The 2004 Scion xA is one of two all-new vehicles that usher in a new name and fresh concept, as well as a dynamic approach to designing, developing and marketing an entry level sedan to meet the demands of a unique new-car buyer.

"Scion's success lies in its appeal to the buyer who seeks a vehicle that is personal, functional, and affordable," said Jim Farley, vice president, Scion. "The xA owner will be able to customize their vehicle to suit their individual tastes through an array of port- and dealer-installed accessories that are covered by Scion's factory warranty."

Muscular Exterior Design:

The xA debuts as a muscular subcompact five-door that features an athletic stance, sculpted wheel arches and tightly connected visual cues that flow dramatically from front to rear.

The xA's wide front grille enhances its horizontal, muscular stance, while rocker panel extensions visually draw the vehicle closer to the ground. In the rear, the xA's wide fifth door hatch allows easy access to a spacious cargo area. The aggressive exterior design of the xA is further accented by a choice of three wheel-cover designs (five-spoke, six-spoke, or six-spoke twist), multi-reflector halogen headlamps, intermittent front wipers, a rear wiper, and a chrome exhaust tip.

Personal exterior customization of the xA is possible with several available exterior appearance accessories that include: * Alloy wheels * Wheel locks * Rear bumper applique * Rear spoiler * Fog lamps * Carbon fiber trim pieces * Front end mask * Tail lamp garnish * Mudguards * Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Sport Parts

Multi-Functional Interior:

The xA's interior is as functional as it is eye-catching with seating for five and ample cargo room. There are numerous storage bins including an illuminated translucent storage compartment in the center cluster and hidden under-floor storage in the cargo area, which gives owners maximum flexibility for carrying large and small items. The xA also features a standard cargo area cover to ensure that items are stored safely out of sight.

The xA interior is visually appealing, with metal-tone instrument panel trim and matching ventilation controls on the center console, stylized black-on-white gauges and textured treatments on the doors, dashboard and seats. The xA features a center-mounted instrument cluster, high on the dash, enabling the driver to retrieve information quickly and easily.

Seating comfort is addressed with front sport bucket seats that provide firm support. The rear seats are 60/40 split-folding to help maximize cargo capability.

Extensive use of light-weight sound absorption materials made of 100 percent recyclable thermo-plasticity-resin throughout the cabin contributes to a reduction in NVH.

Mono-Spec Packaging:

The Scion xA is well-equipped with a wide array of standard convenience features. Since music plays a key role with Scion's target audience, Pioneer was chosen to provide Scion vehicles with a standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system featuring Scion Sound Processing (SSP). This digital sound processing feature lets Scion drivers choose between three settings - SSP Neutral setting keeps the music in the background, SSP Hear enhances the sounds with crisp highs and lows, and SSP Feel has a sound curve that lets passengers not only hear the music, but feel it as well. The CD player will read MP3 files and the audio head unit is satellite-radio-ready, for those who want to add this feature. Additional standard features on xA include: * Air conditioning * Power windows with one-touch auto down on driver's side window * Power door locks * Power outside mirrors * Rear window defogger * Digital clock * Tilt steering wheel * Cargo area cover * Tachometer and trip meter * Driver's sun visor with mirror * Front sport bucket seats with fabric upholstery * Cargo area under-floor storage * 60/40 split-folding rear seat

An array of interior accessories will be available for personal customization. An available six-disc CD changer features audio display illumination that changes among 10 colors at the touch of a button. The most demanding audiophiles may even choose an available subwoofer.

Creative possibilities for the xA will extend beyond audio with available interior accessories that include: * Leather-wrapped steering wheel in choice of red or gray * Cup holder illumination * Cargo net * Door sill enhancements * Auxiliary interior lighting * Carbon fiber shift knob in choice of four colors (manual transmission only) * Sport pedals * Carpeted floor mats with cargo area mat * Scion security with remote keyless entry

Under The Hood:

The xA is powered by a capable 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, and equipped with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that produces 108 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 105 lb-ft. of torque at 4,200 RPM. Fuel economy is exceptional with EPA city/highway mileage estimates of 32/38 for both manual and automatic transmissions. The xA is environmentally responsible with an EPA certification as a low emission vehicle (LEV). Performance enhancement can be achieved through dealer installation of an available cold air intake by AEM.

The engine is linked to a compact and lightweight five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission is also available.

The xA chassis features MacPherson struts with coil springs in the front, and torsion beams in the rear. The steering rack is mounted to a subframe for additional noise and vibration control. To enhance handling characteristics, the rear suspension features toe-correcting geometry. Steering is rack-and-pinion, and brakes are front ventilated discs with rear drums. For a more aggressive feel, a Hotchkis front strut tower brace is also available as an accessory.

Advanced Safety:

The xA body structure was developed to help provide exceptional occupant safety. The front side member, dash cross member, instrument panel support bar and pillar brace form a trapezoidal structure that helps absorb impact energy from a front-end collision. Additional steel reinforcements around the door openings provide additional side-impact protection.

All xAs will be equipped with standard Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). While ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking during severe braking conditions, EBD detects the differences in front- and rear-wheel speeds and dispenses the proper braking force to all four wheels. Additional standard safety features include driver and passenger front airbags, head restraints and three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions. Side and curtain air bags are available as a factory option.

AFFORDABLE PRICING:

The long list of standard equipment and high level of quality will be matched with affordable pricing, making the xA a great value. The xA carries a base price of $12,480 for models equipped with the five-speed manual transmission. An xA equipped with an automatic transmission is priced at $13,280. Also, every Scion vehicle comes with three complimentary oil changes, to be performed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealership.

Limited Warranty:

The xA features a 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty that applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. All Scion dealer- and port-installed accessories are also covered by the new-vehicle warranty. Scion dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

Colors:

Colors available for the xA include Polar White, Phantom Gray Pearl, Silver Streak Mica, Black Sand Pearl, Black Cherry Pearl, and Indigo Ink Pearl. Exterior colors are tastefully coordinated with a high-quality dark charcoal fabric interior.

Story by Toyota