The Toyota bB is a mini MPV produced by the Japanese car company Toyota. The first generation launched in 2000, and the second generation was jointly developed with Daihatsu in 2005. The car has been badge engineered and sold as the Daihatsu Materia, Scion xB, and Subaru Dex.
History of the Toyota bB
First Generation Toyota bB (XP30; 2000–2005)
The first generation bB was based on the Toyota Vitz and the development was led by Toyota chief engineer Tetsuya Tada. While the box-shaped mini MPV was initially targeted towards Japanese men in their twenties, it is also popular with women buyers. Production of the bB occurred between January 2000 and April 2005 at the Takaoka plant in Toyota, Aichi. Production occurred at the former Central Motors between August 2004 and December 2005 for the bB; the export Scion xB model continued until December 2006. In more recent years, the first-generation bB has been at least privately imported to the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, the first generation bB was sold under the Scion brand as the xB from June 2003 to 2007. For the Scion xB, the front passenger area was also changed significantly with the bB's front bench seat replaced with bucket seats and the column-mounted shifter changed to a floor-mounted shifter.
Second Generation Toyota bB (QNC20; 2005–2016)
The second generation bB was unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. The production version went on sale in Netz dealers. The second generation Scion xB is not based on the bB, but was specifically designed by Toyota to appeal to American buyers, which was sold in Japan as Toyota Corolla Rumion. Badge-engineered Daihatsu and Subaru models were also produced, but production ceased in 2012, leaving just the Toyota model. Production of the Toyota model was also ceased in May 2016, with sales ending in Japan in July 2016, and it was replaced by the Toyota Tank and its twin counterpart the Toyota Roomy, which is a rebadged Daihatsu Thor.
Price
The price range for a used Toyota bB varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $2,227 and going to $13,208 for the latest year the model was manufactured.
Features of the Toyota bB
Exterior Features
Toyota has created in the bB an innovative wagon design characterized by an emphasized height and based on the image of a box constructed of plain surfaces. The exterior is with minimum press lines or extraneous bulges and is accented by a front window that wraps around to the sides. A sense of volume has been achieved through a large front bumper and an engine hood that is molded higher along the edges, while the bB's horizontal bar grill and angular headlights give the vehicle a wider profile. A wide track and long wheelbase combine to push the bB's 15-inch tires to the vehicle's four corners, giving the compact body size a sense of presence. Four "nightshade" body colors, reflecting the name "Black Box", and two "daylight" colors offer bB buyers an expressive choice.
Interior Features
In addition to an innovative interior with an individualistically round "pressure gauge motif" center meter installed in a straight-line instrument panel, components are neatly placed in the center cluster to create a smart interior. Frameline door trim and simple ornamentation help make the interior appear wider, and comfortable seats provide a sense of ease. An easy-to-see center meter that requires little movement in the driver's line of sight and a Multi-AV Station II (optional) with a rear monitor function installed in the upper portion of the center cluster ensure a high degree of visibility. At the same time, attention has been paid to making driving easier with a higher hood, which allows drivers to more readily determine the position of the vehicle's front end, and through other measures. In addition to storage spaces in many parts of the vehicle, including a large glove compartment alongside the instrument panel, utility, and floor hooks widen the possibilities for use of the interior space. Six speakers are standard in all vehicles. Another sound satisfaction comes from double horns with excellent tone and a sound-tuned sports muffler (1.5L 2WD vehicles).
Specs and Performance of the Toyota bB
- 1.3 L K3-VE I4
- 1.5 L 3SZ-VE I4
- 1.5 L 3SZ-VET I4-T (South Africa)
The Toyota bB's 1.5L engine delivers 110 hp (82 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 105 lb-ft (143 Nm) of torque at 4,200 rpm. Toyota marketed the bB as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, and it was available with either a 4-speed automatic transmission. Toyota bB has a top speed of 108 mph (174 kph). Dimension-wise, the Toyota bB measures 3,785–3,800 mm (149.0–149.6 in) long, 1,690 mm (66.5 in) wide, and 1,635 mm (64.4 in) high. Its wheelbase measures 2,540 mm (100.0 in) and has a curb weight of 2,293–2,469 lbs (1,040–1,120 kg).
Release Date
Toyota's bB mini MPV saw production from 2000 - 2016, delivering the Japanese car manufacturer a decade of dependable service.