The Hybrid Tourer concept vehicle from Subaru with its twin gullwing doors is currently being presented at the Tokyo Motor Show. The new concept that is rumored to spawn a successor to the SVX mid-sized coupe is powered by a hybrid drivetrain that is made up by a 2.0 liter turbocharged boxer engine and two electric motors (one for each axle).

The rear motor can be used at start-up or at extremely low speeds. It will also kick in during acceleration. The front motor normally acts a power generator and it will also assist the entire drivetrain during uphill acceleration. The all wheel drive concept also features Subarus’s Lineartronic automatic transmission. Continue reading for more images.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Apart from showcasing vehicles like the Hybrid Tourer Concept and the STI-prepped Exiga 2.0GT, Subaru also revealed a new version of the Impreza WRX STI. Called the Impreza WRX STI Carbon, the new variant is based on the A-Line model and is treated to a carbon fibre roof. Subaru claims that the weight has been significantly reduced and a lower center of gravity is achieved. With that, power to weight ratio and handling should improve.

The WRX STI Carbon comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission as well as a full-suede interior. The above mentioned A-Line comes with a 300 PS 2.5 liter boxer powerplant. Fitted with a single scroll turbocharger, the engine is also able to crank out 350Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. This limited edition model will only be available for the Japanese market. Look for more images after the jump.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Subaru has revealed a limited edition Exiga 2.0GT that has been prepped by the auto maker’s STI division. The 7-seater station wagon has a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine under its hood. The 4-cylinder boxer unit that is linked to a 5-speed automatic transmission is able to churn out 221hp.

The exterior of the new Exiga variant is treated to features including 17-inch alloy wheels, a sports exhaust as well as a front lip spoiler and side skirts. Inside, you would be surrounded by sport seats finished with leather, alcantara and red stitching, carbon fiber trim, aluminium pedals and STI gauges in the instrument panel. STI-badging on the steering wheel, gear knob, seats covers and on the engine start-stop button make up the rest of the interior upgrades.

Apart from the upgrades above, STI also worked its magic on the chassis with tuning performed on areas like the suspension and steering systems. Unfortunately the Exiga 2.0GT STI is only planned for the Japanese market and only 300 units will be rolled out. Each costs 3,591,000 yen (about RM 133,000). Look for more images after the jump.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Wanna know what the latest fad in Japan is when it comes to concept cars? Putting really funky doors on what are essentially very stylish people movers.

The Honda Skydeck had scissor doors in addition to its rear sliding doors, and this new Subaru concept called the Subaru Hybrid Tourer has twin gullwing doors! Apparently the designers penned the concept after imagining “wings of freedom” giving its driver and his family a feeling of freedom and confidence in driving the vehicle.

Taking a cue from the 5-Series GT, the Subaru Hybrid Tourer seats only four. With these new ‘tourer’ vehicles the seats are limited but each seat is supposed to do its job really well – we’re talking about the best padding, legroom and entertainment that money can buy (in whatever pricerange the car is in of course). Subaru takes the driver’s comfort one step ahead by letting the top of the dashboard be movable up and down according to the driver’s wants.

I’ve heard of seats being adjustable infinite ways but never of an adjustable dashboard! Or at least that’s what the press release says as Subaru doesn’t exactly have any videos of how it works. Maybe they’ll release more nearer to the motorshow.

Under the hood is naturally a boxer engine – it’s a real Subaru after all isn;t it? There’s also symmetrical all-wheel drive, another Subaru trademark. The boxer engine is turbocharged and of a 2.0 liter displacement. It also has direct fuel injection. The turbo-boxer is mated to a Lineartronic CVT. But that’s not where it stops – the boxer engine is only one part of a hybrid powertrain that complements the combustion engine with another two motors.

