The Toyota ist is a subcompact car made in Japan by Toyota. It is exported to the United States as the Scion xA and Scion xD and to Europe as the Urban Cruiser. The name "ist" is in reference to the suffix term "-ist", which denotes something that adheres to, or is uniquely gifted in a specific talent, doctrine, or ability[1] In Japan, it is available at Toyota dealerships Toyota NETZ and Toyopet Store.

First generation
Based on the first generation Toyota Vitz hatchback, the first generation ist shared a platform with the Toyota Platz sedan. The ist was developed from the Toyota Vitz supermini in a crossover SUV bodystyle offering the flexibility of larger SUVs, but with the advantage of better fuel economy from a smaller vehicle. It first appeared at the 2001 Tokyo Auto Show, and was placed into production in 2002.
The ist is meant to cater to younger drivers, being sold as a Scion in North America and as the Urban Cruiser in Europe. At its introduction, 42,000 ordered were received in Japan. Its primary competitor is the Honda Fit and the Nissan March. Popularity of the second generation has dropped off in comparison to the market favorite Honda Fit. The first generation car was used by the Shizuoka Prefectural Police as a police car.
Due to the design of the wheel arches, it has been disclosed that installing tire chains is difficult. Toyota's TRD racing development division had initially planned on installing a turbocharger, but plans have not progressed.

Second generation
The second generation ist is similar to the five-door Toyota Yaris/Vitz; however, unlike the Vitz, the gauges are in front of the driver as opposed to the middle of the dashboard.
This new ist, like its predecessor, is sold as a Scion in the US. But instead of being the new xA, it is called the xD. The only real difference between the ist and xD is a revised front fascia.
In Europe it is sold as the Urban Cruiser with slightly different front panels. In Japan, the ist is sold as either 4 speed automatic Super ECT for the 2ZR-FE, or as a Super CVT-i for the 1NZ-FE option. One appealing offer for the 1NZ equipped model is the choice of AWD, which was not carried over to the US for the xD.[5] Furthermore, a center console is offered on Japan's ist, but not the US' xD; however, one can easily import center console kits on the internet.
Starting with production model year 2007 in Japan, G-BOOK, a subscription telematics service, is offered as an option.

Urban Cruiser
The Toyota Urban Cruiser is a mini MPV that is currently produced by Japanese automaker Toyota. It was first introduced in 2008 and is still in production. It slots below the Toyota RAV4 to compete against small crossover SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Soul, while also attracting buyers of mainstream family hatchbacks. Designed by Toyota ED²,[6] it debuted at the March 2008 Geneva Motor Show and went on sale shortly thereafter.
Unfortunately, Urban Cruiser did not reach sales success in Europe since 2011 due to the ongoing strength of the Japanese Yen.