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Scion xD, 2012: More hi-tech, still low-priced sub-compact

James Raia

The 2012 Scion xD five-door urban subcompact vehicle, which will come standard with several Bluetooth features and HD Radio, will have a MSRP of $15,345 and $16,145 for the five-speed manual and the four-speed automatic transmissions respectively.

The xD truly focuses on youth with its all-new standard AM/FM/CD/HD/USB 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system. New standard features for 2012 include HD Radio technology and Bluetooth connectivity that allows 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 are located on the center console allow users to listen to their portable music collection through the xD’s six Pioneer speakers.

Connectivity is achieved by 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 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 retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) 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.

The xD’s exterior has a wide stance, thick body, a long and narrow back window, accentuated wheel flares, an integrated rectangular lower and upper grille, and horizontal headlamps. The xD also features side mirrors with integrated turn signals. The xD rolls on 16-inch steel wheels and 195/60 R16 tires.Scion xD 2012

The xD’s 1.8-L four-cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) generates 128 horsepower. The engine features a roller-rocker system and lightweight pistons for better fuel economy, and a piston-cooling oil jet.

The xD sits on a short, wide frame and features an L-arm type MacPherson strut in the front and torsion beam suspension in the rear and ventilated disc and rear-drum brakes.

The instrument panel features indicator lamps, an LCD fuel gauge, odometer, speedometer and tachometer. The digital clock, and HVAC and audio controls flow down the center console. Storage and cargo space is plentiful. A change box and storage tray are located beneath the steering wheel.

The xD also has a small box in the front of the center console for holding portable music players or cell phones, an upper and lower glove box, and a hidden storage space located below the rear-cargo area. The xD also features 60/40 fold flat rear seats for a level cargo space. The rear seats can slide forward and back up to six inches. The rear seats also can recline 10 degrees and be adjusted into five different positions.

Like other Scion vehicles the xD has myriad standard features: power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC); a tire pressure monitor system; driver and front-passenger dual-stage airbags; front-seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side-curtain airbags; cruise control; first-aid kit; and tilt steering wheel with audio controls.

Text/Image Source: Toyota/Scion

Article Last Updated: September 19, 2011.

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