2011 SCION xB The cube-shaped Scion xB is based on a Toyota Matrix platform. The two cars have the same wheelbase, but the Scion is 11.5 cm shorter and 9.5 cm higher. Whereas the Matrix offers a choice of two engines, the xB gets only one, a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder, to power its front wheels. The Matrix also offers about 240 litres more cargo volume. As with other Scions, buyers can choose among a host of factory-made accessories to personalize their vehicle. Interior and trunk The front seats are easy to access and very comfortable, despite the absence of lumbar adjustment. Thanks to the tilt-and-telescoping steering column and cushion-height adjustment, drivers can obtain a good driving position. Head room is very good. Leg room is adequate for tall individuals but a bit tight for very tall people. The rear bench seat is comfortable for two adults, with very good head and leg room. The 60/40-split seatback folds almost flat to the floor. Trunk capacity is good, with 68 cm behind the rear seat, and 150 cm with the seatback down and the front seats pushed back as far as they’ll go. Width measures 96.5 cm and height, 82 cm. The rear hatch does not open high enough to clear the head of a tall person. Convenience and safety The cabin is clad in good-quality materials along with some hard plastics, and interior finish is very good. Road noise could be better suppressed. Cabin storage is good. Controls are well laid out. Not all drivers like the placement of the gauges in the centre of the dash and some never get used to it. Several controls, and the glove compartment, are not lighted at night. The heating system is efficient. On several Toyota products, all the lights turn off automatically when the engine is turned off or when the driver’s door is opened, but not on the xB. Photo: Scion The windshield wiper nozzles are under the edge of the hood and can easily be blocked by snow or ice. The rear wiper misses large areas on each side of the window. The roof-mounted radio antenna can get in the way of cargo. There is no way to anchor a vertical cargo net. Safety equipment includes dual front, side, and side curtain airbags; five head restraints, all non-active; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; stability control; and good headlights. Visibility is good in all directions except on a three-quarter-rear angle. It is hard to judge distances when backing up. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the xB a Good rating, its highest, for roof strength, driver protection in a frontal offset collision, and all-occupant protection in a side or rear crash. Engine and transmission The 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine develops 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, for relatively lively acceleration and pickup. Generous engine torque allows for flexible driving without having to downshift for nothing. However, with an average fuel consumption of 9.2 L/100 km during our test, and a 53-litre tank, fuel autonomy was rather underwhelming. The five-speed manual transmission is easy to use, and precise. Gears are well spaced, except for fifth, which should run the engine at least 500 rpm slower. Clutch uptake is abrupt at the friction point. On the road The independent-front, semi-independent-rear suspension delivers a very smooth ride at all times, thanks to a very nice blend of suppleness and firmness. On uneven surfaces, suspension reaction never gets more than firm. Road holding is very adequate. Considering its shape, it’s surprising that the xB is not more sensitive to side winds. It drives with a solid feel. The electrically assisted steering is well tuned, stable, precise and quite quick. It provides a bit of feedback. The turning circle is small. The brakes perform well in routine driving but emergency stops are a bit long. The brakes resist well to fade. Inspection An inspection at a CAA-Quebec inspection centre showed that the xB’s chassis is quite sturdy. Some areas are not rustproofed, but several joints are sealed. The emergency brake looks like it could seize up fairly quickly. There’s a hook at the back to allow a canoe, or other such cargo, to be solidly attached on the roof. The overhead camshafts are chain driven. Conclusion People who find the Scion xB’s rather squared off form appealing are sure to enjoy its comfortable, relatively spacious interior, its versatility and its unfailingly smooth ride. But let’s not overlook the Toyota Matrix, which offers a bit more room, a choice of two engines, and the availability of all-wheel drive. PROS: roominess, comfortable front seating, smooth ride, handling, well-adapted engine, sturdy chassis CONS: three-quarter-rear visibility, several controls not lighted, abrupt clutch uptake, fuel autonomy a bit limited, hatch does not clear a tall person’s head, wiper nozzles under edge of hood 2011 SCION xB Engine: 16-valve, 2.4-litre 4-cylinder Horsepower: 158 hp at 6,000 rpm Torque: 162 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic Suspension: independent/semi-independent Brakes: disc/disc Wheelbase: 260 cm Length: 425 cm Width: 176 cm Height: 164.5 cm Weight: 1,373 to 1,399 kg Tires: P205/55R16 Maximum towing capacity: forbidden Airbags: dual front, two side, two for the knees of the front occupants and two curtain airbags Fuel consumption with manual transmission Natural Resources Canada rating: City: 9.5 L/100 km (30 mpg) Highway: 7.2 L/100 km (39 mpg) Test result: 9.2 L/100 km (30.5 mpg) Test temperature: 4°C to 11°C CO2 emissions: 3,864 kg/20,000 km Fuel tank capacity: 53 litres Fuel requirement: regular grade gasoline Acceleration: 0–100 km/h: 9.4 seconds 60–100 km/h: 6.3 seconds (in 3rd gear) Competition: Honda Element, Kia Soul, Nissan Juke and Cube, Toyota Matrix Warranty: Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited km Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module, onboard diagnostic system). Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $597 Front brake disc: $90 Brake pads: $83 Muffler: $233 Front fender: $203 Price according to trim level (freight and preparation included): $19,660 Main options: Automatic transmission: $1,020 Price as tested: $19,660 Dealers: Quebec: 29 Canada: 84 © May 2011. All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec .