’09 Scion xD more than meets the eye

Starting at just over $14,000, the 2009 Scion xD is truly a nice little car.

At first glance, drivers likely wouldn’t think much of the economy car. With its boxy exterior and minimum style, the xD simply isn’t much to scream about.

But after stepping inside this subcompact hatchback, drivers will likely notice its comfortable interior and impressive options — at least impressive when considering the car starts at $14,650.

Scion knows its audience — and that audience is a younger, hipper crowd.

While customers looking into a Scion xD are not looking to spend a lot of money, they want to get the best bang for their buck in specific areas — such as audio.

The four-door comes standard with a Pioneer 160-watt six-speaker stereo with single-CD/MP3 player. Back to the point of knowing its audience, Scion was careful to include an auxiliary MP3 jack and iPod port so that younger drivers never have to be disconnected from their natural extension — portable music collections.

The xD surprised this reporter with its peppy 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 128 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. This engine produced more than adequate power for its class.

And drivers looking for an economy car can be comforted in knowing that they’ll be sticking to a practical gas budget with the xD. The hatchback gets 26 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

The xD is certainly not a roomy vehicle, but when you’re a Generation-Y consumer looking for economy, room is not likely the top priority.

What might be a top priority is riding in style. As with all Scion’s, the xD has a long list of optional equipment and features to “pimp” your ride. The list includes a rear spoiler, LED taillights, multiple alloy wheels, a plethora of shift knobs, interior mood lighting, and a silver-leather-wrapped steering wheel, to name a few. An integrated navigation system is also available.

Back to the standard equipment, the xD comes with air-conditioning, cruise control and 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, to name a few. 

For the consumer looking for economy competitors — or just comparables — check out the Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Accent and Honda Fit.

2009 Scion xD

STARTING PRICE: $14,650

TRANSMISSION: Five-speed manual; Four-speed automatic

GAS MILEAGE PER GALLON: 26 city, 32 highway

WHO IS THIS FOR: Either your first car or someone looking for an inexpensive commuter car.

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