Source : autoblog.com





Toyota officially unveiled the new 2008 Scion xD, its replacement for the xA, today at the Chicago Auto Show. Like the original xA, the xD is built off the platform of the Toyota Yaris. It has a wide aggressive stance with Macpherson struts in the front and a twist beam axle in the rear. Sixteen-inch steel wheels are standard with a choice of three different wheel covers, though the car above looks great with an aftermarket set of rims. The brakes are vented disks in the front, but unfortunately drums are used in the rear.

A few pleasant surprises await inside the car. The rear seats split 60/40 and fold completely flat for a large cargo area. In addition, the rear seats can slide back and forth up to six inches for extra legroom or cargo room, and the rear seatbacks can recline up to ten degrees. Those are features not often found in cars costing much more than a new xD. The interior benefits from a relocation of the gauge pod to its rightful spot behind the steering wheel, while the standard Pioneer 160W audio system has built-in iPod integration so that your iPod can be controlled via the head unit.

xD is equipped with a more powerful engine than the one that propelled the xA. It's a 128-hp, 1.8L four cylinder with variable timing mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

All the xDs come in only one trim level with the only choices being color and gearbox type. The sole factory option is electronic stability control, although an almost limitless supply of dealer-installed and aftermarket options exist.

Video of the xD's introduction and the car in the round can be found after the jump, along with Scion's official press release containing more details of the car.