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With a sleekly sloping roofline, the xA four-door subcompact hatchback continues for 2006 with a minor makeover that includes new upper and lower front grilles, a redesigned front bumper, color-keyed rocker panels and rear bumper, new headlamps and taillamps, and side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Inside, there's revised seat fabric, the center-mounted speedometer is graced with a silver background, and a new steering wheel features integrated audio controls. Power comes from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that employs Toyota's Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system, and generates 108-horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard and a four-speed automatic is optional. Standard equipment is generous for a car in its price range; for 2006, the standard AM/FM/CD stereo is revised and the optional Pioneer premium system offers an optional iPod adapter, offering music navigation, power and display through the head unit. Though side-impact airbags are the only available factory option, no less than 40 dealer-installed accessories - from custom wheels to various trim items - are available for buyers to customize the xA to their own specific tastes. Phantom Gray Pearl and Black Cherry Pearl are added to the color palette for 2006.

For whatever reason, the unashamedly boxy xB is Scion's best-selling vehicle, and remains a hot and hip urban alternative to both small sport-utility vehicles and sport wagons. It sits fairly low to the ground and carries ground effects and a low front-end skirt with wide air intake to dress-up its otherwise rectangular styling. The xB affords a generous 21.2 cu. ft. of cargo stowage for carrying bikes and other active-gear. The car comes powered by a too-small 108-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and is fitted to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The xB comes fully equipped with power anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, front-side airbags, traction- and stability control, air conditioning, rear defogger, tilt steering column, power locks and mirrors, and keyless entry. For 2006, the standard AM/FM/CD stereo is revised and the optional Pioneer premium system offers an optional iPod adapter, offering remote music navigation, power supply, and display through the head unit. While no factory options are offered, nearly 40 dealer-installed accessories, ranging from large alloy wheels with low-profile tires to a neon-lighted cupholder, are offered.

Scion's sleek-looking sports coupe, the tC, debuted last year as the most powerful Scion offered, coming powered by the all-aluminum, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that's otherwise found in the Toyota Camry. Here, it generates 160 horsepower and can be mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. For added muscle, a, supercharger can be dealer-installed that boosts the car's output to nearly 200-horsepower. A four-wheel, fully independent suspension with a double-wishbone rear setup and 17-inch alloy wheels and Z-rated performance tires promise crisp handling. Four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and a driver's knee airbag come standard. While front-side and side-curtain airbags are the tC's only available factory options, as with the other models in Scion's line, buyers can accessorize the coupe from an eclectic list of dealer-installed items.