[Yellomantis]

The new Scion Xb can do everything you want. A big plus is it has the Tc engine in it now and has a larger rear "trunk" area. Another thing, I'm 6'2" and I can sit in the back seat very comfortably!

As far as the CVT, from what I understand, it relies on centrufugal force. as the rpm/torque multiplies it keeps the engine at a consistant speed depending on driver input. For example, if you stomp on it, it will stay at redline while your speed increases, thus staying at the peak of the power band. No more shifting and waiting for the engine speed to catch up between shifts. Down sides I see, the weird feeling of the car not shifting, more speeding tickets due to the driver not being used to the tranny, and it's a relatively new thing to mass production.

I would be weary about it for a few years. The last thing I would want is to be a guinea pig for new technology until all the bugs are worked out. I'm not saying they're not reliable, I have no idea, but just wouldn't take the chance.