Friday Fleet Notes: 3.28.08

This week our staff takes a look at the Audi R8, Scion xB, Pontiac G8 and Hyundai Veracruz. Check out what our reviewers and editors had to say, then get the full picture with our expert reviews.

2008 Audi R8

• This is the best cure for a bad day since ice cream. You’d have to be pretty far gone (or hate cars) to drive this and not feel better when you were done. The only complaint I had was that the clutch travel was quite long and my foot slipped around on the pedal face a couple of times. My shoes did have some snow on them, but it was a bit disconcerting. The brakes were the best I’ve driven: Right there, easy to modulate and confidence-inspiring. Overall, the R8 makes you smile. Just the right amount of engine noise comes into the cabin, the steering weight is just right (heavy, but not obtrusively so) and it looks really good. - William Jackson, Buying Guides editor, Weekend Athlete

2008 New York Auto Show: Scion Hako Coupe Concept

• Looks like: A modern-day '32 Ford coupe
• Defining characteristics: Boxy shape, vertical windshield, wraparound side windows 
• Ridiculous features: Video screens galore in the cabin
• Chance of being mass-produced: This is the brand that brought the xB to the U.S., so a boxy coupe isn't out of the question

Scion says its Hako Coupe concept was inspired by its xB, and it isn't hard to see similarities between the boxy wagon and this concept. Both models have a vertical grille, and the Hako Coupe goes even further with a completely vertical windshield. The concept's short side windows wrap around the rear end, and the greenhouse is topped by a roof that looks a bit like a toupee.

"We love that slammed, sinister look," said Jack Hollis, Scion’s vice president.

Look inside the concept and you might think the brand put in some mismatched seats, but the use of an orange driver's seat and a black passenger seat is intentional and intended to separate those areas of the cabin. Numerous video screens are sprinkled around the cabin — there are two in the dashboard for the entertainment system and four more in the doors and the rear of the cabin — and the driver can use exterior cameras to record passing scenery, providing a visual record of a trip.

The Hako Coupe is one unusual-looking concept car, but it sure does stand out from the crowd, and that's not easy to do these days. Somehow, someway, I find myself drawn to the look; let us know what you think of it in the comments, and check out the gallery below.

Scion Hako Concept Set for New York Debut

Scion has released this teaser image of its Hako coupe concept, which it will fully unveil at the New York auto show later this month. It's not much, but the photo does give a sense of what some of the car's lines might be. To find out how accurate the mental picture you form of this vehicle is, check back March 19 to see the entire car.

2008 Scion tC RS 4.0 Announced

For most cars debuting at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, we’ll throw up a big headline with the show name and year, but the Scion tC RS 4.0 is simply a special edition trim of the already-popular coupe. As the number suggests, this is the fourth Release Series for the tC. Unlike other tCs, it features a subdued Galactic Gray Mica paint job, which will be limited to the 2,300 run of the 4.0 starting in March.

Other differences between it and a standard tC include a body kit, two-tone gray and black Alcantara seats, a leather steering wheel, a custom shift knob and badging with each car's limited number on it.

The cost of the package is $2,770 over the MSRP of $17,000 for the manual transmission tC and $17,800 for the automatic. A matching spoiler is another $285, not including installation, and none of the prices include the $620 destination charge.

Usually these packages aren’t really worth the money, but a body kit and Alcantara seats would probably set a customizer back a similar amount.

Scion xB 5.0 Special Edition Coming in February

There are a lot of big events coming in February. The Super Bowl, Super Tuesday, the Academy Awards. Now, Scion’s also picked the month of St. Valentine to put its latest special edition on sale, the Scion xB 5.0. The limited edition has a body kit, special wheel covers — no, not special wheels — and a moonroof. It comes in only one color, Gold Rush Mica, and the color theme continues on the interior. The price for all this specialness is $2,470 over the base xB price of $15,650 for a manual transmission and $16,600 for the automatic. A special spoiler is an additional $320. Only 2,500 of the 5.0s will be produced, but we’re not sure it’s worth the price over what is a pretty well-equipped base model.

