It’s wider, longer, and faster! The 2008 Scion xB is 167.3 inches in overall length, which makes it a foot longer than the first generation xB. It’s also 3 inches wider and rides on a wheelbase that’s 4 inches longer than the previous incarnation. The 2008 Scion xB maintains it’s Scion heritage and it definitely breaks the previous xB mold. The cause of the expansion of the xB’s dimensions have led the car to have 100.8 cubic feet of passenger volume. That’s 10.7 more cubic feet than the older car!
Enough with dimensions - let’s see what’s under the hood. A major gripe for owners of the first generation xB was the lack of power; and with a 108 hp engine, the older xB was a “putt-putt” car. The 2008 xB is fitted with the tC’s 2.4L engine that puts out 158hp and 162lb-ft of horsepower, the only difference compared to the tC’s engine is a difference of 2 ponies. I haven’t had a chance to take one for a test drive but most road tests categorize the xB as a decent handler. An improvement in the handling of the xB was attributed to the 2 inch decrease of the height of the car. The decrease gave the xB a lower center of gravity and thus better handling characteristics.
In terms of styling, the car maintains a boxy shape but the new xB has more curves in all the right places. The style can still be considered as funky but has a “grown up” feel to it. The interior of the xB is similar to one on the previous models but there are some slight differences. For instance the resizing of the glove box or the added silver trim are some of the changes. Some of the more noticeable changes are that the xB gets a new steering wheel and a redesigned instrument panel that is again in the center of the dash. One thing I will never get is why automotive companies think that placing the instrument cluster in the middle of the dash is a good idea. I find this placement of the instrument gauges can be a distraction to a driver’s vision of the road. I assume they do this to make the instrument panel easier to read and prevent you from taking your eyes off of the road.
Overall the 2008 xB is a fun, useful compact car that most urban owners will love it for its ability to get in a small parking space. Even though it is a compact car, you have the ability to fold down all of the seats and have a well sized cargo area. I have stopped at a Scion dealer and was surprised at the interior’s size in general. My buddy, who is 6′3″, sat comfortably in the driver’s seat and I was even able to sit behind him with ample leg room! With a base price of $16,650 the 2008 xB has mass appeal in style and usefulness department. One must also consider the fact that you can customize the car to your own individual liking which makes the 2nd generation xB a great car overall.
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