Back in 2004
The car that became the original 2004 Scion xB was never designed to American tastes. It was purely a product of Japan, where space is at a premium and styles, at least to American eyes, run from cutesy to what-in-god's-name. But this box is built for America, and there is currently no version of the new xB in the Japanese market.
At 167.3 inches, the '08 xB is longer by exactly a foot than the outgoing model. The new version is 3 inches wider than the old one. It rides on a wheelbase that's 4 inches longer. Its 16-valve, DOHC, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is the same that powers the Scion tC and the base-model Toyota Camry, and its increased displacement helps produce a maximum output of 158 horsepower, some 55 hp more than the previous motor.
If you looked only at the specifications, you'd think that the 2008 xB and Chrysler PT Cruiser were essentially the same car — a comparison that will surely make the Scion faithful cringe. But if you strip away the guerrilla-marketing programs and the thumping, bass-heavy music that always seems to accompany Scion events, the xB and the PT serve exactly the same purpose.Of course, judging by the photographs of the Scion nation that we've seen, all xB owners flash mock gang signs at the camera whenever a picture is taken of them. We don't recall PT Cruiser owners doing any such thing.
Edmunds.com search query
I think PT Cruiser owners wouldn't agree to this.
Colby
Kingkole02
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Tuesday, February 26, 2008
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1 comment:
PT Cruiser and Scion XB are marketed at decidedly different groups....
The "core" PT Cruiser customer is presumed to be older (usually at least 30-something) and more mainstream in thinking....
The "core" Xb customer is viewed to be younger (20-somethings) and a bit more... edgy ... in their thoughts....
On the simple basis of specs, yes, the PT and the Xb both compete with each other - but not for their "core" audience... They compete with each other for the buyer that is just looking for a vehicle a little out of the norm, small in size, big in abilities and with decent performance and economy....
This "non-core" audience buys the PT or the Xb to commute back and forth to work - I see dozens of each model every day on My 20 miles each way commute in LA - with a bit of non-bland style....
The CORE audience is buying into the possibilities the vehicles offer - the aftermarket enhancements, the groups and supporters, the mods that can be done.... they are looking to personalize the PT or the Xb to suit their own needs and desires and wants....
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