Scion Faces Initial Quality Problems Especially with xB Air Conditioning

While most of America (24 states to be exact) is still in the honeymoon phase with Toyotas new Scion division, California is well into the first year blues. Its not like the new xA hatchback and xB utility wagon are particularly troublesome, but reports of air conditioning problems in the xB are causing new owners tempers to overheat are hitting headlines. It appears that the system is underpowered when put to use in hotter climes.

Scion Vice President Jim Farley stated that the xBs A/C system is "challenged in the "surprise hit market of Texas," where humidity

After debuting in California over a year ago, the Scion brand has spread into 24 states in total. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

"Its not an easy problem to fix," admitted Farley, "given its a 1.5L engine and its a relatively large car."

According to Farley the problem is exacerbated by the brands ownership base, predominantly younger buyers who, he states, are a lot pickier than the older demographic - so much for the grumpy

After the problems with the xB air conditioning system and the brands poor results in J. D. Powers 2004 IQS, Scion is hoping their new tC sport coupe has a smooth launch. (Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.)

This same younger demographic is said to be responsible for the Scions poor rating in the most recent J. D. Powers and Associates 2004 Initial Quality Survey (IQS). Well below average, Scion scores 158 problems per 100 vehicles, dragging down Toyotas overall corporate

The 2-door tC coupe should attract buyers in the sport-compact performance car set. (Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.)

Hopefully Scion will experience a smoother launch with its new tC sport coupe, scheduled to arrive in dealerships toward the end of this month. Scion reports its tC will add a new level of excitement to the Scion lineup. Like the xA and xB, the new 2-door coupe still targets a younger demographic, but rather than going after the outdoor lifestyle set needing the SUV dimensions of the xB, the tC should attract buyers in the sport-compact performance car set, those who usually ante up for Honda Civic Coupes, Saturn ION Quad Coupes, or even higher priced models such as the Acura RSX and Toyota Celica.

The Scion tC will come

The tC will actually boast more horsepower than the base Celica GT, 160 compared to 140 horsepower respectively. The engine in this photo is actually supercharged, a dealer installed option courtesy of Toyota Racing Development (TRD). (Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.)

Four-wheel disc brakes and standard 17-inch alloy rims wrapped in Z-rated performance tires should attract the young as well as the young-in-heart - Scion seems to sell to just as many elderly as it does youth due to the frugal fuel economy, important for those on fixed incomes, and functionality of its cars.

The tC should be functional too, as it boasts a versatile hatchback for cargo access despite looking like a traditional coupe.

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