As my esteemed colleague Jim Travers blogged on last month, we've recently picked up our 2008 Scion xB (available to online subscribers) and have been racking up break-in miles. To put the new car into perspective, think of the thin, trim cheeky previous xB graduating from high school and gaining its "freshman 15" in college. The new xB has grown considerably in size and weight; it's now 12 inches longer and 650 pounds heavier than the last xB automatic we tested.

But unlike a student, who only has an expanding waistline to show for binging at the buffet, the xB gained some benefits from this growth. The new xB is a considerably more refined traveling companion, with less noise and a better ride. Plus, with 50 more horsepower, the xB is now much zippier, even with the automatic. New curtain air bags and standard stability control--which the old xB had as well--add up to a rather complete safety package at a starting price of $16,230.

At first glance, though, not everything has improved. Picture the old xB being squashed under a giant foot, a la Monty Python. It got wider and longer, and the windows all got shorter. The old xB used to be like driving in a greenhouse, with huge windows and thin pillars. This xB is a bit like a shrunken FJ Cruiser; it's depressingly dark inside with a compromised view.

Making things worse, we're still looking for the check box on the order form for "Rear third-quarter window delete" that we seemed to have checked off. There is a huge C-pillar, even though the interior wall trim is contoured to accommodate a window cutout. (Maybe that space is intended to allow customizers to install half-moon windows like they did in groovy 1970s custom vans.)

For now, staff opinions are split on the xB. Some could drive it everyday as cheap wheels, enjoying the small surprise-and-delight touches like lighted door sills and the funky green paint. Others aren't swayed, citing driving position and visibility shortcomings. We'll see how it all sorts out in our testing, with the final report scheduled for the October issue.

--Tom Mutchler