The xD is a five-door hatchback that comes with either a 5-speed manual transmission ($14,900) or a 4-speed automatic transmission ($15,600), which we tested. The only engine is a 128-horsepower, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder that was surprisingly responsive. Ride, handling and cabin noise are all at least acceptable, but the big selling point of the xD is fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 33 mpg/highway and 27 mpg/city.
A rear seat that splits and folds, slides fore and aft and reclines is a definite plus. With the seats down, cargo space is 35.7 cubic feet.
There are a few areas where the xD does come up, ahem, short. The steering column does not telescope, which by itself wouldn’t be a total detriment except that it seems to be especially stubby. With my nearly 6-3 frame requiring the seat to be pushed back a fair distance, the result was having to lock the elbows to reach the wheel. Along the same lines, there is no seat height adjustment. And a minor detail is that the front center armrest is a $155 option.
Costs certainly don’t get out of hand, however. Just as the Scion xD fits into tight parking spaces, it can fit into most budgets.
David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Read this review and others like it at DaytonDailyNews.com/Wheels.
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