One 10kW power/drive motor is at the front together with the engine while there is another 20kW drive motor at the rear. At start-up and slow speeds, the rear drive motor is used primarily to move the vehicle while the combustion engine stays shut off. Under normal driving, the primary power source is the combustion engine. Then when there is extra power needed, the rear motor kicks in. Finally, at maximum power needs, the front motor kicks in.

At other times the front motor functions primarily as a power generator, charging a lithium ion battery that powers the motors. There’s also auto start-stop and brake energy regeneration.

The styling looks pretty appealing actually, though I can see some hints of Audi at the rear. Look after the jump for the initially released photos of the concept.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

The latest model Subaru Impreza has been in our market for quite sometime now, but I don’t know about you but I have yet to see one on our road.

Perhaps I’ve just been in the wrong places at the wrong times. The previous generations on the other hand can be seen nearly once a day and it’s a joy to hear it burbling past, thanks to its turbocharged boxer engine.

The Subaru Imprezas that we get here in Malaysia is unique in the sense that they are European spec models brought in from Europe instead of the JDM models that the grey importers bring in. This means no speed limit!

But I’m just curious on why has the takeup of the Impreza been slow compared to its arch-rival the Lancer Evolution? Is it because the Impreza has traditionally been viewed as a hot rally-going sedan instead of its current hatchback incarnation?

There are of course sedan versions of the car. Personally what do you think – do you prefer the sedan variant of the Impreza WRX or the hatchback version? Do vote above and share your opinion in the comments section – I’m pretty sure the people from Motor Image are watching.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

The Spec C has always been a more hardcore version of the Impreza, somewhat like a track special. A Spec C is usually lighter, more powerful, and stiffer in the handling department.

The latest Impreza hatch finally gets its Spec C variant. The turbo has been upgraded with new ball bearings, and the intercooler gets a water spray to prevent higher intake air temperature after long periods of hard driving. The 2.0 liter boxer puts out 308 PS at 6,400rpm and 422Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. A new fuel pump has been supplied to enable stable fuel delivery even during hard driving.

Handling improves via various chassis enhancements such as the reinforcement of the front suspension crossmember thus improving steering response. The suspension damping force, and spring rate have been revised along with the specifications of the rear stabilizer and rear subframe bushes, all to provide tighter handling and road-holding ability. The rear LSD has been changed from a Torsen (torque sensing) type to a mechanical type.

Weight has been shaved off via the use of an aluminium engine hood, a smaller battery, laminar glass for the front and side windows, lighter 18 inch alloy wheels, and a flat tyre repair kit instead of a spare tyre. The tyres supplied are Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres with 245/40R18 size all-round.

The new Impreza WRX STI Spec C is limited to 900 units in Japan.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Subaru has unveiled the wagon body version of the new Subaru Legacy in Japan. We’ve already seen a wagon body new Legacy in the form of the new Subaru Outback but this is a wagon without all the off-roader bits.

Like the new Legacy sedan and Outback, the Legacy wagon will carry over all the improvements that the new Legacy has over the outgoing model – the increased length, width, height, widened tailgate, better engines (2.5 SOHC boxer, 2.5 DOHC turbo boxer, 3.6 DOHC boxer), better interior, the works!

It still looks pretty boring though so hopefully the drive makes up for it, or maybe this is one of those cars that simply look better in real life, like the F01 7-Series. We’ll probably see only very few of these only through special requests from the grey importers or perhaps none at all in Malaysia as wagons don’t do well in Malaysia and Motor Image is concentrating on the Subaru Forester.

Look after the jump for a full gallery of the new Legacy wagon.

Related Posts:
2010 Subaru Outback makes an appearance at NYIAS 2009
2010 Subaru Legacy production car unveiled!

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Probably part of the reason why the new Legacy looks so bad is likely because they designed it as an Outback first, then converted it to a sedan, or at least that’s how it looks like to me. The front as you’ve previously seen is rather fat and tall and made worse by the upward curving headlamps but it looks fine on a vehicle that’s meant to have a tall stance like the Outback.

