The Scion xD five-door urban subcompact carries over its aggressive styling and versatility for the 2009 model year. The xD launched last year as an all-new model featuring a unique exterior and fun-to-drive package.

Scion Styling Cues
The xD's distinct exterior is characterized by the Scion family traits—horizontal headlamps, an integrated rectangular lower and upper grille, and turn signals built into the side mirrors. Other xD styling cues include its wide stance, thick muscular body, a long and narrow back window, and accentuated wheel flares. The xD rides on 16-inch steel wheels and 195/60 R16 tires. Customers can choose from three standard wheel covers which are also shared with the xB.

Spirited Performance
A snappy 1.8 L four-cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) generates the xD's 128 horsepower. Customers have the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. This 2ZR-FE engine features a roller rocker system and light weight piston for better fuel economy and a piston cooling oil jet for better efficiency. The xD's EPA fuel economy estimates are 27 city and 33 highway for the manual transmission and 26 city and 32 highway for the automatic transmission.

The xD sits on a short, wide frame for a pleasing ride. In addition, the xD features an L-arm type MacPherson strut in the front and torsion beam suspension in the rear to help enhance control. The xD stops with front ventilated disc and rear drum brakes.

Clean Interior
The xD features a comfortable and futuristic interior. The instrument panel, located directly in front of the driver, has indicator lamps, an LCD fuel gauge, odometer and a unique, radar-like speedometer and tachometer. The digital clock, and HVAC and audio controls flow down the center console.

Storage and cargo space is plentiful with the xD. For the driver, there is a change box and storage tray located beneath the steering wheel. Other storage areas include a small box in the front of the center console for holding portable music players or cell phones, an upper and lower glove box, and a hidden storage space located below the rear cargo area. The xD also has 60/40 fold flat rear seats for a level cargo space.

For versatility, leg room and added cargo space the rear seats can slide forward and back up to six inches. The rear seats also can recline ten degrees and be adjusted into five different positions for additional comfort.

Upgraded Audio System
The xD's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system focuses on youth lifestyle as it features iPod connectivity and a mini-jack port located beneath the HVAC controls for easy access. This standard head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and the steering wheel audio control buttons. The mini-jack port allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the xD's Pioneer speakers.

The xD's optional Pioneer Premium audio system adds several features to the standard head unit, including the ability to download “skins” to play on the organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer's website. In addition, Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit. The faceplate light also changes from deep orange to blue at the touch of a button.

Since many Scion customers add in-car entertainment systems to their vehicle, the xD's optional Premium audio system has head unit outputs in the rear allowing for the addition of external amps to boost power to additional speakers and subwoofers. All head unit features remain unchanged if this feature is used.

Both the standard and premium head units retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility, a user-customizable welcome screen, MP3 and WMA capability, Automatic Sound Leveling (ASL) and Sound Retouch Technology (SRT), which provides clearer CD sound quality. Both systems feature six speakers: a tweeter and a speaker in each front door panel, plus two full-range speakers in the rear.

The Scion navigation system featuring a 160-watt maximum power audio/video/navigation unit with seven-inch LCD touch screen is also available.

Generous Mono Spec Features
Like all Scion vehicles the xD comes mono spec with a surprising array of standard features. Customers only need to choose exterior color and transmission type, while the only factory option is Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC). The xD's standard features include power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); a tire pressure monitor system; driver and front passenger dual stage airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; cruise control; first-aid kit; and tilt steering wheel with audio controls.

All Scion models 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.

Color Availability
The xD has high-quality dark charcoal interior fabric and is available in six exterior colors, Super White, Silver Streak Mica, Black Sand Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Barcelona Red Metallic and Nautical Blue Metallic.