2005 Scion t2B Review

Specifications

Two Scale Models Show What Future Scions Might Look Like

Toyotas youth-oriented compact Scion brand is doing pretty well, all things considered. Unlike its namesake brand, Scion isnt about to vie for top spot in the import scene, but its still playing an important part in Toyotas overall plan.

Toyota, just having dropped its somewhat ungainly Echo subcompact from its U.S. lineup, is relying on Scions xA to make up for sales in what is a rather slow selling segment. After all, the xA hasnt been Scions sales leader, as the brand had initially thought it would, but rather the funky little xB econo-”box” took the lead in the beginning, with the new tC sports coupe catching up fast. The tC effectively replaces the Toyota Celica, which will be dropped from the lineup when the current 2005 model sells out.

The new t2B concept, which stands for “Tall Two-Box”, follows up on the xBs success, being another two-box cube-like design that could either be the next-generation xB or something slightly different exclusively for the younger set - the current xB has become popular for retirees due to its high value and extremely accommodating interior. Of course, the t2B could merely be a concept vehicle, with no aspirations for production at all.

According to Toyota spokesman Mike Michels, mind you, the t2B is purely “exploratory.” He added, “Its not to be interpreted as the next xB, but as a number of possible directions for Scion to go.”

A number of directions? Michels was referring to the addition of two scale model concepts that joined the t2B on stage. One was a sporty three-door fastback while the other a mini-truck, and all three concepts intended to fit on the t2Bs tC platform, which is derived from Toyotas home market Avensis architecture and totally unique to the xBs undercarriage.

No matter what the t2B, or its scale model concepts become, they are interesting design exercises just the same. While the t2B looks like its derived from the xB, the differences beneath the skin arent its only unique elements. The new concept is much rounder up front, while its winking-eye-like high intensity discharge headlight clusters are more aerodynamically shaped than those on the xB. A wraparound windshield and over-sized door windows allow increased light for occupants, and greater visibility to the driver. That visibility will be reduced in the rear, however, as the new prototype features a much thicker rear D-pillar than the xB, shortening the greenhouse but offering greater protection in a rollover.

“The t2B combines the attitude of the xB with the comfort and sophistication of the tC to further reflect the dynamic nature of our buyers, and their desire to be distinctive,” commented Scion vice president Jim Farley.

Instead of four doors, the t2B uses two doors on the drivers side and a single long door on the passenger side, but rather than the conventional front-hinged setup the drivers-side rear door is remote-control and hinged at the rear, while the passengers side has a large power-sliding door. The design eliminates B-pillars, allowing for greater convenience when getting in and out, and the cars unusual reverse-trapezoidal construction has it wider at the roof than at its base, opening up the cabin for an airy feel. Twin moonroof panels, that span close to the entire length of the roof, increase the cabins spacious ambiance.

Like the tC, the t2B is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder connecting through to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.

The t2Bs super-sized rear window, which doubles as a projection screen for movies and video games, would be especially useful for backing up if hooked up to a rear-mounted camera, but unfortunately it isnt.

The t2B, and its sporty liftback and pickup truck derivatives point to a Toyota division that will be updating its models more frequently than the automakers namesake brand or top-level Lexus luxury division.

“Were going to keep having rapid product-replacements for Scion… the car its replacing has only been out for three years,” stated Jim Press, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Sales USA.

As previously mentioned, Toyota isnt looking for Scion to become a high-volume producer, with expectations of only 120,000 sales for 2005.

“If Scion becomes a volume make” added Press, “it isnt Scion any more. We have to make sure that Scion products change often, that theyre on the cutting edge, and affordable.”

In the end, the t2B is an extremely interesting concept that points Scions xB toward a new, more aerodynamic box. If it sees the light of day, it will be sure to continue pulling in almost as many older buyers as it does youth, just because value isnt age or gender specific. And another thing youth-targeting marketing executives sometimes forget: those past their “prime” always want to feel and appear young and “hip”. Scion surely delivers that youthful appeal.