LOS ANGELES — Scion said its 2010 xB Release Series 7.0, which is debuting at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, will range in price from $18,990 for the manual-transmission model to $19,940 for the automatic-transmission model. Prices include a $670 destination charge.
The xB Release Series 7.0 arrives in Scion dealerships this month.
Scion will build only 2,000 units of the xB RS 7.0, which is noteworthy for its purple paint job. The color is named Murasaki, which Scion said means "purple" in Japanese.
Details include a TRD sport muffler and TRD lowering springs that drop the ride height by more than an inch. A color-keyed rear spoiler is optional and adds another $320 to the bottom line.
The cabin gets black fabric seats embroidered with the "RS" logo and a leather-wrapped RAZO GT Formula Spec shift knob.
On December 2, consumers can play a Murasaki racing game on Facebook.
Inside Line says: If it doesn't look too much like Barney to you, this may be your vehicle. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
mcmanus says:
05:08 AM, 12/06/2009
Who are they trying to kid? This box is one of the least sporty cars built by a brand that hasn't built a sports car in years. And no, the TC is not a sports car either, but at least it trys to look the part. They both drive like the previous generation Camry (Japanese Buick) that they're based on.
I hate all show, no go cars, and this is a prime example. Form should follow function, and with the stock xB that's exactly what you get. This car is a Gen-M (M for quite mature) product.
I like the xB, thought hard about buying one earlier this year. What I liked was the competative no haggle price, reliability, lots of space (moved down from a mini van), vertical seating position, easy access (for my 85 year old father), and the unique styling. What I didn't like was the dash, lack of a 5 speed automatic transmission, lackluster fuel economy, and the thin driver's armrest. Ended up with a "factory slightly used" Subaru Outback for up here in the great white north that has AWD, more comfort, and 100,000 mile certified used car warrantee.
firstclass says:
11:46 AM, 12/02/2009
United by individuality...they should change the slogan to "united by tasteless side skirts" the center exit exhausts doesn't bother me because for being a car aimed at generation Y I only see middle aged men and women driving the xB...perhaps the customers that can't yet afford a Mini cooper are drawn to the xb?
bankerdanny says:
10:07 AM, 12/02/2009
I would like to go on record as saying I despise this stupid trend towards center exit exhausts, especially on vehicles that are supposed to offer some level of practicality such as the Scion and the Mini Cooper S. The center exhaust is simply an opportunity for a burned leg (as one IL editor discovered) and it blocks the opportunity for a hitch.
I know the Scion (or Mini) are not tow vehicles, but I have a hitch on my car specifically so I can use a hitch mounted bike rack.
Lets leave the center exhausts to the sports cars please.