Scion xB Gets Audio Upgrade

2010 model features 160-watt Pioneer head unit with no price increase

Scion xB

The Scion xB gets an audio upgrade for 2010: a 160-watt Pioneer head unit. Base MSRP remains the same: $15,750 for cars with the five-speed manual transmission, and $16,700 for the four-speed automatic. MSRP doesn’t include a $670 delivery charge.

USB and auxiliary ports allow owners to plug in iPods or MP3 players, and listen to them through the xB’s six Pioneer speakers. Music is controlled through the head-unit and steering-wheel mounted audio controls.

Scion is also offering a new Alpine premium unit that’s navigation and back-up camera ready. The 200-watt Alpine system includes a 4.3-inch thin film transfer screen, high-definition radio technology and a media expander. An available navigation unit uses the Alpine head unit for display. Navigation features include voice guidance, day and night screen modes, support in English, French and Spanish, and 200 available address book entries.

Both the Pioneer and Alpine systems are prewired for satellite radio, and have MP3, AAC and WMA capability. Both units also feature speed-sensitive volume.

All Scions come with standard power steering, windows and door locks, keyless entry, four-wheel antilock brakes, front, side and side curtain airbags, and a tilt steering wheel. Monospec pricing eliminates haggling at the dealership.

The 2010 models roll out later this month.

Volvo Launches Three New Child Restraints

Infant, convertible and booster seats protect children from birth to age ten

Volvo Infant Seat

Volvo is taking child safety beyond the automobile with three new seats, developed in conjunction with Britax Romer. A rear-facing infant seat protects newborns up to about a year: a handle makes it easy to carry to and from the car. A convertible seat allows children to face rearward or forward, and is comfortable for the child to sit or sleep in. The booster seat fits children between ages four and ten: it ensures correct positioning of the car’s safety belts over the child’s thighs and shoulder.

“With our new rearward facing child restraints, children can travel rearward for far longer than before, something that may save many lives,” says Jessika Andreasson, product manager at Volvo. Volvo recommends that children travel facing rearward as long as possible, preferably up to age four or more.

At this age, the child’s neck is still growing and the head is proportionately larger than an adult’s. If the child is facing rearward, collision forces from a frontal impact spread across the back and the head, reducing the load on the neck.

The booster seat protects an older child’s underdeveloped hips and the abdomen by positioning the belt correctly across the thigh. All three of the safety seats have undergone thorough evaluation, including crash testing. All of the fabrics are allergy free: the covers are removable and machine washable.

Volvo will sell the new child seats at its dealerships in Europe and Asia, beginning this summer. No word yet as to when or if the automaker will bring its child safety seats to the United States.