The all-new Scion xB is very different than the previous model. It's longer, wider, faster, and less quirky looking. It offers some fine features, including a good fabric interior and 60/40 rear seats that easily fold flat, creating an excellent cargo compartment behind the front seats. From the driver's seat, the xB provides an unusually high feeling of command for a small car. It's nimble, fun to drive, and the brakes are outstanding, although the ride can be jagged over certain types of bumps.

Sam Moses drove the xB in the Columbia River Gorge before filing this report to NewCarTestDrive.com.