2007 Chicago Auto Show: More on the 2008 Scion xD, Arriving in August

Scion is calling the xD an all-new vehicle, but really it’s a logical replacement for the outgoing xA subcompact hatchback. We’re guessing that because the xA never lived up to expectations, a new name was in order. The xD is based on the same platform as the Toyota Yaris, and it looks like it. We wonder if there are enough customers out there for both. 

Like the new xB, the xD has iPod integration standard, and a customized model was also rolled out. We’ll have more on both custom vehicles a bit later, with their exact modifications. For now, check out another batch of xD photos.

2007 Chicago Auto Show: More on the 2008 Scion xB, Arriving in April

News this morning is that the all-new 2008 Scion xB will go on sale this April. No prices have been announced. After seeing it in person, we can say it has a lot of room in the cabin for passengers, but with the rear-seats folded down there doesn’t seem to be as much room as there was on the almost cargo-van-like floor of the past xB because of a high floor height.

Full iPod connectivity also comes standard, with an added auxiliary jack for those who use non-iPod portable players. Scion also brought out a customized version that uses specialized parts that can be ordered at dealerships, including the TRD supercharger available on the tC coupe that adds 25% more hp.

We were impressed. Check out the horde of photos below and tell us what you think.

2007 Chicago Auto Show: Kia Rondo SX Concept

Kia is trying to shed the boring image many people have of the company by making a sporty version of its brand new Rondo crossover. The small hauler is a nifty and innovative vehicle but someone out there may want all that utility, small dimensions matched to a sportier driving feel. Kia answers that call — we’re not sure if there is a call placed but they answer it anyway — with the Rondo SX.

Most noticeably different from the base Rondo are larger front and rear body panels and a metal mesh grille. The headlights are darkened a bit, there are dual exhaust outlets, the roof rails have been removed and the whole thing rides on 18-inch alloy wheels. Slight engine modifications add 10 horsepower bringing the total to 192 hp. The vehicle has also been lowered three inches and larger discs improve braking. You also will find the radically trimmed interior with sport seats hard to miss.

We’re not sure if this concept will become its own trim in the Rondo lineup but the term SX is in line with the current — and more pedestrian — LX and EX models. More photos below. 

2007 Chicago Auto Show: Live Photo Galleries

The first of the two Chicago Auto Show media days has come to a close, and even though the introductions haven’t been as numerous as in Detroit last month, our feet have had enough. While we recharge tonight and prepare for another day, make sure you check out the full reports and live photo galleries on our main Chicago Auto Show page.

• 2008 Dodge Dakota
• 2008 Ford Taurus
• 2008 Ford Taurus X
• 2008 Mercury Sable
• 2008 Saturn Astra
• 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line
• 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line
• 2008 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid

2007 Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Scion xD

We only have a few images of one of the two new Scions that will be introduced tomorrow, but we figured we’d bring you what we have today, along with Kelsey Mays’ full report on the all-new xD — Scion’s replacement for its xA subcompact hatchback.

The xD comes with an improved 128-hp four-cylinder engine that should deliver 30+ mpg in combined driving. It also comes with 16-inch wheels, and six airbags are standard. More to come from the show floor tomorrow.

Honda Fit Wins MotorWeek Best of Year Award

MotorWeek, the long-running PBS show, today announced its 2007 Drivers' Choice Award winners, naming the Honda Fit as the Best Small Car and the overall Best of the Year. MotorWeek, a Cars.com partner, is produced by Maryland Public Television. The Fit marks a repeat win for Honda, whose 2006 Civic won both of these awards last year. None of the 2006 models that won a Drivers' Choice award were honored this year. The winners, listed below, represent a diverse mix of American, Asian and European brands. Cars.com is the exclusive online home of MotorWeek's comprehensive video reviews.

Best of the Year.........Honda Fit

2007 Chicago Auto Show: Volkswagen R32

Only 5,000 VW R32s, the hottest member of the Rabbit family, will go on sale in the U.S. come August. Current GTI and R32 owners are already being contacted about reserving one of the 250-hp V-6, DSG-equipped, all-wheel-drive — with a rear-wheel bias — hatchbacks via a special microsite 5000r32.com.

The R32 has a number of upgrades over the standard Rabbit in addition to its powertrain, including 18-inch wheels, a unique grille, twin chrome exhaust, bi-xenon headlights, sport seats, stability control, antilock brakes and, of course, a rear roof spoiler. More photos below. 

2007 Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Scion xB

Kelsey Mays already wrote his full report of the Scion xB, which is going to roll out officially at the Chicago Auto Show tomorrow. Therefore we only have a few images that Toyota has allowed us to show.

The all-new xB is based on a new small car platform for Toyota and gets a radical redesign. Gone is the upright box, leaving a leaning rhomboid in its place. The lower profile changes the overall look tremendously, but it doesn’t seem much bigger from the outside even though the new car is larger inside and out.

A 158-hp four-cylinder gives the xB a lot more power and puts it on an even playing field with the Honda Element. We’ll have a lot more information and photos tomorrow, including interior shots, but for now check out the newest Scion on the block.

Related:
Scion to Reveal Updated xB and All-New xD in Chicago

2007 Chicago Auto Show: Saturn Astra Interior Up Close

One of the most anticipated introductions today was Saturn’s new Astra compact two-door and four-door hatchbacks. I got to spend some up-close time with the Astra and came away even more impressed than I was when we first ran the press photos on Monday.

2007 Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Ford Taurus X

Formerly known as the Freestyle, Ford has renamed its redesigned large crossover the Taurus X. We think the name is lame, but the Freestyle has been due for a redesign since almost the day it debuted. When the Taurus X arrives at dealerships in late summer, it will feature Ford’s new 3.5-liter V-6 engine rated at 260 hp and matched to a six-speed automatic. 

This is a considerable upgrade from the previous Freestyle’s anemic 203-hp V-6, which was mated to a frustrating CVT automatic transmission. There will also be an Eddie Bauer edition offered for the first time, and the Taurus X also features easy-­to-maneuver second-row seats. We’ll have more on the Taurus X later today, but for now there are more photos to peruse below.

Related:
2007 Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Ford Taurus
Ford May Rename Five Hundred ... Taurus