Bluetooth and HD Radio are now standard.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - June 28, 2011
The powerful 2012 Scion xB (2011 shown) – Affordable at just $16,300 to start, middling FE unless pushed with the stick and it is… Well, it is not a pretty girl by any stretch
Scion’s xB arrives with standard hands-free Bluetooth, Bluetooth streaming audio, and HD Radio for 2012.
The youth oriented xB with its all-new standard AM/FM/CD/HD/USB 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system is heading in a new direction for the entry level market. That means premium equipment without the premium price.
New standard features for 2012 include HD Radio technology and Bluetooth connectivity that allows both hands-free phone connection and streaming audio capability. Streaming audio allows compatible phone or personal media devices to pair with the audio system and listen to music through the vehicles sound system. The audio system also features an organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen with a personalized welcome screen, iPod/USB connectivity, Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR), and a subwoofer RCA output. The USB port and universal auxiliary (AUX) port that are located on the center console allow 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.
The optional 200-watt maximum Pioneer Premium audio system has the same features as the standard Pioneer audio, but is enhanced with a 5.8-inch LCD touch-screen display, features iTunes tagging and Pandora internet radio connected through iPhone and six RCA outputs to add external amplifiers.
Both the standard and premium head units retains Scion’s Sound Processing (SSP) audio where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility and MP3 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.
Same old boxy design. You either love it or hate it. Full of utility but its butt ugly so you know where I stand when it comes to “boxy” designs.
A heck of a motor for a somewhat inexpensive introductory automobile.
The 2012 xB features the same 158 HP, 2.4L DOHC I4 that we drove in the
09 Corolla XRS Review. While the xB has an EPA of just 22 city/28 highway, with its 5-speed stick, it is easily worth double that if you are willing to work. If not, you are going to have a low to mid 40’s highway cruiser. With the aging four-speed AT, you will be lucky to see a 40 lmpg employing just the basics. <-- Notice the l for lifetime.
The xB features 16-inch steel wheels and customers have the choice between three standard wheel covers. 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
Not only is the xB’s interior roomy, it feels youthful and fresh. The xB’s interior provides 21.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats (almost as much as a third gen Prius only taller), 60/40 split fold flat rear seats and a flat cargo floor. Interior storage finds 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. Who uses CD’s anymore anyway???
Instrumentation consists of a series of circular gauges which is nothing new but the MFD is rendered in a deep deep orange centered on the metal-tone accented dash. Included on the MFD are outside temperature,
instantaneous MPG,
average MPG, distance to empty, trip timer, and average speed. Gotta love it when manufacturers install and i and aFCD. If the 2012 is anything like the 2011 Scion’s however, the aFCD will not update during a FAS.
Standard features
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 and tilt steering wheel with audio controls. Missing is the ever important telescopic wheel function again
Safety
For 2011, the Scion xB earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick. From what I can find, neither the 11and especially the 12 Scion xB has yet been tested by the NHTSA.
The standard safety package includes the whole kit and caboodle. Namely, 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); Smart Stop Technology (Brake override) and even a first-aid kit.
Pricing
The 2012 xB will arrive at dealerships this July and will carry an MSRP of just $16,300 and $17,250 for the five-speed manual and the four-speed sequential shift automatic transmissions respectively. MSRPs do not include a destination and handling fee of $720. And of course the rip-off called Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) charge more.
Linear Mode
