There's been some grumbling here and there about the second-generation Scion xB's styling. "Too mainstream," I've heard. "Not as boxy-cool as the old one."
I say poppycock.
First of all, the original xB had one of the gnarliest automotive underbites I've ever seen...
It would have fit right in at a county fair bumper-car ride.
But more to the point, I think the current xB has some of the most mobster-pleasing styling this side of the Chrysler 300C/Dodge Magnum siblings. To my eye, it actually looks kind of like a pint-sized, upright version of the Magnum. I'll take that over the first-gen xB's shoebox aesthetic any day. (So would my esteemed colleague Warren.)
What do you all think? Current xB styling -- Yea or Nay?
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor, Edmunds.com @ 17,048 miles
But more to the point, I think the current xB has some of the most mobster-pleasing styling this side of the Chrysler 300C/Dodge Magnum siblings. To my eye, it actually looks kind of like a pint-sized, upright version of the Magnum. I'll take that over the first-gen xB's shoebox aesthetic any day. (So would my esteemed colleague Warren.)
What do you all think? Current xB styling -- Yea or Nay?
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor, Edmunds.com @ 17,048 miles
texases says:
11:56 AM, 04/ 9/08
Current xB - it's OK, except for the wide C pillar, messes with the visibility. Old xB styling wasn't better, but the new xB is a bit bland. OK, but bland. The front end/headlights in particulars don't do much for me.
edit - one big plus for the new xB - it avoids the logo-bearing 'nose' Toyota is putting on many of its cars.
edit^2: Yeah, what's with Scion's colors these days? This is the most 'exciting' one they have, and it doesn't do much for me. Otherwise, it's white, black, silver, dark metallic blue and burgundy. Not very exciting.
louiswei says:
12:00 PM, 04/ 9/08
I say it's a yea, much more eye-pleasing than the last gen. Its sales numbers are starting to come back as well.
bal169 says:
12:00 PM, 04/ 9/08
Going on styling alone as I have not driven either version of the xB, I prefer the new body style.
karjunkie says:
12:32 PM, 04/ 9/08
Sorry, but I liked the original better. It was "edgy" and ugly. This one's just ugly!
PS Hate the color too!
daytona_500 says:
12:54 PM, 04/ 9/08
They're both ok to me, but if I had to choose I'd say the new one.
But a big nay to having the gauges in the center, as well as only one reverse light on the new xB.
bal169 says:
01:03 PM, 04/ 9/08
"... as well as only one reverse light on the new xB."
Is it noticeable that you have a single reverse light when backing up after dark, or is the single light bright enough to light the way?
boxermike says:
01:15 PM, 04/ 9/08
"Is it noticeable that you have a single reverse light when backing up after dark, or is the single light bright enough to light the way?"
It's noticeable, and I'd like more light. But then again, I'd probably like a little more light from most back-up lights.
-mike
actualsize says:
01:33 PM, 04/ 9/08
New one by a landslide. I like the chopped-top look of the thing and the lower seating position that goes along with it. The last one looked like a head-on collision between a Chevy Astro van and a phone booth occurred moments before the whole mess catapulted into a shrink-ray.
carguy622 says:
01:36 PM, 04/ 9/08
I prefer the old one myself. I find the worst aspect of the new model the size and weight increase. It's over 400 pounds heavier than the previous version, which necessitates the larger engine, which lowers the fuel economy.
texases says:
02:02 PM, 04/ 9/08
Actually, the Japanese apparently have a 'thing' for the Astro van, it was part of gen1's inspiration.
tlcruz says:
02:27 PM, 04/ 9/08
I really like the new xB myself :) I never was the fan of the toaster-on-wheels look :p But I do wish Scion would have a bigger selection of colors, since they're suppose to be appealing to a younger generation! I am partially in love with the teal color! :D
jr1m90 says:
03:36 PM, 04/ 9/08
I prefer the new one, but agree about the C-pillar and rear back up light. I also dislike center mounted gauges.
Off topic, but I appreciate the bumper car picture from Knoebels, which is about an hour and a half from my house. Finally something an East Coast reader can recognize!
estreka says:
04:18 PM, 04/ 9/08
You say "poppycock" I say "festizzio."
See? I can make up words, too!
Old xB by a long shot. Though I would never buy either.
tlcruz says:
05:15 PM, 04/ 9/08
lol @ estreka . best comment everrrr! :)
mozzz77788 says:
09:12 PM, 04/ 9/08
I say NAY! I loved the first xB, and its edginess was oh so lovable. This one is boring, I might as well buy a Matrix
louiswei says:
09:24 PM, 04/ 9/08
Boring? Hmm... mozzz, what car do you drive?
altimadude00 says:
11:10 PM, 04/11/08
Nay. The styling combined with the styling don't speak to me.
The new Vibe speaks more to me than the xB.
crutnacker says:
06:50 PM, 05/ 5/08
This one looks like a Honda Element and an XD had sex. I prefer the old one.
mellocooper says:
04:57 AM, 07/ 6/08
Old one. They ruined it. Oh the C-Pillar!!