Having said that, Subaru is still definitely abit lost in the design department here. While the Legacy had cues from the Lexus GS and the Accord, the Outback ends up looking like a Hyundai Santa Fe. This has been ongoing ever since the “flying vagina” grille of the previous generation Impreza and the pre-facelift Subaru Tribeca, which they promptly “fixed” in the facelift. Some people think any coverage is good coverage, so is any unique design a good design to Subaru?

The Outback is a wagon version of the Legacy but has a 8.7 inch ground clearance for some minor offroading, together with its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive capabilities. It has a swing-out roof rail, said to be the first vehicle in its segment to have one. Despite being bigger with a longer wheelbase its actually shorter than the outgoing model thanks to reduced overhangs.

The engine options are largely the same as the Legacy – a 170hp 2.5i mated to a 6-speed manual or the Lineartronic CVT, and a 256hp 3.6 liter boxer-6 engine mated to a 5-speed automatic. The boxer-6 car uses a planetary gear-type center differential with electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to divide engine power 45:55, adjustable in response to driving conditions. No 2.5 GT for this American model.

Look after the jump for more pix of the Outback.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Lots of Toyota DNA is slowly creeping into Subaru, looking at the new Subaru Legacy here, which reeks of the Lexus GS when viewed from the rear. It’s different from the concept version shown at the NAIAS earlier this year which featured sharper lines.

The new Legacy sits on a longer platform than the outgoing model, in line with customer demands for more metal for their money these days, but it’s still not grown to over 2,800mm, instead keeping to 2,751mm, and that is only 80mm longer than before.

Despite a longer wheelbase it only grows only 35mm, which means Subaru is getting better at packaging their cars, as the overhangs are shorter now and more space is dedicated to the interior room. The car is also 90mm wider and 80mm taller than the outgoing car.

The Legacy uses a MacPherson strut at the front and a double wishbone for the rear suspension, mounted to the rear subframe. The front suspension is mounted to the new engine cradle, and Subaru says this improves steering response and adds to overall rigidity.

The new Subaru Legacy now comes with the option for a CVT transmission that Subaru calls the Lineartronic CVT, mated to Subaru’s traditional boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive. It uses a chain-type system which Subaru says has higher torque capacity and lower friction, thus is more efficient than belt CVTs. There is a manual mode with 6 pre-defined virtual gear ratios, swappable via paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

A few engine options are available. The baseline Legacy 2.5i uses a 2.5 liter single cam boxer putting out 170 horses at 5,600rpm and 230Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. You can have this in either a 6-speed manual or the CVT. Subaru’s baseline engine uses a resin intake and has some better cooling design in the head to help improve fuel economy. The catalyst has also been improved to reduce emissions and the engine is now lighter.

In the middle is the 2.5GT, also featuring a 2.5 liter engine but this is turbocharged to produce 265 horses and 350Nm of torque between 2,000 to 5,200rpm. This is only available with the 6-speed manual. The turbocharger system has been updated to raise performance and reduce emissions. The torque curve is smooth and flat, while it doesn’t start kicking you back into your seat at 1,xxx rpm ranges it’s pretty close at 2,000rpm. The turbo is placed directly under the forward part of the crank to shorten the distance that the exhaust gas must travel, and lower the vehicle’s center of gravity.

For those who prefer normally aspirated power and an automatic gearbox, there is the Legacy 3.6R, featuring a boxer-6 3.6 liter engine with 256 horsepower at 6,000rpm and 335Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. It is only available with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6 liter engine is said to be packaged in the same dimensions as the earlier 3.0 liter.

Last but not least, for those looking to have a bit of fun with the new Legacy, the absence of a real parking brake that’s been replaced by a new electronic parking brake will be kinda disappointing. What’s with car manufacturers these days, heck even the Z4 doesn’t have one. Oh well.

