2009 Scion xB

2009 Scion xB Combines Unique Style And Performance

The Scion xB urban utility vehicle, which received a major model change in 2008, enters the 2009 model year by appealing to young urban trendsetters with its fresh styling and performance. It features a surprising level of refinement and is packaged with an array of standard equipment including a 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system with iPod connectivity. The head-turning xB receives one new exterior color, Stringray Metallic, which replaces Nautical Blue Metallic.
Iconic Box Style
With its elongated headlamps that wrap around the side of the vehicle, rectangular grille, and pronounced fenders, the xB projects an aggressive appearance. Soft angles between its wide and flat paneling and a high beltline give the xB its iconic boxy shape. Other exterior styling cues include inset taillights, single rear backup light on the left bumper, tinted rear windows, and turn signals integrated into the side mirrors.

The xB's smooth ride can be attributed to its MacPherson strut front and rear torsion beam suspension, and 16-inch steel wheels. Customers can choose from three standard wheel covers which are shared with the xD. The xB also features 10.83-inch ventilated discs in the front and 10.98-inch disc brakes in the rear.

Interior Style
The xB's lounge-like interior was designed to meet customers' lifestyle needs. The xB offers plenty of utility with 21.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60/40 split fold flat rear seats for additional space and a flat cargo floor. The front seats fully recline for increased cargo space or relaxation. In addition, the driver also has a right armrest for comfort.



Metal-tone trim accents the shifter and dash. Centered on the dash are a series of sleek circular gauges, including the speedometer and multi-information display, with a deep orange readout. Úpon starting the engine, 'xB' flashes on the multi-information display before information is shown. The driver can use the multi-information display to view the clock, outside temperature, instantaneous MPG, average MPG, distance to empty, or the average speed.

Úpgraded Audio System
Scion truly focuses on youth with its standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system, iPod connectivity, and a mini-jack port located beneath the HVAC controls for easy access. This standard head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and the steering wheel audio control buttons. The mini-jack port allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the xB's Pioneer speakers.

Scion also offers an optional Pioneer premium audio system which adds several features to the standard head unit, including the ability to download 'skins' to play on the organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer's website. For personalization, this Pioneer software also allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit. The faceplate light also changes from deep orange to blue at the touch of a button.
Since in-car entertainment systems are popular aftermarket accessories, the xB's optional premium audio system has rear head unit outputs allowing for the addition of external amps to boost power to additional speakers and subwoofers. All head unit features remain unchanged if this feature is used.

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, a user-customizable welcome screen, MP3 and WMA capability, Automatic Sound Leveling (ASL) and Sound Retouch Technology (SRT), which provides clearer CD sound quality. Both systems feature six speakers: a tweeter and a speaker in each front door panel, plus two full-range speakers in the rear.

The Scion navigation system, featuring a 160-watt maximum power audio/video/navigation unit with seven-inch LCD touch screen, is also available.

Monopsec Features
Like all Scion vehicles, the xB is mono spec. Customers only need to choose exterior color and transmission type. The xB comes with a generous list of standard features including 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); driver and front passenger dual stage airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC); first-aid kit; and tilt steering wheel with audio controls. All Scion models come with complimentary factory-recommended maintenance services at the first 5,000 mile and 10,000 mile intervals, to be performed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealership.

Colors
The xB is available in six exterior colors: Super White, Classic Silver Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Stingray Metallic, Blackberry Crush Metallic and Hypnotic Teal Mica. All xBs feature high-quality dark charcoal interior fabric.

Source - Scion

Scion Reinvents Individuality With New Brand Campaign – And Continues To Celebrate Owners

Scion recently launched its 'Únited by Individuality' brand campaign, which reinvents the brand's distinctiveness by communicating several of its core philosophies - creativity, personalization, authenticity, and community.

The campaign also celebrates Scion owners as it demonstrates Scions as blank canvases for customization through unique treatments of actual owner vehicles in cinema, cable, print, online and out of home advertising.



'As owners and creativity are core elements of Scion, we wanted to generate an advertising campaign that integrated those aspects in an innovative way,' said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. 'We think the Únited by Individuality campaign will engage our owners as well as show others what the brand is about. I can't wait for owners to be surprised when they see their cars in their favorite magazines, on a billboard or at the movies.'

While over 300 Scions were busy being stars at the photo shoot in the Nevada desert, more than 600 select owners and their guests enjoyed activities that embodied the brand - art, music, racing and tuning. Scion owners also valued meeting each other as the group often converges online, but rarely has the opportunity to meet other owners from across the nation in person.



Scion also partnered with Tokion magazine to create a personalized September cover for subscribers and Scion owners who participated in the Únited event. The custom cover art will feature a Scion vehicle with the subscriber or owner's name printed on it. Inside, the magazine will have several creative executions including a poster shot of the vehicles used for the campaign.

'Word of mouth is so strong for us,' said Hollis. 'Yes, our vehicles are polarizing, but we are confident our Únited by Individuality campaign will spark positive conversation among Scion enthusiasts. Each vehicle in the campaign is so unique, owners will know who a vehicle belongs to or reach out to the Scion community to find out. Our owners are definitely united by individuality and we will continue to support them as they tell us what the brand needs to be.'

Scion continues to use an unbundled approach for its marketing and advertising efforts, allowing it to work with the best specialized partners in the industry. Scion and its partners were able to create an advertising evolution with this campaign by blending Scion advertising, marketing, owners and product.

'We will maintain our course for adventurous and authentic marketing efforts,' voiced Hollis. 'We're Scion and that's what we do to stand out and engage consumers.'

Source - Scion