EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: Cherry Red 2005 Scion xA

2005 Scion xA, Cherry, Hatchback, 98265 mi, $8,900 http://bit.ly/KYbIl8 Subcompact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 27/35

SPECS / FEATURES:
AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Scion-xA-2005/specs/

MSN Autos: http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance

Yahoo! Autos: http://autos.yahoo.com/scion/xa/2005/5-door-hatch-back/features.html

VIRTUAL TOUR:
Yahoo! Autos: http://autos.yahoo.com/scion/xa/2005/5-door-hatch-back/virtual-tour.html

AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Scion-xA-2005/photos/

EXPERT REVIEWS:
Autoblog: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Scion-xA-2005/expert-review/

NewCarTestDrive: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Scion-xA-2005/expert-review/

OVERVIEW: “Built like a Toyota (because it is one), the Scion xA offers solid construction, quiet operation, comfortable accommodations and low maintenance costs.

Unlike the Scion xB and tC, the xA doesn't set the world on fire with its styling, but it comes well-equipped with convenience and safety features. It's comfortable in the front seats…and it offers decent cargo space.”

FEATURES: “Scion xA is powered by a 1.5-liter 16-valve four-cylinder…The list of standard features is surprisingly long for a car in this price class: antilock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (which boosts braking pressure in emergency situations); air conditioning; power windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; tilt steering wheel; tachometer and trip meter; 60/40 split folding rear seat; cargo area cover; and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD Pioneer sound system that reads MP3 files and is satellite radio-ready.”

INTERIOR: “For a car as affordable as the xA, the quality of the interior and its assembly are noteworthy. No, it's not luxurious, but neither is it cheap. Broad expanses of plastic have a nice tactile texture. Brushed aluminum-like strips of brightwork accent the dash and door panels. Inside door pulls are shallow, but not troublesome. The solid-colored seat bolsters bracket the subtly patterned insets.”

SUMMARY: “Toyota has launched a new nameplate to introduce itself to younger car buyers looking for a well-built, durable car that's affordable, but different.”

USER REVIEWS:
MSN Autos: http://autos.msn.com/research/userreviews/reviewlist

Yahoo! Autos: http://autos.yahoo.com/scion/xa/2005/5-door-hatch-back/reviews/

VIDEOS:
REVIEW:

EARTHY CARS VIDEO: