Scion xB

Few weeks ago I went to Toyota dealership to test drive Scion xB.

My expectations were to try funky car with ability to pack something bike like with folded seats. It should drive like a normal car with extra special of boxy Japanese appeal.

It was black automatic and one year old. Boxy on outside, somehow stylish and roomy. Gauges are center mounted with digital speedometer and rest follows as four round shapes laid on the shelf.

They somehow make it tick. Because rest of the interior is bits and pieces of other Toyotas and it is uninspiring, grey and cheap. Steering wheel was all plastic with additional friction resistant texture.

I found seating position to be on strange side. To be clear: you can’t seat in xB like you do in normal car and be able to reach sun visor or left ventilation fixture. Just can’t. You should seat upright and as close to the steering wheel as possible. Like you seat on rather than in. Pedals were shifted to the left to my liking and comparing to my 2002 Accord. All of it left me feeling like it good suit but not my size or it like it tailor made for someone with longer legs and shorter hands. It may be centimeter here and centimeter there but it noticeable.

Drive: To be honest car was used so it normal to have soft brakes. However they been too soft for a car with 40000 km on it. When I started to drive it produced some rumbling noises in the back.

Engine gives this car plenty of punch. xB is not going to push you into back of your seat, however , comparing to Kia Soul it not going to feel lethargic. It drive nice and holds corners reasonably well and slight wondering at highway speed could be attributed to rental car history. Steering is sharp however is not giving much feedback. In short summary it fine little car with some good sides on the road.

Gearbox was bit nervous and handled acceleration with proper up shifts. It was automatic 4 speed.

On highway I found some strange drive to put third gear instead of fourth if you depress accelerator and press it again (not like you doing kick down, just gentle release and than press). This frantic gear jumps should be treatable by  tuning gear box software.

xB is roomy, funky , show almost flawless driving behavior, no real sporty punch and driving position which is awkward to me. However visibility is very good.

Would I recommend to buy one? Yes. If you feel comfortable in it and if xB fits your style.