Scion Announces Prices for xA and xB

TORRANCE, Calif., March 24 -- Scion, the new car marque from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc, released manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for its first two production models, xA and xB. Both vehicles will go on sale in approximately 104 California dealership showrooms beginning in June.

"Scion's products will all share three key characteristics: style, versatility and surprise. The long-term styling goal focuses on vehicles that are expressive, but subtle. Versatility can be found in the numerous combinations of passenger and cargo configurations," said Jim Farley, vice president, Scion. "The element of surprise is seen in the high-quality materials and the long list of standard equipment in both the xA and xB."

The xA debuts as a muscular subcompact five-door that features an athletic stance, sculpted wheel arches and tightly connected visual cues that flow dramatically from front to rear.

The exterior look of Scion xB is cutting edge, with a dynamic shape and an aggressive attitude. It hunkers down low over its wheels and rises tall and wide with flat panels and 90-degree angles. This achieves maximum space from minimal exterior dimensions.

Both xA and xB will be powered by a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, and equipped with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that will produce 108 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 105 lb-ft. of torque at 4,200 RPM. The VVT-i engine found in both models is light and compact, resulting in an excellent power-to-weight ratio. This advanced powertrain is combined with a sport-tuned suspension and a responsive steering feel to provide a rewarding overall driving experience.

Preliminary tests have resulted in exceptional fuel economy with EPA city/highway mileage estimates of 31/37 for both manual and automatic transmissions for xA. The xB will achieve EPA city/highway mileage estimates of 30/33 when equipped with the five-speed manual transmission and 30/34 with the automatic. Both vehicles will be EPA-certified as low emission vehicles (LEV).

Simplicity is important to Scion's target buyers, and the extensive standard specifications list was derived with this key objective in mind. Both Scions are virtually mono-spec vehicles, with front side and side curtain airbags for xA as the only factory option. As a result of this approach, a customer must only make a few key choices when purchasing a Scion: transmission, color and accessories.

Both the xA and xB have a class-above feel and are equipped with a wide array of standard features not found elsewhere in the subcompact segment that include:

   -- Air conditioning
   -- Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit (MP3 and satellite-tuner capable) with six
        speakers and Scion Sound Processing (SSP)
   -- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution
   -- Dual front airbags
   -- First-aid kit
   -- Headrests and three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions
   -- P185/60R15 tires and 15-inch wheels
   -- Power door locks, outside mirrors and windows with one-touch auto down
        on driver's side
   -- Rear window defogger
   -- Digital clock
   -- Center console
   -- Tilt steering wheel
   -- Tachometer and trip meter
   -- Driver's sun visor with mirror
   -- Front sport bucket seats with fabric upholstery
   -- Cargo area under-floor storage
   -- Amber instrument panel illumination
   -- 60/40 split-folding rear seat
   -- Choice of one of three wheel cover designs
   -- Rear wiper
   -- Rear antenna (xA: roof-mounted, xB: in-glass)
   -- First-aid kit

In addition to the standard features shared with xA, the xB will also include remote keyless entry, rear privacy glass, Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control plus Brake Assist.

"Scion's target buyer is information rich, time poor and highly technology savvy," continued Farley. "Scion will cater to this influential generation with unique products, a distinctive dealership environment and a revolutionized sales process, all complemented by an astonishing sticker price."

The MSRPs are $12,480 for xA and $13,680 for xB, both with manual transmissions. The xA and xB, equipped with automatic transmissions, are $13,280 and $14,480, respectively. These prices acknowledge Scion buyers' budgets, while giving them an unprecedented level of value.

Scion customers will be able to choose from approximately 40 accessories for each vehicle, which range in price from $49 for a shift knob to $665 for aluminum alloy wheels. These accessories will be covered under the standard Scion limited warranty of three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Also included in the MSRP are three complimentary oil changes.

http://www.scion.com/