Scion xB

The original Scion xB, first introduced for model year 2004, was so boxy you’d think its designers used a carpenter’s square.

For model-year 2008, the xB has been completely redesigned. Not only have its blunt edges been softened, but the vehicle is also bigger, more refined, quicker and more satisfying to drive.

Scion engineers extended xB’s wheelbase by four inches, overall length by 12 inches, and overall width by almost three inches. These manipulations have resulted in a welcome increase in ride comfort.

Under the hood of the front-wheel-drive, five-passenger xB is a 2.4-liter, DOHC four-cylinder engine with VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence). It generates 158 horsepower, which is 55 more than the previous powerplant.

There’s a choice between two transmissions: a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The automatic has manual shift capability; this is the first sequential shift four-speed automatic in the Scion or Toyota lineup. (Toyota owns the Scion brand.)

Fuel economy ratings are 22 mpg city and 28 highway for both transmissions.

The previous xB’s 15-inch wheels have been replaced by more sophisticated 16-inchers, and they’re slowed down by larger brakes on the new version.

Though now larger overall, the xB still takes up very little space. That compactness contributes greatly to its maneuverability and fun factor.

Inside, xB seems cavernously roomy, completely out of proportion to what the vehicle looks like from the outside. Did the designers use smoke and mirrors or something?

Head room is so generous, passengers could wear top hats. I have a 32-inch inseam, and with the front seat comfortably adjusted for myself, I sat in the back seat and had more than enough leg room there, too.

With rear seats up, the cargo area behind them is 21.7 cubic feet. The seats easily fold flat with the push of a button, creating 69.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

The Scion xB is offered in just one basic trim level. With a base price of $17,180 (with an automatic transmission), it includes air conditioning, cruise control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags, intermittent windshield wipers, halogen headlamps, remote keyless entry, power windows and door locks, power mirrors, a tilt steering wheel with audio controls, vehicle stability control, traction control, and a six-speaker 160-watt Pioneer stereo system with CD/MP3/WMA and satellite capability.

There are scads of optional items for making the xB more upscale or more fun or totally customized.

My tester was optioned with a navigation system (easy to program but the tilt screen is a bit of a hassle), a DVD entertainment system with seven-inch monitors in the front headrests, 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, illuminated door sills and more.

The Scion xB might have started life as little more than a novelty, but it has evolved into a righteous, take-it-seriously ride. The new engine accelerates enthusiastically without gobbling gas, the new interior is attractive and cozy, and there are more than enough high-tech features to keep even the most rabid techie happy, yet gauges and controls are completely logical and easy to use for those who still value such characteristics.