2010 Scion Tc Coupe 5 Speed Manual on 2040-cars

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Scion xB won't live past 2015

The grim reaper has trailed the Scion xB for three years, and in 2015, he swings his scythe. Scion VP Doug Murtha told WardsAuto last week that as of the end of this year, the xB will be gone. It will have lived just one year longer than the Scion xD, which was updated for the 2014 model year and at one point had been expected to live until the end of this year. As we've known for a while, the new Scion iM will replace the once-icon xB. Or perhaps that's 'supersede' the once-icon, since even company brass knows that the iM, which is Europe's Toyota Auris five-door hatchback, isn't a replacement for the unapologetic box that was the xB. The xB was one of the cubic trio – along with the first of its kind here, the Honda Element, and the aptly named Nissan Cube – all of which had a hard time figuring out a second act. The Kia Soul is the last of the proud geometric figures, and six years into its run here it is doing better than ever, 2014 being a record year for the model. The xB was well into its decline after the same amount of time on the market. Cars Direct says that if you want an xB then you shouldn't wait, and, "It might be a good idea to make a move soon." On the other hand, CD advises that "if you're looking for a better deal," then it's the Kia Soul you want. Insert that chestnut here about the mighty, and the falling. Related Video:

J.D. Power study sees new car dependability problems increase for first time since 1998

For the first time since 1998, J.D. Power and Associates says its data shows that the average number of problems per 100 cars has increased. The finding is the result of the firm's much-touted annual Vehicle Dependability Study, which charts incidents of problems in new vehicle purchases over three years from 41,000 respondents.
Looking at first-owner cars from the 2011 model year, the study found an average of 133 problems per 100 cars (PP100, for short), up 6 percent from 126 PP100 in last year's study, which covered 2010 model-year vehicles. Disturbingly, the bulk of the increase is being attributed to engine and transmission problems, with a 6 PP100 boost.
Interestingly, JDP notes that "the decline in quality is particularly acute for vehicles with four-cylinder engines, where problem levels increase by nearly 10 PP100." Its findings also noticed that large diesel engines also tended to be more problematic than most five- and six-cylinder engines.

2014 Scion xD's available two-tone paint says 'I'm still here!'

As we said in the title, the news here isn't a new, two-tone paint job for the Scion xD - it's that Scion is still building the oddly proportioned hatchback. For 2014, the xD will be available in two different color combinations, which will be split at the car's beltline.
The first combo, Magnetic Gray Metallic and Black Sand Pearl, puts the lighter shade on the bottom and the darker shade up top. The other combo, Sparkling Sea Metallic and Classic Silver Metallic (pictured), puts the more eye-catching color on the bottom.
Interested customers will need to shell out an additional $500 for the two-tone look. Other changes for the 2014 xD include a standard, 6.1-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth audio streaming and a iPod/USB connectivity.