Which hatchback should I buy? I would like a comfy ride with an MP3 jack. I also would like a roomy backseat, a lot of cargo space for when I want to go bike riding and maybe some cupholders and a place to keep my sunglasses. I noticed when I test drove the Matrix 2009 that I didn't have much rear visibility, and I was looking for where to put my sunglasses. I know it sounds silly, but I would like an area to keep my sunglasses. Also reliable, something that won't break down easily and can withstand the wet cold all the way down to the dry heat. I like to drive and it would be nice to have adjustable seats because I'm short; something that's affordable as well as around $15,000 less or more.
Thanks for providing detailed info, it helps us narrow down models. The Scion xB seems to match what you’re looking for and offers generous rear-seat room (at least for a small car), plenty of cargo room for a bicycle plus a standard auxiliary input and iPod connectivity for an MP3 player.
The Nissan Versa is also worth mentioning with lots of room for rear passengers, and it’s more along the lines of a traditional hatchback. The Versa has been fully crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and it scores its highest rating in front and side tests. Because of this, the Versa earns Cars.com’s Best Bet status; the xB hasn’t been side-crash tested yet, but earns IIHS’ highest rating in frontal tests.
The Versa doesn’t offer an aux input on base models, however, and doesn’t have the cargo versatility and room of the xB, but it does have a dedicated sunglass holder. The value of the cargo area is going to depend on how often you use it and the size of your bike. Cars.com editor and weekend athlete William Jackson reviews the xB on the merits of bike-hauling, rating the xB as 8 out of 10.
While a dedicated sunglass holder is missing on the xB, there’s a storage shelf above the glove box for such items. In the floor-mounted center console there are two cupholders and two bottle holders in the front doors.
Scion is a division of Toyota and has Toyota components under the hood. But the 2008 xB is an all-new car and long-term reliability is still unknown.
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Having owned a 2008 xB for a year, I am not disappointed. Lots of room for people and things. More than enough power and very responsive. No difficulties coping with a Minnesota winter.
Problems: Poorly fitting access hatch in the cowl and click when recovering from a right turn. Both fixed under warranty.
Test drove a Versa. Sluggish, dead feeling electric steering. Not so with the xB.
There's a lot of space dedicated to holding sunglasses. Are they the new big gulps?
Geez.
xB would be perfect, I always wanted one, and you can to :D
xB would be perfect, I always wanted one, and you can to :D
xB would be perfect, I always wanted one, and you can to :D
xB would be perfect, I always wanted one, and you can to :D
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No mention of the Honda Fit? It starts at around $14k and has a ton of cargo space with the two-way folding seats. It also includes an auxiliary jack. However, it doesn't offer a sunglasses holder.