New low-cost hybrid coming from Scion?
click on above image to view high-res gallery of the 2008 Scion xB
With Honda's imminent release of a hybrid model rumored to start around $18,500 and therefore undercutting the price of the Toyota Prius, a hybrid model from Toyota's entry-level Scion brand could be in the offing. It would make some sense, considering that Scion's sales spiked when gas prices hit the $4.00 a gallon mark before falling again. What's more, overall web site hits for the Scion brand are way down compared to its heyday just a few years back. Part of the problem is that young buyers, the original core market for the entire Scion brand, are looking elsewhere.
Jack Hollis, Scion's vice president, says, "A fourth product is essential. It could be an SUV. It could be a hybrid. We want a fourth product that buyers of the other three Scions don't like.". A fuel-efficient hybrid could fit that bill and give Toyota something which would complete directly with Honda's upcoming hybrid on level ground.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
tankd0g 2:54PM (8/06/2008)
Overall web hits of "Scion" are down because there hasn't been a Matrix movie in the last few years :)
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roz 1:35PM (8/06/2008)
I don't get why they don't make a hybrid TC that actually got good mileage. It would be nice to have more options for high efficiency hybrids beyond the Camry and Prius. A hybrid for single people is what I mean.
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frank78 1:32PM (8/06/2008)
If they want to build something people who own their 3 current products don't like, they'll have to go with something more sedate. Personally, I think they should put out something like their Fuse concept vehicle. Make it a hybrid and fugedaboudit. I have a Scion currently. I like it a lot, but unless Scion comes out with a hybrid, I'll be looking elsewhere at brands that do have hybrids or at least diesels.
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Brad 6:43AM (8/09/2008)
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Gulags 1:55PM (8/06/2008)
I know that the Scion brand is supposed to be about "hip, young, urban" and yet that's exactly their problem. They killed the xA, which by all accounts is an excellent little 3-door, because marketing was horrified that most of the purchases were being made by Boomers.
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paulwesterberg 2:27PM (8/06/2008)
scion xb is about the most un-aerodynamic car there is.
It will never get as good gas mileage as a property designed, wind tunnel tested car.
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Nick 3:36PM (8/06/2008)
A Scion SUV? Are they committing suicide?
SUVs are the uncoolest type of vehicle by far, right now!
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stevefazek 6:50PM (8/06/2008)
Wow a car line whose products are built from a relic known as the echo which was designed 10 years ago amazing.
The TC is a great car the others blow
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toxshox 8:09PM (8/06/2008)
stevefazek,
Your talking about the 2006 and earler models being based off of the echo platform. fyi, that wasn't a bad platform. I regularly get 42mpg in town with my xA. The ride and handling are right up there with a go cart, but way less harsh. The xD and updated xB are based off the Toyota Yaris and 2gen Vitz platform.
Before you get all uppity, I know what good handling is like. I am a former owner of a heavily modded Subie WRX that I regularly autocrossed. The xA has more body roll, but it is more balanced and can take corners at roughly the same speeds if not a little faster. It could be made much faster with proper tires, larger rear anti-sway bar, and frame braces. In the end it gets better mileage than a WRX and is still fun to race.
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blraftery 9:29AM (8/09/2008)
I'd like to see a hybrid CR-V
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