Check out a full photo gallery after the jump.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Words are being exchanged within the automotive fraternity that Subaru will launch the 2010 Legacy at the New York Auto Show which will kick start next month. With its design to be heavily influenced by the Subaru Legacy Concept which was previewed at the Detroit Auto Show, the production version is expected to be offered with a turbocharged 2.5 liter 4-cylinder or a 3.6 liter 6-cylinder boxer power plant, which should be mated to either a 6 speed manual or a CVT transmission.

Also expected to be offered in GT Premium and Limited trim levels, the new Legacy should feature, among others an electric parking brake, 18-inch wheels, iPod interface, Bluetooth connectivity as well as six new body colours. Both the Legacy and Outback models are also expected to be wider by about 3.6 inches compared to the outgoing models. Looks like we just have to wait to find out!

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Subaru has revealed a newly improved Justy 1.0R which is basically a re-badged version of the Daihatsu Sirion which is known in Malaysia as the Perodua Myvi.

This newly “improved” version, designated as the Justy 1.0 Twin Cam Special Edition carries a limited production run of 100 units only, with 50 finished in Black Mica and another 50 in Shinning Red.

With a base price of £9,995 which is about £700 more than the standard 1.0R, the Twin Cam Special Edition is powered by the same 68HP 3 cylinder engine found in the 1.0R, and is treated to a rear roof spoiler, twin exhaust system, over roof ‘viper stripes’ and side decals, leather and alloy gear knob and rear privacy glass.

As standard, just like the 1.0R model, it features ABS with EBD, radio/CD player with AUX input, four electric windows and remote central-locking. There are also driver, passenger, front side and curtain airbags. Potential buyers can also opt for 15-inch Monza R alloy wheels wrapped with Toyo 185/55R15 tires for an extra £ 600.

Just the Myvi we have back at home, it is also one of the cheapest vehicles to run in Europe with a 64.2 miles to the gallon fuel consumption figure based on the Extra Urban Cycle and an annual £ 35 Road Fund License fee. Subaru also further revealed that “The new Justy 1.0 Twin Cam now offers even more, and offers a racy alternative for the younger, and the young-at-heart, motorist”.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

The new Subaru Legacy has been previewed in concept form at the 2009 NAIAS, or the Detroit Auto Show as it is frequently referred to as. From what was previously a sleek luxury cruise with that ever subtle tinge of sportiness, the new Subaru Legacy has grown rather large and has a noticeably high roofline, which Subaru says is designed to improve headroom in the interior. The car even has a little Hoffmeister kink at the C-pillar, so the Accord isn’t the only one doing that now!

The new car is larger, with a 2,751mm wheelbase that is longer than its predecessor, and even slightly longer than the large Subaru Tribeca. Like all proper Subarus (as in those that are not Daihatsu supermini rebadges), the Subaru Legacy Concept has Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive thats hooked up to a 3.6 liter 6-cylinder boxer engine. Subaru did not quote any power figures for this concept’s engine but it’s probably safe to assume that it is similiar to the EZ36 boxer-6 in the Subaru Tribeca that can produce 256hp.

The concept car has a few characteristics that probably won’t make it into the production model, and some of these include the tiny aerodynamic wing mirrors that use cameras instead of a mirror, as well as the 4-seater seating position which is most likely to be traded with a more practical 5-seater that uses a bench at the rear. There is a very comprehensive in-car entertainment system there too, and while it’s not likely to become a standard feature (or even a feature at all), it shouldn’t be too hard for any experienced accessory shop to reproduce it.

Check out a whole hi-res gallery and a video after the jump.

Video: Subaru Legacy Concept

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Subaru takes its new badge engineering agreement with Toyota/Daihatsu further with the new Subaru Dex, which is essentially a Daihatsu Materia with Subaru badges and grill slapped on. Under the hood is not what you might typically find in a Subaru, a hardly exciting 1.3 liter VVT-i engine mated to a 4-speed auto, not unlike what you’d find in a Perodua Myvi. Speaking of Myvis, Subaru also rebadged the Toyota Passo as the new Subaru Justy. Anyone seen Myvis in KL with Subaru badges yet?

