The Scion xB's ride is firm. You hear and feel every bump. At first, the xB didn't generate a lot of confidence when braking

and cornering, especially when done at the same time, but confidence in its capabilities increases with time behind the wheel. Body lean in corners is minimal, notwithstanding the tallish glass house. It's difficult to envision the Scion  in a situation requiring the vehicle stability control system, but it's standing by in the event it's needed, ready to  eliminate any skidding. Steering assist is about right. Some torque steer was evident, and there's a bit of kick back over uneven scion trolley tracks but nothing untoward on either account.

Acceleration is adequate and lives up to our expectations. Torque peaks at rather high engine speeds, so revving it up in lower gears is advisable for merging onto freeways. Scion ride  gets excellent gas mileage: 31/34 mpg on the EPA City/Highway test with the manual, 31/35 with the automatic.

The automatic is responsive enough. Gear changes with the ride manual shifter ride could have been crisper, but clutch take-up is smooth. Brakes feel solid and hold well on steep hills.

• The Scion is a small Toyota. ride With that comes quality design ride and assembly, scion which translates into minimal wind noise; no odd vibrations, buzzes, squeaks or rattles; and no harshness, really, at least nothing beyond what might be expected in a relatively lightweight, short-wheelbase car Tall doors open wide. Top-hinged outside door handles fit smoothly into the  slab-sided styling, but they're less ergonomic and less friendly to fingernails than scion ride open, full-round handles like ride those found on the  more traditionally styled sibling, the scion xa. A bonus in a smallish vehicle like scion this one is that six-footers can walk beneath the open liftgate without fear of gouging an eye or cracking a skull.

Our Scion xB came in Black Cherry with an Exterior scion Package ride that included a ride  rear spoiler, a big but subtly colored Logo Brown graphic on the side, ride and appliques on the fuel filler and B-pillar designed to ride look like carbon-fiber.

The design of the seats indicates the Scion  ride is not intended to be a sport car

.