Reader Review of the Week: 2008 Scion xB

When we search all the new consumer reviews that come into Cars.com looking for our weekly nod at the best reader-generated comments, we’re looking for something to grab us. A BMW X3 lessee moving to a Scion xB — fully knowing the differences — and talking about his or her new ride certainly stood out this week. Phillipe from Boston, Mass., puts it all out there for us, and teaches us that fully tricking out an xB can cost you $23,000.

Weekend Athlete: 2008 Scion xD

Oh, the poor Scion xD. I took it for a test because two co-workers (who don't ride bikes) guilt-tripped me by saying it would "totally" hold my athlete stuff and I should "totally" drive it. Sadly, it does not measure up.

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Scion xD

Kelsey Mays turns in an interesting look at this example of “basic transportation” in a not-so-basic shell. There’s no pulling punches on who won’t be buying the car — people with lots of friends and stuff — but there is plenty of insight on what the xD does, right along with a video that shows the car’s numerous features.

2008 Scion xD Expert Review

MyFace Generation Takes on Scion xD

There’s no denying Scion markets its cars toward the younger crowd. You don’t see Lexus making ads that feature little gremlin deviants eating sheep people, do you? Being part of the younger MySpace/Facebook crowd — and scooting around in the car for a weekend — I found the compact xD to be extremely versatile and enjoyable, but I never got used to its funky styling.

The xD could have easily carried all my college gear back and forth from the dorm with its rear seats folded down, although that time is behind me. The average mpg display read 35-plus after a weekend of cruising around suburbia, which surprised me considering its 2008 highway mileage is only rated at 33 mpg. That means a daily commute to work wouldn’t be that costly.

What's In a Brand Name?

Would Lindsay Lohan be more popular if she changed her name to Oprah? Or would things be even worse if she opted to go by Osama, instead?

Just how important is a name in obtaining acceptance and avoiding failure?

According to a new study by CNW Marketing Research, a name is vital, and to prove the point, CNW did some moniker-switching to learn whether consumers held a vehicle in high or low regard based on its brand name.

It held a variety of consumer clinics using the Chevy Cobalt and Scion xB as examples. In addition to showing the cars with their true names, it switched badges to see what, if any effect, brands had on consumer perceptions about quality and reliability and if the name had any impact on whether they held the car in high or low esteem.

The conclusion: name matters.

Scion Prices New xD at $14,550

Scion’s xA replacement has a strange ad campaign and an interesting price. Starting at $14,550, not including a $620 destination charge, the xD is more expensive than competitors like the Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent and Toyota Yaris. Adding an automatic transmission brings the price of the xD to $15,350. There is only one trim level.

The funky-looking xD does come with a lot of standard equipment, though, including four-wheel antilock brakes, front-seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags and active headrests for the driver and front passenger. New 2008 EPA fuel economy ratings are 27/33 mpg city/highway for the manual-transmission model and 26/32 for the automatic. The xD goes on sale in August.

Related
First Drive: 2008 Scion xD (KickingTires)
2007 Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Scion xD (KickingTires)

Cars.com Reviews 2008 Scion xB

The Weekend Athlete has gotten his bike-greased hands on it, our video staff has put it through the YouTube wringer and now Cars.com has the full expert review of the all-new 2008 Scion xB. The boxy exterior has been smoothed out and the inside beefed up, and reviewer Mike Hanley even likes the new digital speedometer, despite its center-mounted position.

2008 Scion xB Expert Review (Cars.com)

Related
Weekend Athlete: 2008 Scion xB (KickingTires)
Cars.com Video: 2008 Scion xB (KickingTires)
First Drive: 2008 Scion xB (KickingTires)

Cars.com Video: 2008 Scion xB

Almost all of us enjoyed the Scion xB’s stay in the Cars.com fleet recently. Our full review will be up shortly, but in the meantime check out Senior Editor Joe Wiesenfelder’s walkthrough of the significantly redesigned model. iPod fans will be happy to know there is both a standard auxiliary jack and an iPod-specific plug that allows the device to be controlled through the car stereo, including steering-wheel controls.

Related
Cars.com Videos (YouTube)
Scion xB News (KickingTires)

Weekend Athlete: 2008 Scion xB

An Ironman triathlete I know has the previous-generation xB, so I was excited to see how the redesigned 2008 xB did with my non-Ironman triathlon gear and camping stuff. Verdict: It's pretty darn good.

