Vehicle: 2008 Scion XB
Price as tested: US$16370

Performance: The XB is powered by the most proven engine in the entire Toyota powertrain profile. This is the same 2.4 liter 16-valve 4-cylinder DOHC with VVT-i variable valve timing. In XB’s case, it has 158 hp and 162 lb/ft of torque of driver’s disposal. Despite of XB’s compact size, this 2.4 liter has to move 3020 lb of heavy metal around. Both engine refinement and flexability are undoubtly Toyota fashion. As the powertrain smoothness is able to match many of its competition’s V6 offerings. It is silky smooth with a sense of quietness unfound in this price spectum. We are also impressed with how high the gearing for its 5-speed manual gearbox, 100km/h only rev at 2000rpm. Its the same tall gearing find in Camry with the same powertrain. Throttle response is decent. However, this 5-speed manual gearbox has long throw and gates aren’t very well defined. The clutch is the saving grace, as its clutch bite and engagement point are easily found. It is the same fool proof clutch action that is a Toyota hallmark.

Handling: Given XB is based on the proven Corolla platform, it doesn’t come as a surprise it received the same kind of criticisms. The chassis is detached while steering feels numb. We have experienced how darty Corolla’s electric power steering, XB isn’t an exception. Driver doesn’t have any connection between the steering wheel and the road surface. Although the response is acceptable, it is completely lack of anything called driver feedback nor precision. There are plenty of body rolls thanks to XB’s height. Its height also spoken for more understeer than one expected. Tall driving positon notwithstanding. However, it got the same fool-proof handling trait that most Toyota owners have loved. Competent but nothing outstanding. Ride comfort is more than acceptable.

Brakes: The 4-wheel discs with standard ABS provide better than average stopping distance in the XB. The brake bite and modulation are the same story.

Interior: Thanks to XB’s boxy design, it got plenty of headroom. The rear head and legrooms are aplentry, even in front, XB got lots of space. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog, although I am not a huge fan of electric speedometer which flying around between 81 or 83 mph. I much prefer the traditional speedometer with a needle. Toyota is smart enough to place stereo above climate control. Climate control’s location, however, placed down below right beside shifter isn’t exactly ergonomically correct. When it comes to use of materials, XB feels plasticky especially on the dashboard and door panels. But when you consider its below 16 grand price tag, its acceptable.

Conclusion: The XB really have given me some surprises. It got plenty of space, a smooth and willing 2.4 liter engine with decent value. If you are looking for a comfortable hatchback with grunt over driving dynamics, XB should be on the top of your shopping list.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 Scion XB
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 3/5