By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com
When Toyota created Scion in 2003, the entry-level marque targeted youthful customers and created a personalized buying environment . Scion’s main draw was its highly customizable cars that are uniquely styled and blend adequate performance with stellar fuel economy.
Scion will use the 2007 Chicago Auto Show to showcase its 2008 model year vehicles – the completely redesigned and unmistakable xB, the all-new xD (which replaces the xA) and a slightly updated tC. All Scion models continue being produced in one trim level, giving all customers the opportunity to make their cars as unique as the drivers themselves. For improved safety, all 2008 Scion models now come standard with dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted front side airbags and roof-mounted side curtain airbags in addition to tire pressure monitoring systems. 
The 2008 Scion xD will replace the ugly duckling of Scion’s lineup, the xA. The new Scion is improved both inside and out on many levels. The standard 16-inch wheels are pushed far out to the corners to give the xD a wide, aggressive stance. The horizontal headlights offer a peering look and flow back into the flared wheel arches giving a more athletic look. Performance numbers should be increased with the more powerful 1.8-liter four cylinder - increasing horsepower to 128. With over an inch added to the width and three inches added to the wheelbase compared to the outgoing xA, the xD should be a better handling car in addition to being more comfortable.
The 60/40 split rear seats can slide fore and aft up to six inches for improved legroom as well as being able to recline both improving passenger comfort and cargo capacities. Behind the rear seats, a large storage tray lies hidden beneath the rear cargo area. For the driver, an all-new and much less-radical instrument panel not only allows the gauges to be directly in the driver’s line of sight but also increased ergonomics and storage space. The speedometer and tachometer are cleverly combined into a single unit with the warning lights and indicators flanked on each side. Dual glove boxes optimize empty space that was present on the xA for added storage area.
Much like the xD, the all-new 2008 Scion xB is completely different from its predecessor. Looking less like a toaster, the new xB is longer and wider which should help improve the ride and comfort for passengers. The rounded edges and massive C-pillars help to create a clean and modern look to the xB’s distinct shape as well as allowing for an additional eight cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. An increase of 12 inches in length (four inches to the wheelbase) and almost three inches in width will give a sportier more confident feeling to drivers in addition to the more powerful 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter four cylinder now shared with the tC.
The updated looks are complimented by an all-new interior. Similar to the previous xB, the instrument cluster remains centrally located on the dash and houses the circular gauges and a combination meter. The combination meter allows the driver to toggle through useful data such as the outside temperature, instantaneous and average MPG, distance to empty and the average speed. The wider body and multitude of standard airbags should help improve passenger safety in the xB, which received a poor rating for the 2006 model year in side impact collisions by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Scion’s sportiest car, the tC, will receive minor updates for 2008. A new front fascia, revised projector-beam headlights and clear-lensed taillights will keep the 2008 Scion tC looking fresh and up to date. The new tC also receives a new 160-watt Pioneer stereo with Apple iPod connectivity that will be shared across Scion’s lineup. The rear seat offers increased safety and comfort to passengers with three-point seatbelts for all rear occupants who will appreciate the ability to recline up to 45 degrees. The 60/40 split seat folds flat to allow of almost nine feet worth of cargo length.
For added convenience, all Scions will come with complimentary factory-recommended maintenance services at the first 5,000 mile and 10,000 mile intervals, to be performed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealership and a standard five year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty.