Feel like listening to your Apple iPod while in the car? If you’re inside the 2006 Scion xA model, that’s a given with the iPod compatible Pioneer audio system upgrade. Simply plug in the iPod via a connection located next to the center floor console’s park brake, and all those choice songs on your iPod can be played through the car’s 6-speaker audio system. (The AM/FM/CD player with iPod capability is a MSRP $260 option.) Scion is the first brand to offer iPod connectivity across its models – the xA, the tC, and the xB. Scion xA is not one of those small cars that body shakes at highway speeds, nor does it lack in the important ride and handling areas of steering, suspension, and braking. This car cruises comfortably in the 60 to 70 mph range thanks to a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder that produces 103 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 101 pounds-feet of torque at 4200 rpm. Granted, horsepower and torque numbers of 101/103 are generally not indicative of performance. But on the xA, the engine doesn’t cough and wheez while propelling the 2,340-pound, five-door through traffic. Since its 2004 debut, the front wheel drive Scion xA has garnered attention. In 2006 – beside the iPod connectivity news – the xA body features a redesigned front fascia, including a new honeycomb-style grille. The visual revisions also flow to the side mirrors, which now have integrated turn signals. Hop inside the xA and the center-of-dash gauges make a statement. It’s a slight adjustment to not be able to check the speedometer by looking straight in front of the steering wheel, but the gauge placement seems to fit this perky car. xA nabs some eye-catching mpg numbers as the 5-speed manual fitted car earns 31 city and 38 highway. The standard fare list includes air conditioning, 60/40 split rear seat, pull cargo cover, chrome exhaust tip, first aid kit, and four wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution. MSRP of the xA with five-speed manual transmission is $12,730.