Anyway, check out a gallery of this Subaru-badged Materia after the jump. There will be more Daihatsus badged as Subarus to come in the future, with one of them being the Daihatsu Sonica. The phrase Subaru Sonica sounds a little catchy, at least.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Lots of delays in the Toyota camp thanks to the industry’s sad outlook. Right after Toyota and Isuzu agreed to temporarily freeze their join diesel engine project, it appears that the rear wheel drive sports car developed with FHI’s Subaru that it was supposed to launch in end-2011 will be postponed to beyond 2012 or later. That’s like, over 4 years from now, which is close to an entire Japanese product 5 year cycle, though Toyota seems to be extending the shelf life of their products these days. Toyota began reviewing all its new projects beginning last month after slashing its profit estimates by more than half thanks to falling North American and European sales, and a stronger Japanese yen.

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More details on the Toyota AE86 successor revealed!
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Upcoming RWD Subaru coupe causes Toyota worry

Source

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Motor Image has dropped the price of the Subaru Impreza WRX STi from the earlier RM289k price tag to a new price tag of RM251k. The price premium of upgrading from the 2.0 liter S-GT (priced at RM180k) to this 2.5 liter WRX STi model is now smaller than the previous gap of more than RM100k.

Although a sedan is available even down south in Singapore, Malaysians get the hatchback version for both the S-GT and the WRX STi. The WRX STi is powered by a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 300 PS at 6,000rpm and 407Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. These power outputs however were tested on RON 100 fuel so expect the engine to detuned itself on the fly with our RON97 fuel.

No fancy twin clutch thingamajig here, there’s only a 6-speed manual to work with. Ratios are 3.636 for 1st, 2.235 for 2nd, 1.590 for 3rd, 1.137 for 4th, 0.891 for 5th and 0.707 for 6th, with a final drive of 3.900.

The car rides on inverted MacPherson struts at the front and a double wishbone suspension at the rear. Despite being a hatch and looking smaller, it’s actually quite a large car when you look at it up close, measuring at 4415mm versus 4204mm long versus the Golf GTI. It’s wheelbase clicks in at 2,625mm, not best in class for a C-segment sedan but right smack in the average department and 25mm longer than the Corolla Altis.

Subaru’s SI-Drive system is a knob that allows you to switch between Intelligent, Sports or Sports# modes. They vary throttle response and various other vehicle dynamic settings. I’m not completely sure what but it’d better also control the steering assistance!

Right below that is a switch for the Multi-mode DCCD (Driver’s Control Centre Differential), which allows you to adjust the behaviour of the helically and electromagnetically controlled LSD. Basically there’s either a manual mode which lets you adjust how much locking force the LSD provides, or an automatic mode. More differential lock allows more traction on slippery roads, but this affects turning capability which may affect the car’s agility and responsiveness on winding roads.

Braking power looks good on paper thanks to 4-pot Brembo calipers at the front and 2-pot Brembo calipers at the rear, gripping ventilated discs on all four wheels. The wheels themselves are 17 inch alloys wrapped with 235/45R17 rubber.

There are a decent amount of creature comforts to prevent it from appearing like a cheap car with an inflated price due to its powerful engine. There’s automatic climate control, cruise control, bucket seats, HID headlamps, electrically controllable door mirrors, front airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags, a 6-CD changer with steering mounted audio, hill-start assist, and vehicle dynamic control.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

We’ve seen four installments of the Subaru Legacy so far since its inception in 1989, and next year will be the Legacy’s 20th birthday or sorts, so Subaru is going to celebrate it by unveiling a concept version of the next generation Subaru Legacy!

