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Scion
Derived from Toyota, the Scion brand consists of cool yet affordable small cars in three different formats for 2008. The tC is a stylish two-door coupe with glass roof and add-on gear available to fashion a slick custom car. Boxy xB, contemporary homage to the panel van in a hip slammed stance, scores a new design with more cabin room and a boost in power. And the all-new xD pops up as a five-door miniature wagon laced with gear for comfort and safety.
The Scion tC is a slinky coupe with the tailgate of a hatchback. The tC has a monochromatic face and an unusual roof -- it's virtually all glass from a panorama-style power moonroof. The cabin contains contoured buckets in front and rear seats that recline for comfort or fold to increase stow space in the cargo bay. Power stems from a 2.4-liter four-in-line with 161 hp and a manual five-speed or four-speed automatic transmission. A restyled prow has a mesh grille and projector-type headlamps, with revamped appointments inside like silver trimwork and orange gauges plus standard iPod connectivity.
The boxy xB panel van resembles a California surfer's customized wagon in miniature. It's a new treatment outside for xB with the slab-sided package showing a high beltline and tall cabin with four doors and a tailgate. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 158 hp -- a boost of 55 hp over the original xB. Inside, the four-seat compartment contains lots of equipment like air conditioning, a Pioneer 160-watt audio kit, multiple air bags plus anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and the vehicle stability control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) anti-skid equipment.
With a hatch in back, the new four-door xD crossover utility vehicle (CUV) has a low prow and high tail. Inside, the cabin floor dips low so you can step aboard easily, and the ceiling is high to fit tall chair-like seats. Power comes from a lively 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with dual VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence) to make 128 hp through a manual five-speed shifter or optional four-speed automatic. The generous list of standard equipment includes power windows and door locks, a remote keyless entry system, ABS with EBD and curtain-style side air bags.
