2010 Scion Xb
Usually when an automaker releases a “special edition” of a certain model it comes down to some negligible trim and appearance changes. Rarely does it entail an all new exterior color, a revised suspension and the wholesale reinvention of the car’s character. But that is exactly what happens when Scion decides to do a special edition.
The 2010 Scion xB Release Series 7.0 is the 7th such “reinvention” that they have lavished on the xB. And that includes the boxier first generation edition. This is a tradition that Scion needs to keep alive because they are masters at creating truly inspired and artistic takes on models that start life as frugal, fuel efficient, high utility transport.
I learned this firsthand when I visited the Scion headquarters to pick up the xB 7.0 and there was a whole lineup of outrageously altered xB, xD, tC and even iQ models. Some looked like they drove straight out of a cartoon while others gave off a macho air and still more looked like the toys you played with as a kid. Okay, that last toy comment referred to the itsy bitsy iQ microcar but it’s supposed to be adorable! I think.
The thing that truly made this child of the 1990’s respect Scion as a brand, however, happened when I walked into their comfortably furnished and very relaxed offices. As I sauntered in I heard Nirvana playing over the loudspeakers. Not to betray my Northern California heritage but that was just hella cool. Now, onto the review.
Exterior Styling
The xB Release Series 7.0 is available in only one color and it is called Murasaki. Now I realize that may sound like the name of a great Sushi place but it actually means “purple” in Japanese. And while it’s not exactly Barney the Dinosaur purple, it is close enough to be accurate. But not close enough to be as obnoxious as Barney.
In addition to the new color, the xB 7.0 sees its ride height dropped by an entire inch with the help of revised TRD (Toyota Racing Development) springs. Now, the xB wasn’t exactly high off the ground originally so it makes for a very gangster, low rider type appearance. Yes, a low rider that is purple.
There is also a DAMD four piece body kit which really is the key to transforming the appearance of the xB Release Series 7.0. Where there once were softer curves and easier to digest lines, there are now menacing fender flares, deep side skirts and a revised lower rear bumper designed to allow the TRD sport exhaust to poke out the center. It actually makes the xB, the grandfather of the economical boxy car movement, look sporty.
Finishing off the look of my tester was optional 19-inch TRD alloy wheels that look infinitely better than the standard plastic wheel covers. Attention Scion buyers! The top of the line 19-inch alloys may cost almost $2,000 but they are worth it!
I personally think Scion puts the plastic wheel covers on their basic models because they WANT people to change them. Either invest in a good set of alloys or run the risk of looking like a dork. You have been warned.
Interior Styling and Quality
The interior modifications to the xB Release Series 7.0 are less dramatic but there’s little need to jazz up a dashboard that is totally upright and has all of the dials, gauges and electronic displays in the middle. This oddball layout does allow the xB to offer up unique little cubby holes and pockets that you wouldn’t find in a car with a conventional dashboard.
The driver’s seat is hugely comfortable thanks to a fold down center armrest, giving this all important perch a regal air. One alteration that is Series 7.0 specific is Razo GT Formula Spec shift knob that affords the driver precision grip and has the side bonus of looking really, really cool.
Other than that the black seat fabric has tiny flecks of Murasaki coloring and the front seats feature an embroidered RS (Release Series) logo on the side of the bottom cushion. Beyond that it is standard xB fare meaning there is a huge 21.7 cubic foot cargo hold with the rear seats in place and folding down those same said perches turns your xB into a mini UPS truck.
The xB Release Series 7.0 comes with all the goodies you would expect from a Scion like air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, keyless entry, USB port, a Pioneer 6-speaker audio system with XM capability and much more. Essentially all the goodies for one low price.
The only options I would personally add to my dream xB Release Series 7.0 are the reasonably priced Alpine premium audio/navigation upgrade (which also nets you hands free Bluetooth) and the “Under Dash/Cupholder Illumination” option. At night the interior is very dark unless you hit the map lights and then it is too bright in there. The under dash ambient lights look like a good compromise.
Efficiency and Value
My test model returned an impressive 24 miles per gallon especially given the 22 city/28 highway EPA rating. I very rarely get anywhere near the EPA ratings because I tend to drive with my right foot pinned to the floor. That may be why I have to go to Traffic School in 2 weeks. (Note: The 2010 Scion xB runs on regular unleaded.)
The Scion has a 14 gallon fuel tank so it also has a decent cruising range should you decide to take your xB 7.0 on a road trip. Prices for the Release Series 7.0 are $18,320 for the five speed manual variant while an automatic brings the price to $19,270. That’s a great deal considering all of the modifications and the sweet paint job.
Driving Impressions
Unlike the first generation xB, the 2010 Scion xB Release Series 7.0 offers the driver plenty of passing power thanks to the 2.4 liter 158 horsepower/162 lb. feet of torque 4-cylinder engine. The motor settles to a muted hum at freeway speeds but when you gun it around town the TRD exhaust emits a sporty burbling noise.
The five speed manual that was fitted to my test model had a ridiculously easy to modulate clutch (this car is impossible to stall) and I never missed a shift. The shift lever is long as are the throws so the transmission does take some getting used to.
Thankfully Scion placed the shift lever at the correct ergonomic point so you could swap gears and keep your elbow on the driver’s seat folding armrest. It is little things like this that matter during an ownership experience, especially if you are lazy like me. The steering, while light, was supremely fun to toss around when driving up curving roads.
My only issue with the Release Series 7.0 as opposed to stock xB models is that the TRD springs that lower it by an inch do a number on the ride. Around town it is fine but once you get on the freeway it hops, skips and tramlines over road imperfections.
Other than that, however, this is one fun to drive purple box. Let me rephrase that. This is one fun to drive, angry looking purple box.
How Dog and Kid Friendly is It?
It’s boxy, it has a huge 21.7 cubic foot cargo hold and the interior is full of durable feeling plastic so what do you think? The front cloth seats are armchair comfortable yet look ready to withstand a decade’s worth of abuse.
The cargo hold, however, is not big enough for a large dog (or a child!). It might fit a crate for a small dog but it’s best to harness your dog to a seat belt in the second row much like you would a car seat. Check out the websitewww.barkbuckleup.comfor more details.
Final Thoughts
After my week with the 2010 Scion xB Release Series 7.0 I did some research into all of the previous iterations and was amazed at how different they all were. That takes real creativity and it encourages individual expression as a societal positive.
While I don’t love the ride trade-off that the TRD springs bring to the Series 7.0 package, you have to realize I am 35 years old. In my younger days, however, I would have gladly traded a little comfort for a cooler look and sportier handling. But I am just too old for that now. It does make me wonder, though, if the hip young guys at Scion thought Nirvana was “classic rock?”
Vehicle Tested: 2010 Scion xB Release Series 7.0
Price as Tested: $18,320
Engine: 2.4 liter 4-cylinder
Power: 158 horsepower/162 lb. feet of torque
Transmission: 5-speed manual
0-60: 7.2 seconds
EPA Fuel Economy: 22 city/28 highway
As Tested Economy: 24 miles per gallon
Gas Tank: 14 gallons
Runs on: Regular Unleaded
Cargo Space: 21.7 cubic feet
Residual Value after 5 Years: 42%
Crash Test Ratings: IIHS “Top Safety Pick”
Front Impact: Good
Rear Impact: Good
Side Impact: Good
Rollover: Good
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 bumper to bumper
5 years/60,000 powertrain
Final Assembly Point: Japan
