Toyota’s Scion xB, the very hip and square looking vehicle with a “love-it-or-hate-it” style has been completely redesigned for 2008, just four years since it was first introduced in California. Toyota stopped Scion production in December 2006 and just resumed xB production this March. There was no 2007 Scion model.

The Scion xA is out of production, and has been discontinued, to be replaced by an all-new xD in August. The Scion tC two-door coupe remains unchanged.

With an average owner age of 30 for all three Scion models (the xB buyer is 38 to 40), Scion is Toyota’s plan to grow their own future market. During their car-ownership lifetime, Toyota hopes that drivers will start with Scion, then move their way up to Toyota and eventually Lexus. “Still too soon to tell if it’s working,” says Scion corporate manager Steve Haag, who is a bit disappointed that the average Scion buyer isn’t in his or her 20s.

But the folks at Toyota are encouraged that 80 percent of those who purchased a Scion are new to the Toyota brand. Toyota expects to sell about 200,000 Scions for 2008, up from 175,000 this year. That’s more than many Buick, Cadillac or Mercury brands that have been around for decades.

The first generation boxy xB created a cult-like following, with owners passionately loyal to their set of wheels. So much so that resale values continue to hover close to the original new car price.

The new xB is bigger: a foot longer, three inches wider, with a four inch longer wheelbase, 35 percent roomier interior. “No one in the automotive industry is as hard-wire-connected to its owners as is Scion,” said Haag. “Our owners told us they still wanted a box, but a bigger box.”

The sharp edges have been rounded off and there’s an optional rear spoiler above the rear window. Gone is the protruding front bumper lip in favor of an almost flush bumper with a thin black grille flanked by swept back headlamps that bulge at the sides. 

Side and rear glass is tinted and the C-pillar that’s located at the back of the car is extra wide, causing some rear view difficulties. The B-pillar is hidden between the doors.  Wheel arches are blistered, and there’s a standard wiper on the rear glass and a single backup light on the driver’s side bumper.

If you’ve never been inside an xB you’ll to be surprised at the huge amount of room, about the same as in a mid-sized Camry. Surprisingly, there’s less front legroom in the new model but it is still ample, even for this too-tall driver. Seating position affords a commanding view of the road, but it takes some time to get used the upright windshield, which seems quite a distance from the driver.

Gauges are set in the middle of the horizontal dash, so there is nothing directly in front of the driver. It looks weird but the four orange-lit gauge windows provide information including the time, outside temperature, fuel economy and range. The shift lever is mounted on an extension from the dash center stack at a 45-degree angle. All interiors, regardless of exterior color, are charcoal cloth fabric.

We liked the overall look but there seems to be too much hard plastic material.

Front seats recline almost flat, are comfortable and well cushioned. The rear seat will accommodate three kids or two adults comfortably, is split 60/40 and folds flat with an easy pull of a lever. There’s even a shelf under the rear seats for storing or hiding flat packages or objects. But because it’s made out of hard plastic, things tend to slide around noisily.

Owners also said they wanted a bigger engine, so Scion replaced the 1.5-liter, 103-horspower with the tC’s 2.4-liter, 158-horsepower four-cylinder.

It isn’t going to perform like a sports car but the boost gives the xB plenty of power. Acceleration is excellent, smooth and steady, easily reaching highway speeds when necessary.

We averaged a respectable 25 miles per gallon during our weeklong test. Critics would point out the huge drop in mileage from the previous xB, but we won’t complain given the number of refinements for the new model.

The xB is a blast to drive — fun, agile, with a manual shifter that is silky smooth. Brakes are big, sure and upgraded to all-wheel discs from the rear drum brakes on the former xB. It’s even equipped with anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution for balance, and Brake Assist, which adds more braking than you’ll probably need.

We also were impressed with how quiet the cabin is at highway speeds. Wind noise was at an absolute minimum. Handling was confident and predictable with little body roll on curves and corners.

Standard equipment includes an impressive new air conditioning system, cruise control, 160-watt Pioneer audio system with iPod auxiliary connection, power windows/locks/side mirrors/steering, turn-signal indicators on the side mirrors, halogen headlamps, 16-inch wheels, remote keyless entry, and full wheel covers. The steering wheel comes with redundant audio controls, and tilts but doesn’t telescope. We wish it did.

Safety features include driver and passenger dual-stage airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side-curtain airbags; vehicle stability control, traction control, and a first aid kit.

Our manual shifting test car had a base price of $15,650 and included the optional rear spoiler, floor mats and a navigation system. Of course, Scion has always been about personal customization — there are a million factory and aftermarket add-ons to be had. According to Haag, more than 60 percent of Scion owners opt for some personalization, ranging from mild to wild.

Overall, a terrific car that’s changed pretty much everything but the name. It’s comfortable, agile, fun to drive, loaded with safety stuff and looks unlike anything else on the road.

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