2008 Scion xD Preview Philadelphia PA

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What it Is

2008 Scion xD - 2007 Chicago Auto Show Preview: Toyota introduced the all-new Yaris and Matrix today at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, wowing the gathered journalists with its ability to morph two cars into a single Scion. So maybe they didn't mean to do that, but that's the end result, and who says a car like the Scion xD isn't attractive to the young buyer or two out there, or, perhaps, a few fifty-somethings with fresh tats and a jones to drive something cool like their kids do? With a clever interior, a decent if mainstream design, and a powerful-enough engine, the Scion xD is the answer to a lot of questions - just older, more mature questions.

Why it Matters

As a replacement for the generally unloved Scion xA, the xD doesn't have to climb high mountains to be considered a success - and it probably wouldn't matter if it did. According to Scion, the xD is part of the "plan" to maintain a small lineup, bring new cars to market often, and keep concepts fresh.

What's Under the Hood

Powered by Toyota's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, the Scion xD makes 128 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm - two more horses than when the this same powertrain is bolted into the larger Matrix. Even though the xD is built on the same platform as the Yaris, it gets a bigger engine than the Toyota at 1.8 liters compared to the Yaris's little 1.5-liter ticker. Differences with the Yaris also include the xD's size. Though it's just an inch wider, the xD is four inches longer on a wheelbase that measures the same length, and the xD sports 16-inch wheels as standard.

What it Looks Like

Scion's new xD looks like the son of a Yaris and a Matrix, with a few futuristic styling cues tossed in such as exaggerated wheel flares and large tires, horizontal and high riding headlamps, and a revised Scion grille.