Scion xA
From ScionWiki
Scion xA is a subcompact car sold in the United States by Toyota's Scion brand , the vehicle being the export model of the Japanese Toyota ist. Based on the first generation Toyota Vitz hatchback, it shares a platform with the Toyota Platz sedan. The xA is related to the new Toyota Belta, sold in the United States as the Toyota Yaris.
Compared to the Toyota Echo, the xA features stiffer suspension, rear stabilizer bar, bigger brakes, more aggressive wheels/tires, and slightly more aggressive final-drive ratios. It also weighs 125 kg (275 pounds) more. It comes better-equipped than the Echo (i.e. standard anti-lock brakes, tachometer, power windows/locks, and a Pioneer MP3 stereo system).
First sold in California, the xA has proved to be their slowest-selling model, contrary to Toyota's early expectations. To fully utilize production capacity, Toyota has started marketing the model in the Middle East as Toyota xA.
For the 2006 model year, the xA received a minor facelift.
Production for the xA ended in December 2006. The xA's successor, the xD is scheduled to reach dealerships in August 2007.
[edit] Specifications
- Engine:
o 1.5 L DOHC I4 engine.
o 108 hp (81 kW) @ 6000 rpm (revised to 103 SAE net horsepower in 2006)
o 105 ft·lbf (142 Nm) of torque @ 4200 rpm (revised to 101 ft·lbf in 2006)
- Cargo volume: 11.7 ft³ (331 L)
- EPA fuel economy ratings 2004: 32/38 mpg for both manual and automatic transmission.
- EPA fuel economy ratings 2005/2006: 32/37 mpg with manual transmission, 31/38 mpg with automatic transmission.
Some of the revisions for 2006 include modified front bumper, side skirts, and rear bumper, as well as turn signal indicators on the side mirrors, audio controls located on the steering wheel, and it is the first production vehicle to offer an optional iPod input with headunit display, as well as a more refined, user-friendly headunit and more exterior colors.
[edit] Release Series
Begining in late spring 2004 with the launch of the 2004 Scion xB RS 1.0 (Release Series 1.0) Scion decided to create limited edition vehicles pre-packaged with exclusive accessories in limited quantities. Limited Edition vehicles from a marketing standpoint were used to create a buzz for the brandname, with their often exterior colors tending to be loud or bright hues (i.e. orange, yellow, red, blue, green). Because of the growing popularity of the scion productline and the scarce production runs (most dealers only get 2-3 of each RS model), these limited edition vehicles quickly sell out. Preordering is available at each dealership on a first-come, first-served basis. To the customers benifit, Scion's "Pure Price" MSRP bounds dealerships against market-demand vehicle mark-up. Naturally, resale values of Release Series vehicles command a premium because of their packaged options and scarcity.
2004
- xA RS 1.0 only available in Absolutely Red with 1550 units produced
2005
- xA RS 2.0 only available in Spectra Blue Mica with 1700 units produced
2006
- xA RS 3.0 only available in Stingray Metallic light blue with 2500 units produced
2007
- xA RS 4.0 not yet announced, but model is expected
[edit] Source