The xB ties the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid from last week’s test. Its seats are easier to fold, and the cargo area is close to the same size despite the fact that the car itself is tiny.

While the xB carries the camping and racing stuff OK, it did remind me of my old studio apartment: Everything had its place, but you couldn't bring anything new into the mix without it feeling cluttered. There's just not a lot of extra space in the cargo area or driver/passenger compartment once you're loaded up. It'd be a fine two-person camping car, and maybe a third could tag along, but four would be too much.

First Drive: 2008 Scion xD

I got a little worried when I learned the new Scion xD shares its platform with the subcompact Toyota Yaris, a car purely about point-to-point transportation that's not the least bit entertaining to drive. After a brief drive in Scion's four-door hatchback, which goes on sale in August, I can safely say the new xD has a much more engaging personality than the Yaris, and it should definitely be on your list if you're shopping for a small car.

First Drive: 2008 Scion xB

Scion's probably not going to want to hear this, what with its obsessive drive to gain the hearts and minds of this country's youth, but the lasting image I have of the xB is of a gray-haired woman in my neighborhood who drives one, complete with a sticker on its side touting AEM performance parts. Doesn't quite align with the image Scion wants, does it? No matter, because here at KickingTires we think that if a car fits your needs, it doesn't matter if you're 17 or 70 years old.

The redesigned 2008 xB, which is on sale now and has a starting price of $15,650, is the second generation of Scion's successful mini-box first introduced for the 2004 model year. The new xB remains as distinctive as its predecessor, even though the edges have been rounded a bit here and there. It rides on an all-new platform, is 12 inches longer than before and features a more powerful four-cylinder engine borrowed from the company's tC sports coupe. Scion lent me the keys to the new xB for a brief drive recently, and I came away impressed with its overall execution and pleasantly surprised by its fun-to-drive nature. A full Cars.com review will be forthcoming, but here are some initial impressions.

2008 Scion tC Gets Price Bump

The 2008 Scion tC gets a few new features, at a cost. Buyers will pay an additional $600 for the new tC — $17,000 for the manual version and $17,800 for the automatic. The price increase is due to new standard equipment, including a Pioneer subwoofer and iPod connector.

Other changes include a different front grille, new headlights and taillights, and new interior finishes.

There’s also a tC Spec Package that doesn’t have as many standard features and costs $15,300 for the manual and $16,100 for the automatic. None of the prices include destination and handling charges. The 2008 tC will be available next month.

Related
2008 Scion tC Gets Standard iPod Integration, New Grille (KickingTires)
More Scion News (KickingTires)

New 2008 Scion xB Pricing Announced

Following up on its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February, the new Scion xB got its price tag today while the world was watching things in New York City. The base xB with a five-speed manual transmission will start at $15,650, a significant $1,620 over the outgoing model. The xB with an automatic transmission will start at $16,600, a bump of $1,770.

The price increase seems warranted, as the engine is significantly more powerful and the xB now comes with standard stability control, antilock brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system, front side airbags and two-row side curtain airbags. Cruise control and 16-inch wheels are also standard. 

We also learned the xB will arrive at dealerships in early May, not April, as Scion originally stated.

Related:
2007 Chicago Auto Show: Scion xB and xD Video
2007 Chicago Auto Show: More on the 2008 Scion xB, Arriving in April

2007 Chicago Auto Show: Scion xB and xD Video

Last week, Cars.com Senior Editor Joe Wiesenfelder spent some up-close-and-personal time with the all-new Scion xB and xD subcompacts, and we got it all on film. Well, digital film anyway, and the video is now live on our Chicago Auto Show page. Go check it out and see how much legroom that xB really has.

Related:
Five Axis Dresses the xB and xD
2007 Chicago Auto Show: More on the 2008 Scion xD, Arriving in August
2007 Chicago Auto Show: More on the 2008 Scion xB, Arriving in April

Five Axis Dresses the xB and xD

As fast as you could say “xB and xD,” Scion wheeled out aftermarket versions of its latest crop of compact cars. The automaker gave an xB and xD to California-based Five Axis, the brains behind Scion’s Fuse concept from last year’s New York Auto Show. The cars came back spruced up with enough aftermarket gear to earn them background spots on “4Fast 4Furious: Seoul Food.” (We’re kidding on that, we hope.)

