watt maximum power audio/video/navigation unit with seven-inch LCD touch screen. Scion's Optomize accessory program will offer the Five Axis body kit.
"The xD is an incredible package with a stylish presence and an abundance of standard features," said Templin. "It sets the bar for value while balancing impressive fuel economy and performance."
xD models with a manual transmission will have an MSRP of $14,550, while models with an automatic transmission will be $15,350. The xD will reach Scion dealers in early August.
The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for the 2008 xD will be $620. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.