The Subaru Legacy Concept will preview the fifth generation Subaru Legacy set to hit the world in 2010. It will be displayed at the 2009 Detroit Motor Show, and of course to appeal to the American consumer a very large engine is required. The Legacy Concept has a 600cc upper hand over the 4th gen’s largest engine thanks to it being fitted with the 3.6 liter normally aspirated boxer engine from the Subaru Tribeca, producing 258 horsepower and 350Nm of torque. And of course, it’ll have AWD.

Somehow in this frontal teaser shot it kind of gives me the impression that it’s a larger sedan version of the Prodrive P2. All the latest “trends” are there, like LED daytime running lights. More will be revealed as Detroit 2009 approaches!

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

The above is supposed to be a preview of the upcoming Impreza Spec-C. It’s been christened the Subaru Impreza WRX STi Takumi Concept and gives us a sneak peek at the styling of the upcoming lightweight version of the Subaru Impreza. You can expect the Spec-C to shave at least 70kg off the stock standard STi via lighter body panels and roof, with other modifications as well such as bigger brakes and revised gear ratios.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Eager to enter the increasing market for 7-seater MPVs, Subaru first unveiled the Subaru Exiga concept at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and the production version was unveiled in July this year. Having a car industry that is completely based on CBU imports, Singapore gets the Subaru Exiga almost immediately thanks to the quick response of Singaporean Subaru importers and distributors Motor Image.

I don’t know how long the Exiga project has been in existence but I can’t help but feel the Exiga is the result of some Toyota DNA injected onto FHI – it seems somewhat like a quick and efficient fix to a problem. The Exiga is built on the Legacy’s platform, taking the D-segment sedan and stationwagon (Outback)’s body and increasing its size to fit 7 people. However the problem with being somewhat based on the Legacy is that it somehow automatically looks dated despite being a new model.

It seems like Subaru went a little adventurous and tried to develop a new styling language with the likes of the Version 9 Impreza and the pre-facelift Tribeca but with these new batch of models quickly rolled back to the old design language before brand perception got worse, resulting in dated looking new models.

Anyway, the result of the Exiga project is a people carrier that is rather fit to be called a Subaru. It has the two key things you’d expect from a Subaru – a horizontally opposed boxer engine and all-wheel drive. There is even a turbocharged version.

After a short drive with the normally aspirated Exiga 2.0i, I found it to handle reasonably well for such a large vehicle. It did not feel large at all and was easy to maneuver. I was immediately reminded of the current generation Honda Odyssey. Nice, an MPV that drives like a 5-seater car! I’m sure the low center gravity of the boxer engine helps alot in this department. The Exiga also has a double wishbone suspension at the rear.

The interior is a class above the likes of the Mazda5, Toyota Wish and Honda Stream in terms of space but falls short of the interior space offered by the Honda Odyssey. The windscreen in front of the driver’s point of view is wide and tall. As evident from the exterior of the car with its taller roof, the interior had plenty of headroom.

Getting into the third row via folding down and sliding forward the second row seat is an easy one-handed affair. I had no problems sitting in the third row (I cannot fit in the Stream’s third row without making the second row unusable) though.

But we’re just talking about fitting without threatening to cut off blood supply to my legs from the pressure against the back of the second row seats like AirAsia planes. The seating position was not exactly comfortable as the distance from the seat to the floor is too close so the third row is still best left to children.

My head was quite close to the ceiling (did not touch it), but apparently this is intentional. According to Subaru, the second row and third row increase in height in steps so that all three rows get a good clear vision of the view in front. But with the third row in use, there is really not much luggage room left. Perhaps enough for 2 suitcases, definitely not 7!

And despite only having air cond blowers at the front, Subaru surprisingly managed to design the airflow to hit the passengers all the way at the back through vents at the front which point to the top, which is quite commendable. This may turn off some people who expect more blowers because of the car’s near-Odyssey (which has blowers for all 3 rows) price tag regardless of whether the front blowers do their job or not.