On the xB, there’s enough go to match the show. A supercharger and a cold-air intake system from Toyota’s TRD performance wing boosts power from 158 hp to around 200 hp. A new suspension lowers the car 2 inches, and six-spoke 19-inch wheels wear Yokohama tires. A wraparound body kit is there because, well, every tuner car needs a body kit.

2008 Scion tC Gets Standard iPod Integration, New Grille

The tC coupe doesn’t get the radical redesign that the 2008 xB did, but it does get a few touches to keep the 2008 model fresh when it arrives this summer. A new black grille with varying sizes of circles, like those on the new xB and xD, has been added, along with new headlight and taillight treatments that resemble the tC’s new family members.

The inside remains pretty much the same, with iPod integration now a standard feature. This allows iPod owners complete control of their tunes via stereo and steering-wheel controls, and the stereo head unit displays track names and artist information. The seat fabric has been upgraded, and there are more silver-accented touches on the doors and center stack.

Surprisingly, two popular colors — Azure Pearl and Black Cherry Mica — have been replaced in 2008 by Crimson Mica and Wave Line Pearl.

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: 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.

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

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

News about the Chicago Auto Show is flying fast and furious now. Scion, Toyota’s hip offshoot, will debut a redesigned version of its popular xB and the all-new xD — which replaces the outgoing and not-so-popular xA — in Chicago next month. This is huge news for the Chicago show, and we should be hearing more about other debuts as we get closer to the media preview days of Feb 7 and 8.

If you can’t make it to Chicago and enjoy the virtual game Second Life, the company will also be holding a virtual press conference in that game environment simultaneously to the in-the-flesh event we’ll be attending. Ah, the digital age. 

Scion tC Series 3.0 Gets Spotlight in Detroit

Scion has released special editions of all its cars before, but none have been as radical as the new tC Series 3.0. The most striking element is the huge body kit on the front that lowers the car’s stance. The Scion emblem has been removed from the grille — heresy in the automotive world. Scion will produce 2,500 of the limited edition, costing $2,580 over the base $16,400 price when it hits dealers in February.

Included in the package are suede-like two-tone Alcantara seats, a 160-watt Pioneer sound system with subwoofer, LED taillights and more. We’ll see it in person in Detroit, but what we’re really waiting to see are the new Scion models that will be on display there.

Related:
Detroit Auto Show Update: Ford Interceptor, Jaguar Concept, New Scions

New Crop of Subcompacts Crash-Tested: Nissan Versa Wins, Most Others Lose

Today, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released its first study of the new crop of “mini cars” like the Chevy Aveo and Toyota Yaris. Its findings are quite damning for many of the models and the organization prefaces the entire study with the fact that overall crashes involving mini cars are twice as likely to result in death compared to midsize and large cars. This surely falls in line with the laws of physics, but it’s still jarring to read.

The IIHS tested six new mini cars and the Nissan Versa — somewhat larger but often considered in shopping comparisons, including Cars.com’s. Only the larger Versa received the IIHS’s highest ratings in all three crash tests. Two other cars — the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit with optional and standard side airbags respectively —  received the top grade of good in front and side crash tests, with the Yaris rating a marginal score and the Fit a poor score in the rear crash test ratings. The Yaris without optional side airbags — a $650 option — received the worst side impact rating of poor.

Detroit Auto Show Update: Ford Interceptor, Jaguar Concept, New Scions

While most of us would like to take it easy this holiday season, the automakers will have none of it. They’re gearing up for the most important industry event of the year, the Detroit auto show. Publications everywhere are gathering every tidbit they can on what we can expect to see in a few weeks. We’re still trying to figure out who gets to ride with Wiesenfelder to Detroit, but there’s still time to pre-cap the anticipated revelations.

