While the Scion brand may be little known here in Australia, the debut of its restyled Scion xB for 2011 is newsworthy as the latest model to be slotted into the local Toyota line-up.
The updated model will be rebadged as the Toyota Rukus here in Australia and features slightly redesigned headlamps, a honeycomb grille and larger outer vents on the bumper over its predecessor.
At the rear, the reverse lamp has been integrated into the tail lights lamps for a more refined appearance, where previously it sat alone in the rear bumper.
Our US counterparts will be offered the 2011 Scion xB in seven exterior colours including the all-new Army Rock Metallic and Elusive Blue Metallic.
The revised interior offers more comfort and convenience with redesigned seats which offer larger bolsters for greater comfort and stability.
Why would anyone buy this..
Toyota are forward thinkers. Every action taken has a desired end effect and purpose. This market is changing; Toyota would never have considered this car for Australian consumers 10 years ago. So what’s changed? Consumer demands, Environment, Cost of ownership, ease of use, aging population.
It has to be the ugliest plainest looking car besides a transit van but it is functional and it has a Toyota badge on it.
Or is just their tunnel visioned desire to be the global number one volume seller? Look at the record books, if someone comes out with a successful vehicle Toyota will rush out a competitor. MML rebirthed the 3 Door Pajero in aust so Toyota followed without the 3 door Prado (a vehicle that was bought out simply to compete against the Pajero and Jackaroo) even though the 3 door had again proven unfeasible for MML (or did they jut play chess?)
Kia bought out the X/Y Gen targeted soul so Toyota releases Scion.. all the way therough this is all they have ever done. They don’t aways succeed (Aurion, Lexcen, the final MR2) but they have never led a market neither.
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Its the car of the century…last century. Interior from the 80′s, exterior from the 70′s. The only good thing about this POS is the amount of fuel you’ll save if you drive close behind it on the freeway.
I dunno, as a Scion it’s kinda cool (in a nerdy way), but in the transition to a Toyota it’s lost it’s cred.
By the way, what an almighty chin…
its pretty cool actually.
To GohyundI
Four words…
Better than Kia Soul.
How does this look any better then the Soul?
At least in the Soul – KIA have tried to make something boxy into something with a little bit of character… The front looks half aggressive in the soul – this just looks like a tissue box on wheels.
This has been in america way before the kia, who do you think kia copied off? WHAT EVER MARKET THERE IS FOR THIS CAR IN AUSTRALIA TOYOTA WILL OWN IT IN 12 MONTHS!
Scion, whilst popular initially has actually been struggling to achieve profitability in recent times, and I don’t attribute this to the GFC, but simply because this box trend has been a fad and fads die: PT Cruiser anyone?
If Toyota had of brought this to market when they launched Scion they would have probably made some money out of it, but this dog has had its day!
Dont talk to soon Bert….
The Koreans are going to knock on Toyota’s door very soon
Kia Soul has been outselling Toyoya Sicon and Nissan Cube from the first month of its releace.
I’d rather walk to where I wanted to go than to be seen in this….
Why can’t Toyota just release a fast sedan or coupe – any reincarnation of the Supra, MR2 or Aristo would be good.
I’m tired of slow, ugly, fwd crap.
at least it’s a Toyota that provokes thought and opinion. Even if it isn’t all positive.
I think people are being a bit harsh, I mean, I really don’t like this what-so-ever and I can see why other people wouldn’t either. But that doesn’t justify so much negativity. Lighten up, no one is telling you to buy one. :)
The information is very nice.
How much in australia
KM – I think the plain look is deliberate. They aim to provide a blank canvass for people to modify how they want. I don’t think it’s a bad concept at all. Australia is probably a bit too conservative for such a car.
Did somebody say Nimbus…?
This is a perfect car to carry my mountain bike and it’s equipment, if the boot is generous.
Drop it on a set of 20′s and I’ll drive one
Well I guess in terms of styling, it’s the most honest Toyota on the market, – it even looks like white-goods on wheels.
What a pig! Truly Toyota.
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doppelganger is the ghostly double of a living person, a sinister form of bilocation.
i used to draw cars just like that in kindergarten
Wow!
With all the looks and excitement of a commercial van, who wouldn’t want one?
Granted with its hubcap and steelies it looks pretty plain but I actually like this car! The C-pillars gives it a sense of strength, reminds me of the Suzuki Swift (not a bad thing) and the interior is more stylish than many other Toyota variants.
Little things like the cool Civic-like fine blue on black text for the stereo is a nice change from the chunky black on green/white displays such as those used in the Camry which always look like they are designed for 50yo plus rental car users.
Fit it with a nice set of alloys and I’d buy this car.
I think it looks good, once a nice set of rims go on you’d be surprised. This would actually make a really funky looking 4wd, I’d buy it. Although I’d buy the Kia over this only because they offer a diesel model, unlike Toyota’s hybrid rubbish.
will own one. the pictures do not give this car justice. running a 2.4l rav engine is much better than the tiny 1.6l in the soul. te standard features on them are awesome i.e alloys as standard not steels. its different and very very practical. *thumbs up toyota*