Scion xA Release Series 1.0

Scion xA is a subcompact car sold in the USA by Toyota's brand Scion. In Japan, the car is marketed as Toyota Ist. It is based on the 1999 to 2005 Toyota Vitz hatchback (sold as Toyota Yaris in Europe), which also served as the basis for the Toyota Platz sedan (sold in the US as the Toyota Echo). Compared to the 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).

The xA was first sold in California, and, contrary to Toyota's plans, has proved to be the slowest-selling Scion. To fully utilize the production capacities, Toyota also started marketing the model in the Middle East as Toyota xA. For the 2006 model year, Toyota/Scion has given the xA a refreshed look.

Technical data

• 1.5 L DOHC I4 engine.
• 108 hp (81 kW) @ 6000 rpm (revised to 103 SAE net horsepower in 2006)
• 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. Also, Cruise control became an option in 2006.

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