However, the 2.0 liter normally aspirated engine with 148 PS at 6,000rpm and 191Nm of torque at 3,200rpm can only manage the weight of the Exiga with only 4 people in the car. Add three more plus luggage and it’s going to feel pretty sluggy. The lack of power is reflected in the spec sheets which indicate a top speed of 160km/h and 12.7 seconds from stand still to the 100km/h mark. The 4-speed SPORTSHIFT automatic has nothing sporty about it and is quite sluggy to downshift when power is needed.

The higher spec and more powerful turbocharged Exiga 2.0GT with the turbocharged 2.0 liter boxer engine was not available for test drive, but I reckon that would be a much more suitable powertrain for the car thanks to its 225 PS at 5,600rpm and 326Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. Being turbocharged, it would be much more tuner-friendly too. Its gearbox also has one extra cog, making a 5-speed unit. It also adds a panoramic moonroof and a black interior instead of being extremely light and beige like in the normally aspirated version.

Sadly the turbocharged model is JDM-spec and is speed limited to 180km/h – this would not be a problem in Singapore but if you want to go a little more crazy with the throttle when you travel up to Malaysia on the North-South Highway you may want to research if there’s a work-around for this on your own at a JDM accessory shop.

Look after the jump for more photos of the Subaru Exiga.

PHOTO GALLERY: Subaru Exiga in Singapore
Click thumbnails to view high resolution photo

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Subaru’s new 2.0 liter boxer turbodiesel engine has been slotted into the Impreza hatchback and the Forester SUV. Both cars will be displayed at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, with the engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The turbodiesel engine is tuned to produce 147 PS in the Forester and 150 PS in the Impreza, both at 3,600rpm. Peak torque for both states of tune is rated at 350Nm at a low 1,800rpm. This should allow Subaru to make headway in the European markets as they’re all diesel-crazy over there.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

The production version of the Subaru Exiga was just announced in May this year, but Subaru has already unveiled full details and photos of the new 7-seater wagon-like vehicle which will most likely form the base for the next generation Subaru Legacy in sedan form.

There are four models offered, with three having more sedate normally aspirated engines (2.0i, 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S models), and one more with a 211hp turbocharged engine called the 2.0GT. The normally aspirated engine features Active Valve Control System (AVCS) and is mated to a 4-speed SPORTSHIFT automatic transmission, a fancy name for a regular auto with manual override of gear sleection. The 2.0GT gets a 5-speed SPORTSHIFT auto with auto throttle blipping on downshift.

All of the models have 4WD, but two different systems are offered. The normally aspirated models get the Active Torque Split AWD system while the 2.0GT gets the more advanced Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) system. The 2.0GT also gets SI-Drive, which offers three different driving modes: Intelligent; Sport; and Sport Sharp.

The interior has a large panoramic glass roof (all models except 2.0i) which covers the front and second row of seats. Sadly there are no rear air cond blowers for the second and third row, so you will have to rely on air cond vents on the dashboard that are designed to “throw” the air all the way to the third row. The second row’s chairs can be slid back and forth independently by 180mm.

Look for more images after the jump.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Edmunds further added that the companies have decided to mimic the dimensions and power to weight ratio of the now discontinued Honda Integra Type R, so if that is true, expect about 200 horsepower and a wheelbase of around 2400mm.

Related Posts:
Upcoming RWD Subaru coupe causes marketing team to worry
New Toyota/Subaru boxer-powered RWD sports car to arrive in 2011

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Subaru has unveiled a front and rear shot of their new World Rally Championship car based on the latest generation Subaru Impreza hatchback, Subaru’s first rally-going hatchback in ages. The new Subaru Impreza WRC2008 features a 2.0 liter boxer turbo engine producing about 300 horsepower. It will be driven in the championship by Chris Atkinson and Petter Solberg.

Notice that the new Subaru rally car loses the livery featuring many yellow stars that we’ve come to expect on every Subaru rally car. The new livery is based on a blue and silver design instead.

