Looking to keep its share of the young car-buying market, Scion rolls out the 2012 version of its xD to new-car showrooms in October. Scion hopes to increase its market share against competitors such as the Nissan Versa, Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta with this latest version of its economical family-style midsize hatchback.

Keeping in tune with its target market, the 2012 Scion xD now comes standard with a Pioneer CD stereo with hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, which allows the driver to stream audio directly to the stereo. The speakers are also updated, and the car now comes with a standard six-way system. When not using the stereo, the driver can flip on the HD radio, which is also now standard equipment. Holding over from the previous model year is the USB/iPod port.

Mechanically, the Scion xD is unchanged from 2011, coming standard with a 1.8-liter, 128-horsepower 4-cylinder engine that is available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

More standard features include antilock front disc/rear drum brakes, an electronic stability system (with traction control), 6 airbags (including side-impact airbags for front-seat occupants and side curtain airbags for other occupants), active head restraints, a tilt steering wheel, keyless entry, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, a chrome exhaust tip and a rear-window wiper.

The 2012 Scion xD is currently available in only one trim – the base 4-door hatchback – but can be customized a number of different ways. Some of these options include Toyota Racing Development (TRD) 18-inch alloy wheels (as opposed to the standard 16-inch wheels), a navigation system, TRD sport muffler, performance shocks, rear sway bar and lowering springs.

Compared to the other cars in its class, the 2012 Scion xD only rates about average when it comes to performance and handling. While its 1.8-liter engine is considered peppy, the vehicle has some issues when tackling steep hills. Passing performance is rated about average as well, with many considering the xD better in city driving and not as good on the highway. As far as handling, the 2012 Scion xD handles corners very well but is somewhat sluggish, especially with the automatic transmission, when weaving through traffic.

Able to seat 5 comfortably, with plenty of both leg- and headroom and good gas mileage (27 mpg city/33 highway), the 2012 Scion xD should do well against its competitors and even win over new converts with the upgrades to the sound system.