The xD uses a larger 1.8-liter four-cylinder that makes 128 hp, giving the car enough power to accelerate in suburban driving. A five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission are offered, with the manual returning EPA-estimated gas mileage of 27/33 mpg and the automatic delivering 26/32 mpg.

The xD’s suspension has a knack for damping bumps in the road while still providing a sporty driving experience. It steers with a light, sporty touch, but the steering wheel could really use an adjustment to better accommodate different-sized drivers. The fabric seats are comfortable and over-shoulder views aren’t compromised by the car’s large D-pillars.

The standard 60/40-split rear seat slides back and forth and also reclines, but both of the levers that control these movements are located on the top of each backrest. This makes for awkward adjustment when sitting in the seats; levers mounted near the hips would be easier to use.

Overall, the xD is a nice package, with air conditioning, cruise control, side curtain airbags, a Pioneer CD stereo and remote keyless entry among its standard features. Pricing information has not yet been released, but it is estimated to start at significantly less than the $15,650 base price of the brand new xB.

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And given that the Stateside success of the Scion brand is primarily attributable to the, highly customizable xB, Toyota saw to it that the first complete, ground-up redo of the bB/xB has us in mind, and thus bestowed it with newfound size and, more importantly, much more power.

Most striking about the new design are the thick C- and D-pillars and fender flares, both of which contribute to a much more muscular, substantial appearance. The tailgate actually has some roundness to it, whereas the previous model was as flat as Kansas on all sides. Also noteworthy is the front end, which features HID headlamps, air intakes on the outer corners of the bumpers and if you take another look at Audi’s single-frame grille you can see that, no car is safe from this trend.

More significant, however, is xB’s all-new compact-car platform, which represents a move away from the xD, the replacement for the previous xB’s platformmate, the xA, which has transitioned to the Yaris’ subcompact architecture. As such, the all-new xB offers more space inside for guitars, amps, and retro-punk hairdos. Gone are the moronic center-mounted gauges, replaced by a more stylish, more conventional dashboard arrangement.

The news gets even better under the hood, where a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (shared with the tC) making 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque replaces the wimpy 103-hp 1.5-liter four-pot of xB version 1.0. Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions deliver the newfound power to the front wheels, the latter with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Like the xD, the xB will feature standard stability control and six standard air bags, as well as a 160-watt stereo with iPod connectivity, of course. 16-inch steel wheels with lovely plastic wheel covers are standard, though we expect that few of them will remain on xBs for long, given how many accessory wheels are available through Scion and the aftermarket. Scion’s line of accessories is expected to grow even longer now that the xB and xD have become more distinct, and thus will appeal to an even wider array of unique individuals for whom stock won’t do.

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Inside the upscale cabin, high-quality materials abound, and features such as metallic accents, damped compartment doors, multiple adjustments for the driver seat and an outside temperature display further this impression. An elegant “waterfall”-style center stack flows into the center console, and both front seats slide forward to allow folks to get into the backseat.

On the move, the Scion tC feels eager to run thanks to its standard 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine. Borrowed from the Camry, this is a big engine for this class of car, where 1.7 to 2.2 liters is more the norm. With 160 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque, the tC’s motor handily beats the starter engines in the Civic and Ion coupes.

Out in the real world, the tC’s performance makes good on the promise of the spec sheet numbers. A broad power band means that there’s strong pull down low and through the midrange, and when coupled to the sweet-shifting five-speed manual gearbox, the 2006 Scion tC feels sportier than one might expect. Priced under $17,000, the tC is yet another hit for Scion.

After all, there’s the strong Toyota reputation, the spacious and comfortable cabin, fine build quality, entertaining driving dynamics and plenty of standard niceties. Add in the ability to customize with your own personal touch and there’s plenty to like about this affordable coupe.

Standard power for the Scion tC comes from a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder borrowed from the Camry, with 160 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque. A smooth-shifting five-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a four-speed automatic available as an option. Fuel economy is average for a budget coupe with a 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway estimate for the manual, and 23 city/30 highway for the optional automatic.

Although the Scion tC is a compact car at just 174 inches long, a relatively long (106.3-inch) wheelbase provides more than ample legroom, especially for those riding in the back. Rear passengers will also enjoy the split seat backs that can individually recline up to 45 degrees. Although it looks like a coupe, the tC is actually a hatchback, which means flexible cargo capacity.

By folding down the rear seats as well as the right front seat, a load floor that stretches 103.6 inches is created, ideal for snowboarders and surfers. Cargo capacity is 12.8 cubic feet with the rear seats in use and a whopping 60 cubic feet when they’re folded down.

