2012 Scion xD

Like the entire Scion line, the xD appeals to those who want just a little more style than other small-car models can provide--but on a very tight budget. And while the xD's competition has really heated up over the past couple of model years with the stylish likes of the Ford Fiesta, the Chevrolet Aveo, and a redesigned Hyundai Accent, among others, the xD delivers a good answer to that need.

There's something tough and aggressive about this small hatchback's design--for one, it rides a bit higher than most, and the wheels (16-inchers, or as large as 18-inch) barely fit into flared wheel arches and stand out as a bit large for the rest of the body. As such, it can even look a little menacing, which its bulldog-like, blunt front end. The spoilered tailgate looks like the back end of a sport shoe, and in all, the xD has a squared-off stance that's the opposite of the svelter European-influenced, last-generation Yaris on which it's based.

Just as the exterior is somewhat blunt and upright, so is the interior. The gauge cluster resembles a clock face, and it's mounted on the steering column and moves as the wheel tilts. The chunky instrument panel is almost like the designs used in some SUVs--an extremely upright wall of hard plastic--while the rest of the interior trims are rather ordinary but a rather incongruous mix of matte and glossy.

The xD is targeted at younger buyers, and has tuner overtures and cues built into its profile and its accessories sheet. Yet the surprising part is that the xD really isn't that entertaining to drive, at least not in stock form.

The powerplant's a 128-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder--which should provide rapid takeoffs and plenty of passing reserves in a car this small and light (the Yaris makes do just find with a smaller engine). That's mostly true with the five-speed manual, but the four-speed automatic's rather wide gaps between gears makes it feel less than responsive out on the highway--and that's also the reason why its gas mileage falls to the back of the subcompact class, at 27/33 mpg, no matter which gearbox you choose.

The interior of the 2012 Scion xD is roomy, but it's not particularly comfortable or quiet.

The front seats are a sore spot: they're supportive enough for short drives, but because their bottom cushions are too short, the seats aren't comfortable for longer trips. It's a common complaint we have with many small cars, but it's very noticeable here. Taller, lankier drivers or those with atypical physiques should also be aware that the xD is one of the few models on the market with a steering wheel that tilts but doesn't telescope. There's better news in back, where the small amount of available room is mitigated by a seat that slides back and forth on a six-inch track, increasing the utility of the hatchback. The seat also splits and folds 60/40, and it reclines 10 degrees, so smaller adults who squeeze in back can probably find a reasonable amount of comfort.

There's not all that much cargo space behind the rear seats, but once they're folded down, the hatchback space opens into a nicely sized cargo hold, accompanied by the xD's numerous cubbyholes and storage bins.

While the xD's upright profile pays off in lots of interior space, wind noise is somewhat higher than other small hatchbacks. Ride quality is quite good though, with a rather soft calibration that should do well on choppy urban surfaces.

The xD was one of the last vehicles in the U.S. market to get standard electronic stability control, but it now has it standard. Otherwise, its performance in crash tests has been good, but not top-notch.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests, the xD achieved just 'acceptable' for frontal impact, with 'good' scores in side and rear impact for previous model years. But for 2012, the model has been retested and now earns top 'good' scores, as well as the Top Safety Pick designation. The xD hasn't at all been rated by the federal government's new NCAP crash-test program and ratings system.

Otherwise, the 2012 xD's set of standard safety features is competitive: anti-lock brakes, side-curtain airbags in the front and rear, front side airbags, and active front headrests.

The Scion business model is set up so that the brand's vehicles are well-equipped at the dealership, but a plethora of dealer-installed options and customization possibilities call out to make these small cars a little more distinctive.

Going just by the features list, there's a surprising amount of standard equipment, from air conditioning to power features to a new Pioneer sound system with HD radio, Bluetooth and a USB port for iPod connectivity. A first-aid kit is included, as are power windows, mirrors, and locks; cruise control; a rear wiper; and a trip computer. 

As with any Scion product, that's just a starting point. Buyers can order from more than 40 dealer-installed upgrades and accessories, as well as hundreds of aftermarket parts. Many dealer add-ons for the 2012 Scion xD are cosmetic enhancements, but they also offer a wide range of TRD performance accessories—including items like quick-shifter kits, larger brakes, shorter springs, or a performance exhaust system.

The 2012 Scion xD simply doesn't return the mileage ratings of other small cars, whether that be in the city or on the highway, with a manual transmission or with the automatic.

Its engine is somewhat larger than other small cars its size, and the higher, less aerodynamic stance probably doesn't help, but the xD's EPA ratings of 27 mpg city, 33 highway aren't much better, if at all, than most mid-size cars.

Granted, they're about on par with other tall, boxy hatchbacks like the Kia Soul or Nissan Cube.