I got a little worried when I learned the new Scion xD shares its platform with the subcompact Toyota Yaris ... has a knack for damping bumps in the road while still providing a sporty driving ...

The Scion xD is a thrifty, nimble, small hatchback made by Toyota. It has more horsepower ... inside the xD the near-deafening sounds of road noise on certain kinds of pavement.

I wonder how a tall person would sit in the xD, considering my impressive five-foot, five-inch height. On the road ... Again with the Scion, the four-speed transmission helps off the line.

The skinny: The xA tended to attract older, budget consumers who were turned off by the Toyota Echo and Corolla. With a more competent Yaris in the lineup, Scion can concentrate on selling the xD ...

Scion also rolled out its xA replacement, the xD — a five-door subcompact based on the Toyota Yaris. Did we mention it's small? Anyway, the xD is more squared off than the Yaris, one of which ...

UPDATE: Toyota made an official announcement confirming its intention to kill off the Scion brand and absorb ... Collin Woodard is a web content writer for Road & Track located in Boston.