About Scion xD
Scion surprised its customers with the introduction of the xD range at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, a car marketed as Toyota UrbanCruiser in other countries.
With the Scion brand, Toyota tried to set one foot on the lower-priced vehicles market with dependable vehicles but built on a budget. The xD was one of the products that should get more attention from the younger generation, and it did.
Imagined as a hatchback, but with the proportions of an MPV, the xD featured a short front overhang and hood. Its front fascia with swept-back headlights and an extended apron gave the impression of a sporty vehicle. Moreover, both grilles from above and below the bumper showed a mesh pattern. Its design language, with sharp lines that crossed from front to back, was already typical for the Scion brand. At the back, the thick C-pillar was the biggest drawback of the vehicle in terms of visibility. Still, it made the car look cool, which mattered more in teenagers' preferences.
Inside, there was room for five, although the space in the back was more appropriate for two. At the front, two occupants had no trouble fitting on the bucket seats with mild bolstered areas. The instrument cluster was clearly divided into three areas, where the speedometer took center stage. Scion offered the xD with an option for a colored center stack that provided the same paint as the car's exterior. Even if the trunk was small, it was suitable for those who didn't have to do weekly shopping for groceries. But they could do that by folding down the rear seats.
Under the hood, Toyota installed a 1.8-liter powerplant carried over from the Corolla range. It was not powerful enough to provide thrills but good on fuel efficiency.