Scion’s xD proves it’s hip to be square

Huey Lewis said it best when he sang, “It’s hip to be square.” Evidently that’s the mantra over at Scion, the let’s-see-if-we-can-sell-some-cars-to-people-under-forty division of Toyota. Actually, Scion is aimed at a much younger demographic than forty, but thus far it has had only mixed success in reeling in the 16 to 25 year-old buyers it’s trolling for.

These cars are so packed with value that older, wiser consumers — those less than concerned with decent acceleration — just can’t seem to stay away.

Meanwhile, youngsters who want a car that can accelerate from 0-60 in less time than it takes them to text their BFF the details of their previous evening’s date, are steering clear of the Toyota showrooms where Scions are sold.

Neither of the original Scion models offered much in the way of driving fun. Both featured engines engineered for fuel economy rather than acceleration. At least the xB, with its toaster oven shape, overcame its lackluster driving dynamics with its “hip to be square” dimensions.

The entry-level xA was just nerdy. Each offered a grocery list of standard equipment translating into remarkable value, explaining their appeal to more mature buyers. Because the xA’s sales were only about half of the xB’s, it wasn’t surprising when Scion kicked it and its nameplate to the side of the road in favor of the all-new xD. The xD is, well, much more square than the xA.

Following the formula that had success for the xB, the $15,104 xD comes in one trim level. The biggest decision to be made at the closing table is whether or not you want to stir the transmission. Opting for the four-speed automatic will add $800 to the bottom line. Stability control will set you back another $650. And that’s it. That’s the sum total of the factory options.

However, in the spirit of individualism, the dealer offers no less than 150 accessories to tailor the xD to your personal taste. Everything from larger wheels to cabin mood lighting can be personalized. Kick off your shoes; you’re going to be a while.

The xD is all new to Scion, but most of the mechanicals have been living life at Toyota inside the Yaris. In a nod to Scion’s mission statement, however, the feeble 106-horsepower 1.5-liter four found in the Yaris didn’t make the transition. Instead, the xD is powered by a 128-horsepower 1.8-liter four. This still isn’t a powerhouse in the acceleration department, but with 125 pounds-feet of torque, this engine manages to pull the xD off the line with some degree of urgency.

Once underway, the xD moves right along. Fuel consumption isn’t outlandish either. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the xD posts respectable stats with 27 mpg in town and 33 mpg on the highway. Braking is achieved with discs in front and drums in the rear. Standard is an anti-lock system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Other safety features include six airbags, tire pressure monitor and active front headrests.

Not particularly sophisticated — this is an entry-level subcompact after all — the suspension consists of MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam rear axle. The ride is a bit mushy, and some body roll is evident around corners. It handles pretty much like a Yaris.

Its boxy shape notwithstanding, the xD’s success will live or die in the cabin. Here, Scion has done an outstanding job of combining functionality, comfort and, yes, hipness. Even without any of the window dressing items the dealer can install, the interior is stylish. The three-pod gauge cluster looks like it was lifted from a Klingon Bird of Prey control panel.

The speedometer and tachometer share the same gauge in the larger center pod. Taking either reading at a glance requires some practice.

Three dials oversee the climate control and are located below the audio system. A six-speaker Pioneer audio system with CD player comes with the xD. All manner of upgrades are offered to customize the looks and sound.

Frustrated by $100,000 luxury sedans that don’t have even an auxiliary port to plug in a personal music device, I was blown away by xD’s sophisticated setup.

Not only does it have an auxiliary jack, but it has an iPod port that lets you control an iPod through the audio head controls. This is offered as an option on a number of vehicles, but to find it a standard feature on a car at this price point is a real surprise.

Taller drivers and passengers may find the cabin a tad confining. This isn’t so much an issue of headroom, but legroom. Even front seat occupants may feel cramped. Cargo space is stingy as well, but with the rear 60/40 split seat folded down there is 36 cubic feet of hauling space.

Although the xD’s price isn’t inexpensive by small car standards, it is loaded with standard equipment, such as cruise control, air conditioning, power accessories, tilt steering wheel with redundant audio controls and remote keyless entry.

If Scion is lucky, the xD will strike a positive note with consumers as the xB did. Hopefully, the target 20-somethings realize it’s hip to be square. Of course it could be a problem that the bulk of Scion’s target age demographic may have never heard of Huey Lewis, let alone his Hip to be Square song.