• Ford vehemently denied rumors that there would be a four-door version of the next generation Mustang, but at the same time they admitted there would be a sedan concept in Detroit based on the Mustang, just not called Mustang. We’re still unsure if it will be based on the current Mustang’s somewhat aging underpinnings or some new architecture. The name? The Interceptor. I guess the F naming convention is really over — think Fusion, Focus, Freestyle etc. Update: Check out the Interceptor here.
  
• Jaguar revealed a teaser image of the concept they’ll debut in Detroit, shown here. All we know is it is a four-door sedan. That means it could either be the anticipated S-Type replacement the XF or a new take on the iconic XJ. We’re betting on the XF. Update: Check out the C-XF Concept here.
  
• Scion held an event for current owners in Miami where it showed off the next generation xB and the all-new xD. The xD replaces the xA compact car which was greatly overshadowed by the boxy xB. Both will be revealed to the public in Detroit and go on sale in mid-2007.

Related:
Detroit Auto Show Update: Mazda Tribute and Two Nissan Debuts
Detroit Auto Show Update: Mazda and Lincoln Concepts

Scion Holds Back Production, Sales to Stay Hip

Scion has had a meteoric rise since it debuted in the U.S. a few years ago. With only three models for sale, the Toyota-owned brand will beat its projected goal of 150,000 cars sold in 2006. Most automakers would look at that success, drool and ramp up production. Not Scion.

The company says it will stem production next year to stay under that 150,000 mark. Why? Officials want the brand to have an exclusive feel, and think the less people see on the road the more buyers will want them.

Of course, this could all just be a ploy for the press, as two models — the xA and xB — will be retired in the spring and replaced with two new models. Any gaps in those moves could limit sales as well. Either way, Scion sure seems to care more about street cred than any other brand on the market.

[A Way Cool Strategy: Toyota's Scion Plans to Sell Fewer Cars, The Wall Street Journal]

Related:
Scion Unveils xB Release Series 4.0
Scion xA and xB to be Replaced in Spring 2007

Toyota Recalls 30,000 Scion tCs

Airbags in 30,000 2005 and 2006 Scion tC coupes can accidentally deploy, according to a Toyota recall announced today. The company has received reports of 17 incidents where the seat-mounted and side curtain airbags deployed when the door was slammed too hard while the ignition was on or up to 90 seconds after the ignition was turned off. Faulty sensors are to blame, and Scion dealers will replace them at no charge. Luckily, there have been no accidents or injuries related to the recall. While only 20% of Scions produced contain the faulty sensors, all tC owners should contact their service department to find out if their vehicle is affected, and Toyota will issue a recall notice in the mail next month.

[Toyota Recalling Some Scion tCs Because of Side Airbags, Chicago Tribune]

Scion Unveils xB Release Series 4.0

Scion's string of special-edition cars – dubbed the Release Series – finishes 2006 with the Release Series 4.0, a metallic copper-bronze rendition of its 2006 xB wagon. OK, Scion calls the paint job Maziora Torched Penny, but judging by the photos, this xB would do Goldmember proud. Maziora, a line of paint produced by Japan-based Nippon Paint Co., purportedly changes hue depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions. We'll have to see it to believe it.

Other editions to the Release Series 4.0 include color-keyed taillights, a custom grille and a rear bumper protector. Release Series wheel covers are also included, but lots of owners will likely swap them for aftermarket rims. Inside, new floor mats and a multi-color dash light differentiate the car from milder xB's.

Scion will build just 2,500 editions, priced about $2,000 over the $14,000 xB. Manual and automatic transmissions are available.

[Source: Toyota]

Scion xA and xB to be Replaced in Spring 2007

The two models that started it all for Toyota's hip Scion brand in 2004 will be no more come springtime. Keeping to its word when it launched, Scion doesn’t want to redesign existing models, as traditional automakers do. Instead, expect two new models that could look drastically different from either the xA or xB. We’d guess a production version of last year’s t2B concept is a lock, while we can’t guess on what the xA replacement will be. It’s a safe bet that one or both of the new vehicles will debut at the Los Angeles auto show in late November. Both new cars will be 2008 models.

This leaves shoppers about six months to pick up a new xA or xB. The boxy xB has been selling almost twice as well as the xA and has a rabid following that crosses age ranges because of its wild styling and affordable price.

Click below for a look at the t2B concept.