So I ask you, when is the last time you yearned for a D? Not often that an A is regarded as so-so, and a D is something to get excited about.
Except when we speak of the new xD, newest member of the Scion trio. It joins the boxy xB and sporty tC in the lineup, and replaces the old xA.
Even Toyota engineers admit the outgoing xA was too ordinary. So they gave it a more muscular look, added some horses and tightened up the suspension. Then, just to make sure everyone knew this was a whole new animal, they erased the A and gave it an xD.
Not that there was anything really wrong with the xA. I liked its look, comfort and agility. But it did not turn out to be the Scion star that parent Toyota had hoped. And so, at the Chicago Auto Show last summer, the xD was unveiled.
Yes, it's even better. It looks smaller, spiffier xB with its square shoulders, wide stance and wheel flares. But it has traditional Scion traits, too, like the horizontal headlamps and dual-rectangular grilles.
Biggest improvement: more power. That was a common gripe in the past. This time around they gave the xD its new-generation 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, armed with dual variable-valve timing. With its 128 horses at 6,000 rpm, it is not going to blow away the hot tuner cars out there. But it is more fun than the little engine that couldn't -- the 1.5-liter 105-hp engine it replaces.
Look for this little powerplant on the Corolla some day. It is EPA-rated at 26 mpg city, 32 highway. My combined was around 27 but my figures may be skewed with the kind of driving I do during the course of a weeklong test.
While the xD is based on the Yaris platform, its wider frame means improved cornering and stability. Standing on 16-inch wheels, the xD showed nice grip whenever the road challenged, It gets ventilated discs up front, drums in the rear.
Inside, you may do a double-take as the speedometer and tach are consolidated into one gauge -- so the speedometer goes clockwise while the tach needles goes counterclockwise.
Hop in and feel the comfort, both up front and in the rear. Rear seats slide up and back six inches to accommodate all sizes and recline a bit (10 percent) into five different positions, too.
They also fold flat to accommodate 85 cubic feet of space. Not enormous space, but enough for most daily uses. Put your cell phone or music player in the center console pit, or a tray beneath the steering wheel. There is also some cubby space below the rear floor, in which I like to put smaller items out of view.
The xD gets a standard 160-watt Pioneer audio system with iPod connection. With the premium system, download images and short eight-second movies from Pioneer, or burn your own onto a CD and upload them.
Accessorizing, of course, is what Scion is all about. Scion expects it, encourages it. And it is not a bad idea considering some of the standard features on this xD, like nasty plastic wheel covers. You can also get 18-inch wheels, door-sill lighting, bigger brakes or an upgraded exhaust system.
And there are aftermarket companies that will help you personalize your Scion, too.
The xD does well on safety, with front and rear side-curtain air bags. It also has ABS with brake assist and traction control systems. Even has a first-aid kit in the trunk.
The xD is a step in the right direction for Scion. But, if you're still not quite satisfied, Scion dealers will welcome you in to custom fit the car to meet your dreams.
MSRP: $15,170
