Scion Takes Wraps off 2008 xD

CHICAGO — Scion unveiled its new 2008 xD five-door subcompact, the replacement for the xA hatchback, on Thursday at the Chicago auto show. It is expected to hit showrooms in the spring.

The xD gets a 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that delivers 128 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 125 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. That is a step up from the 2006 xA, which was equipped with a 103-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The xD's engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The xD is a bit more aggressive-looking than the vehicle it replaces, with a wide stance, accentuated wheel flares and 16-inch steel wheels and tires. Scion said buyers could pick from three new standard wheel covers that will be shared with the redesigned Scion xB.

A huge emphasis was placed on audio. The xD's standard 160-watt Pioneer audio system features iPod connectivity and a mini-jack port. The standard head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen. Scion noted that since many of its customers add entertainment systems to the vehicle, the xD will come standard with rear head unit outputs that allow for the addition of external amps. An optional premium audio system adds the ability to download "skins" to play on the LCD faceplate. Customers can download images, 4-second video clips and 8-second movies from Pioneer's Web site. Scion said Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the optional head unit.

The xD's cabin has front bucket seats and 60/40-fold-flat rear seats. The rear seats slide fore and aft up to 6 inches and recline 10 degrees.

The only factory option on the xD is vehicle stability control with traction control. Standard features include power steering, power locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, air-conditioning, antilock brakes, front side airbags and side curtain airbags, a first-aid kit and tilt steering wheel with audio controls.

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