The iconic Scion xB urban utility vehicle will continue to appeal to young consumers as it receives new standard and optional audio systems for the 2010 model year. The new standard Pioneer audio system features iPod/USB connectivity, a programmable welcome message screen and an RCA output for adding an external amplifier and subwoofer. An available Alpine Premium audio system takes the standard audio to the next level with several upgrades including a 4.3-inch color touch-screen monitor, HD Radio™ technology and optional navigation. The boxy xB receives one new exterior color, Sizzling Crimson Mica, which replaces Blackberry Crush Metallic.

New and Upgraded Audio System

The xB truly focuses on youth with its new standard AM/FM/CD/USB 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system. New features for 2010 include an organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen, iPod/USB connectivity, Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR), and a subwoofer RCA output. The standard Pioneer system features a USB port and universal auxiliary (AUX) port located on the center console that allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the xB's six Pioneer speakers.

Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the portable music player, including iPod and iPhone, into the USB or AUX port. The head unit's screen displays track number, track name and artist information from select USB units. The audio system provides outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to select iPods. Music is controlled through the head unit and the steering wheel audio control buttons for radio, CD and certain USB devices. iPod users can also use an alphabetical speed search to find a specific artist or album.

The ASR function restores a wide, deep and rich quality to MP3/WMA/AAC sound. Through the subwoofer RCA output, xB owners can add an external amp to drive one or more subwoofers. For easy operation, the system's multi selector allows for easy control of the head unit. Unique to the standard Pioneer audio system is the customizable welcome screen that also lets users to create a personal message of up to 16 characters.

Scion xB (2010)
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The optional Alpine Premium audio system has the same basic features as the standard Pioneer audio, but adds a 4.3-inch color touch panel thin film transistor (TFT) screen, HD Radio™ technology, Media Expander (MX) and front and rear RCA outputs. Passengers can listen to HD Radio™ technology with the premium audio system and view text, song titles, album and artist name on the head unit. Alpine's MX improves compressed audio sound often found on digital music. The RCA outputs allow for up to three amplifiers -- front, rear and subwoofer. The optional audio system is also back-up camera and navigation ready.

Scion also offers an optional plug-in navigation unit for the Alpine Premium audio system. Navigation and audio functions utilize the head unit screen for display. Features include voice guidance; day and night screen modes; support in English, French and Spanish; 200 available address book entries; map coverage across the U.S. and Canada including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Hawaii; three map views (3-D, north up, and heading up); and, more than 6 million points of interest. Users can also program up to three destinations before arriving at their final programmed stop. Scion makes this navigation unit customizable by allowing the user to change the vehicle position icon from an arrow to an icon of the xB which can be customized in every xB exterior color.

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 and MP3, AAC and WMA capability. In addition both units adjust the volume control based on driving speed. The sound systems feature six speakers: a tweeter and a speaker in each front door panel, plus two full-range speakers in the rear.

Boxy Design

The second generation xB stands aggressively with pronounced fenders. Elongated headlamps that wrap around the side of the vehicle and a rectangular grille provide the xB's assertive fascia. Soft angles between wide and flat paneling and a high beltline create the iconic boxy profile. A single rear backup light on the left bumper, tinted rear windows, and turn signals integrated into the side mirrors give the xB unexpected styling cues.

Performance and Handling

The 2010 xB features a 2.4-liter dual overhead-cam four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), produces 158 horsepower and is rated California Level II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II). The xB has estimated EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 city/28 highway for both the five-speed manual transmission and the four-speed automatic with sequential shifting.

The xB features 16-inch steel wheels and customers have the choice between three standard wheel covers which are shared with the xD. The xB stops with 10.83-inch ventilated discs in the front and 10.98-inch disc brakes in the rear and has a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension.

Interior Design

The xB's roomy interior offers utility with 21.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, versatile 60/40 split fold flat rear seats for additional space and a flat cargo floor to meet the needs of consumers' active lifestyles. In addition, the front seats fully recline for increased cargo space or relaxation while the driver has a comfortable right armrest.

For interior storage the xB offers a driver's convenience tray, a glove box, a console box and front door storage. Beneath the rear seats a fixed tray provides for hidden storage and can accommodate small items like magazines, cameras, laptops, cell phone chargers and CDs.

A series of sleek circular gauges, including the speedometer and deep orange multi-information display, sit centered on the metal-tone accented dash. Upon starting the engine, "xB" flashes on the multi-information display before the driver can toggle through the clock, outside temperature, instantaneous MPG, average MPG, distance to empty, trip timer, or the average speed.

Mono-spec Features

All Scion vehicles are mono-spec so customers only need to choose exterior color and transmission type. The xB comes with a generous list of standard features including power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; cruise control; four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); driver and front passenger dual stage airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC); 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.

Colors

The xB is available in six exterior colors: Super White, Classic Silver Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Stingray Metallic, Sizzling Crimson Mica and Hypnotic Teal Mica. All xBs feature high-quality dark charcoal interior fabric.