Scion Announces Prices for the 2006 Scion xA and xB

TORRANCE, Calif., July 8 -- Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2006 Scion xA and xB. An iPod compatible Pioneer audio system is now available as an accessory upgrade for both vehicles, making Scion the first brand to offer iPod connectivity and control across its entire lineup. The xA and xB will begin arriving at Scion dealerships next week.

The Scion xA hatchback gets a minor makeover for 2006. Exterior changes include new upper and lower front grilles, redesigned front bumper, color-keyed rocker panels and rear bumper, new headlamps and taillamps, and side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Phantom Gray Pearl and Black Cherry Pearl exterior colors have been replaced with Flint Mica and Salsa Red.

Inside, the xA's passenger cabin receives enhancements such as new seat fabric, speedometer with a new silver background and a new steering wheel with integrated audio controls. Customers will now have a choice of one of three all-new wheel cover designs shared between xA and xB.

Both xA and xB will receive a redesigned Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio head unit. Scion is also offering music lovers a new, optional iPod compatible audio upgrade from Pioneer that integrates the world's most popular digital music player with the car's sound system, offering music navigation, power and display.

The 2006 xA and xB's new standard audio system features a centrally-located volume control knob and a mini-jack port located in the center console that allows for connectivity to most portable music players. The mini-jack port allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the Pioneer speakers. This new unit still retains key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility and a user-customizable welcome screen.

A Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit with iPod control is now available as an all-new accessory upgrade for both xA and xB. This head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line scrolling display on the head unit's screen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and, for the xA, the steering wheel buttons. The MSRP for this accessory upgrade is only $260, which includes installation.

With the additional standard equipment, prices for the 2006 Scion xA and xB increase only $200 and $150, respectively. The MSRP for the Scion xA is $12,730 with a manual transmission and $13,530 with an automatic transmission, reflecting a 1.6 and 1.5 percent increase, respectively. The Scion xB's MSRP is $13,880 with a manual transmission and $14,680 with an automatic transmission, reflecting a 1.1 and 1.0 percent increase, respectively. The MSRP does not include delivery, processing and handling fees, which vary depending on location.