Image and vehicle data supplied by JATO Dynamics Ltd.
2008 Scion xB Hatchback
Media Center
What Changed for 2008:
Scion’s “party in a box” enters its second generation with the launch of the 2008 xB. The new version not only gets a slightly more rounded design, but is also a foot longer and 3 inches wider. The new xB offers a more powerful standard engine, rides on a new platform with larger wheels and brakes, and features a new interior with an upgraded audio system. While the manufacturer says all dimensions have changed to improve passenger comfort and cargo capacity, the iconic Scion box is still instantly recognizable.
Model Lineup
The second-generation 2008 Scion xB is built on the same platform as Toyota’s Yaris compact. That means the wheelbase has been extended by 4 inches, offering a more comfortable ride, Toyota says. It also means that the new xB gets larger wheels, tires and brakes. Inside, the instrument cluster is new and offers the driver a choice of displays: clock; outside temperature; current or average fuel economy; or distance to empty in the left-hand display.
Simplified, the 2008 Scion xB is only available as one model—all featuring a 4-cylinder engine. Mechanical choices are limited to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include power steering, windows, door locks, and mirrors. Air conditioning and remote keyless entry are also standard.
Scion encourages personalization and customization. Audio upgrades include a sub-woofer for the audio system, Sirius satellite radio, or XM satellite radio. A Scion navigation system is optional. Interior options include lighting kits, storage consoles, shift knobs, and sport pedals. To customize the exterior, an assortment of wheels, carbon fiber trim packages, fog lamps and lighting upgrades are available.
Powertrain
Power comes from the same engine used in Scion’s sporty tC coupe, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder powerplant that pumps out 158 hp and 162 lb.-ft. of torque, 55 more than was available in the first-generation xB. That power reaches the front wheels through a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission that features sequential shifting technology. 2008 EPA fuel economy estimates are 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway for both transmissions. All Scion models feature a 3-year/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2008 Scion xB include driver and front passenger dual-stage air bags, front seat-mounted air bags, and side curtain air bags designed to protect front and rear passengers. Active safety features include standard 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) and a first aid kit are also standard on all models. The 2008 Scion xB has been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS); it received a “good” rating—the highest rating the institute awards—in the frontal offset test.
Technology
The standard audio system in the 2008 Scion xB is a 6-speaker, 160-watt, Pioneer AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA player with iPod connectivity and Scion Sound Processing (SSP). The head unit integrates track, artist information and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the stereo’s front screen. Scion adds standard rear head outputs for additional external amplifiers. For further customization, an optional upgraded sound system adds the ability to download “skins” to play on the LCD faceplate.
- The Scion xB is all new for 2008
- Newly adjusted dimensions
- 16-inch wheels standard
- Larger disc brakes for decreased stopping distances
- Standard 60/40 split flat-folding rear seats
- Augmented list of standard active safety features
Scion’s “party in a box” enters its second generation with the launch of the 2008 xB. The new version not only gets a slightly more rounded design, but is also a foot longer and 3 inches wider. The new xB offers a more powerful standard engine, rides on a new platform with larger wheels and brakes, and features a new interior with an upgraded audio system. While the manufacturer says all dimensions have changed to improve passenger comfort and cargo capacity, the iconic Scion box is still instantly recognizable.
Model Lineup
The second-generation 2008 Scion xB is built on the same platform as Toyota’s Yaris compact. That means the wheelbase has been extended by 4 inches, offering a more comfortable ride, Toyota says. It also means that the new xB gets larger wheels, tires and brakes. Inside, the instrument cluster is new and offers the driver a choice of displays: clock; outside temperature; current or average fuel economy; or distance to empty in the left-hand display.
Simplified, the 2008 Scion xB is only available as one model—all featuring a 4-cylinder engine. Mechanical choices are limited to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include power steering, windows, door locks, and mirrors. Air conditioning and remote keyless entry are also standard.
Scion encourages personalization and customization. Audio upgrades include a sub-woofer for the audio system, Sirius satellite radio, or XM satellite radio. A Scion navigation system is optional. Interior options include lighting kits, storage consoles, shift knobs, and sport pedals. To customize the exterior, an assortment of wheels, carbon fiber trim packages, fog lamps and lighting upgrades are available.
Powertrain
Power comes from the same engine used in Scion’s sporty tC coupe, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder powerplant that pumps out 158 hp and 162 lb.-ft. of torque, 55 more than was available in the first-generation xB. That power reaches the front wheels through a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission that features sequential shifting technology. 2008 EPA fuel economy estimates are 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway for both transmissions. All Scion models feature a 3-year/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2008 Scion xB include driver and front passenger dual-stage air bags, front seat-mounted air bags, and side curtain air bags designed to protect front and rear passengers. Active safety features include standard 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) and a first aid kit are also standard on all models. The 2008 Scion xB has been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS); it received a “good” rating—the highest rating the institute awards—in the frontal offset test.
Technology
The standard audio system in the 2008 Scion xB is a 6-speaker, 160-watt, Pioneer AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA player with iPod connectivity and Scion Sound Processing (SSP). The head unit integrates track, artist information and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the stereo’s front screen. Scion adds standard rear head outputs for additional external amplifiers. For further customization, an optional upgraded sound system adds the ability to download “skins” to play on the LCD faceplate.
