IN December 2006, while other automakers were getting ready to unveil their new models at the Detroit auto show in January, Scion held a party in Miami. The guests were 300 owners of its cars who were entertained by the musician Ludacris. At the end of the evening, the new Scion xB and xD models were revealed.
Since it came on the scene five years ago, Scion has made a point of doing things differently. Toyota’s youth brand can brag of having the lowest average age, about 30, among its owners and of strong customer loyalty.
The Scion xB shown in Miami is now arriving at dealers and suggests Scion is growing up. The original xB was a small boxy car with attitude. The new one is bigger — a full foot longer than the last xB, 3 inches wider, about 35 percent roomier, 600 pounds heavier, 55 horsepower stronger and about 10 percent more expensive. It is also less fuel efficient. Fuel economy has declined to 22 city and 28 highway, from 26 city and 30 highway.
Read Full Story By PHIL PATTON At The NY TIMES
