Interested in buying a Scion xB? Wait a couple of weeks and you can get a restyled 2011 model for not too much more than you’d pay for a 2010.
It’s still boxy, but the new look should appeal more to young drivers. “Overall, the exterior changes give the econobox a more aggressive appearance – a good thing, since the second-generation xB wasn't appealing to the young, hipster crowd nearly as much as the automaker would have hoped,” explains Autoblog.
Don’t, however, expect any revolutionary changes. Cars.com says: “The most notable change is the jutting front bumper, which is similar to the original model’s chinlike protrusion. The headlights, taillights and front and rear bumpers also get restyled. Besides that chin, most of the changes are subtle.”
Inside, the changes are also slight. “The cabin also receives a small amount of freshening, beginning with new front seats with larger bolsters,” reports Car and Driver. “Those buckets, along with the rear seats, will be clothed in a new ‘geometric pattern’ fabric that makes us think of waiting-room chairs at a doctor’s office. A new sliding armrest has been added to the center console for increased driver comfort, but is overshadowed in its awesomeness by the new and much-needed telescoping function for the steering column.”
The 2011 xB will feature the same 158-horspower, 2.4-liter four cylinder engine as this year’s model. It will hit dealer lots later this month with a starting price of $1,600 -- just $150 more than you’d pay for a 2010.
If you're in the market for a new car, check out the U.S. News rankings of this year's best cars as well as this month's best car deals.