The 2006 Scion tC features a fully independent suspension (with a double-wishbone setup in the rear that maximizes interior space) and Z-rated 215/45R17 Bridgestone Potenzas wrapped around those eye-catching 17s. The result is a precise, well-weighted feel and flat, composed cornering. Ride quality is firm, but compliant enough to absorb most bumps and ruts on battered city streets. The 2.4-liter engine’s broad power band contributes to the fun with plenty of pull down low and through the midrange. [Edmunds]

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“The tC is the first vehicle developed exclusively and strategically for the Scion brand,” said Jim Farley, Scion vice president. The tC also offers the most traditional styling of the three Scion models. After receiving a number of audio and accessory upgrades for 2006, the 2007 Scion tC remains primarily unchanged but adds a tC Spec package targeted for tuners.

The tC Spec package is equipped with steel wheels with unique wheel covers and 205/55R16 tires, special front-end treatments and comes in four exterior colors. Inside, the tC receives a fixed glass panorama roof, unique upholstery, and an urethane steering wheel.[MSN Autos]

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So without further delay, here’s what they came up with. They’re listed them from lowest to highest base price:

• Nissan Versa – $12, 450
• Scion xA – $12, 780
• Dodge Caliber – $13,425
• Ford Focus – $13,450
• Mazda 3 -$13, 710
• Honda Fit – $13,850
• Kia Sportage – $15,900

More Details are:

The fuel economy kings are the Versa (30/34 mpg), Scion (31/38 mpg) and Fit (33/38), and in terms of value, all seven cars bring some good things to the table.

While the Honda Fit is a very attractive candidate, Honda has acknowledged that it’s having trouble keeping up with the demand, so it may not necessarily be easy to find one.

The Focus looks a little dated compared to some of the newer vehicles listed above, but as CNN points out, it’s also available as a sporty wagon (base price, $16,735), which is a really nice thing for a student who has to haul his or her life to and from school a couple of times a year.

The Scion is a nice deal, but its 1.5L engine only makes 105 horsepower. Still, the low entry price leaves the buyer with some extra dough that can be used to accessorize the car.

The Sportage is pretty cool as small SUVs go, but its entry price doesn’t include A/C. Plus, if you want 4WD, the number immediately jumps to $20K. Unless you absolutely must have the SUV body style, you’ll likely get more bang for the buck from the other cars on the list (if you stick to the $16,000 budget, that is).

The Mazda3 sports 150 ponies underhood, stylish bodywork (though we wish the car at this price point was the hatchback and not the sedan), and can also be upgraded to include PW/PDL while still sneaking in under $16,000.

The Versa boasts decent power (122-hp) from its 1.8L, looks good on the road, and gets great gas mileage. While it doesn’t come with power windows or door locks at the price shown above, buyers can upgrade to the better-equipped SL trim and still stay well below the $16,000 threshold CNNMoney set for the list.

Finally, Caliber brings bulldog-tough looks and a highly versatile interior to the party, though CNNMoney advises that you wait until you can get a manual transmission to go with the 2.4L four.

No matter how you cut it, there are a number of new, interesting, stylish, and frugal small cars out there for the budget-minded. The list is geared toward students and new grads, but you needn’t be either one to appreciate the value the list highlights.

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The plans for Scion include a heavily redesigned version of the xA that dumps the current doorstop physique for a shape yet to be released. The xB will remain a toaster, as the box form is something that, according to Autoweek’s contacts, will endure throughout the models lifespan. Expect to see revisions to the tC towards the end of the decade with styling cues coming from the New York Auto Show’s Fuse concept. One additional model will be added, most likely carrying the name xD (they’ve already applied for the trademark), which will be something of a Matrix replacement, not a stretched version of the xB as had been previously thought.

Mazda’s got their own thing going on and we can only hope that the upcoming models/redesigns carry more of their patented zoom-squared DNA.

At the forefront, in our minds at least, is the Kabura concept that debuted in Detroit. If Mazda decides to bring over the MX-5 based coupe, expect to wait until 2009 at the earliest (insert weeping and sniffing noises here). They could’ve pacified us in the meantime by bringing over the Mazda2 subcompact that’s currently available in Europe, but after researching what the U.S. market (supposedly) would want, they deemed the project terminal and have since called off any plans for importation. A design study was performed on the RX-8 and nothing is planned beyond a revamping for the 2010 model year.

The Mazda3 is due for a redesign, which should literally take shape in 2009, with some small revisions being made in the meantime. The Mazda6 will down some Enzyte and grow in all dimensions in order to better compete with the Accord and Camry, with parts being shared with its stable mate the Ford Fusion.

The MPV and Tribute will be put out of their misery by 2007, with the latter coming back as the CX-5 in 2008. A CX-9 is in development to fill the minivan sized whole left by the MPV, which should find its way onto roads late next year.

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