One more front shot after the jump.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Subaru has put up a teaser site for the upcoming production Subaru Exiga MPV, and reveals a launch date of the 17th of June 2008.

One of the teaser photos showing a view of the interior from above through a transparent roof reveals that the interior isn’t all that big – it looks somewhat similiar to the Honda Stream, instead of a Honda Odyssey’s fantastic interior space. Doesn’t seem to be much space in the rear for luggage for 7 behind the third row of seats either – so this thing could probably carry 5 people and luggage, or 7 people and luggage for two.

From what we can see from the size and exterior, a 5-seater sedan version could definitely end up as the next generation Subaru Legacy. A shot of the underlying platform shows all-wheel drive and a fully independent suspension design.

View a teaser video and a few more teaser photos after the jump.

Related Posts:
Production Subaru Exiga 7-seater MPV coming soon

VIDEO: Subaru Exiga Teaser

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Subaru will be launching the production version of its 2007 Tokyo concept car, the Subaru Exiga. The Subaru Exiga is a 7-seater low-rider MPV that is 4780mm long, 1775mm wide and 1630mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2750mm.

Although many reports the production Exiga to be Impreza-based, the concept version’s wheelbase and dimensions are more similiar to the Camry-based Toyota Mark X Zio (2776mm wheelbase) and the Honda Odyssey (2830mm wheelbase).

In fact, the Exiga may have the next generation Legacy’s platform under its skin; the current fourth generation Legacy has a 2670mm wheelbase, so an increase to about 2750mm sounds logical.

Otherwise, the production Exiga could end up being a smaller car than the concept version if it is based on the Impreza. One thing’s quite likely – parts from the Impreza/Forester parts bin will be used, including the 5-speed Sportshift automatic and the 2.0 liter (or 2.5 liter) turbocharged horizontally opposed engine.

More photos of the Subaru Exiga Concept after the jump.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Its marketing team also has to figure out how to differentiate its own version of the car from the Toyota product, as it is very likely that there will be many major markets where both cars will be sold side by side as there will not be Toyota-only or Subaru-only designated markets.

Then again, we can look at Audi, a car manufacturer that is much older than Subaru. Audi is now rather famous for its quattro all-wheel drive system despite having many front-wheel drive models in its line-up. Is rear-wheel drive for the new small Subaru really a cause for worry? At least it still uses a horizontally-opposed engine! As long as it is a fantastic drive, they should do fine. After all, the rear wheel drive boxer engine specialist image already has another car to “taint” it – the new Subaru Justy.

According to Autocar UK, the Subaru boxer engine in question will be a normally aspirated 2.0 liter inline-4 boxer putting out 175 horsepower for the base model, with a turbocharged 2.5 liter model to come later, possibly with all-wheel drive. Autocar says they have viewed top-secret sketches of the car and have produced the artist impression shown in the thumbnail above based on those sketches. You can click the thumbnail to view the full image. It looks rather like a Scion tC crossed with a Hyundai Coupe.

Related Posts:
New Toyota-Subaru boxer-powered RWD sports car to arrive in 2011!

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Motor Image is looking to reignite the Subaru brand in Malaysia with the introduction of the new Forester and Impreza hatchback between June to August. This includes the highest factory spec Impreza possible, the 2.5-litre, 16 valve, turbocharged WRX STI.

Shannon Teoh was in Singapore to get an introductory feel of the two new Imprezas that will appear on our shores this year.

Read more after the jump.


Click to enlarge

The problem with a launch in Singapore is the lack of any feasible area to test a car outside of everyday driving situations. While this might be fine for any normal family car – which the plebeian versions of the Impreza definitely are with its sedate new styling – the 247hp 2.0 S-GT, let alone the 296 in the STI, demand a more clinical challenge.

Motor Image did locate a short slip road with a couple of switchbacks but due to the fact that there were only two STI testers and media from the entire region were here for the one-day only event, we were each limited to one pass each way, hardly allowing us to build towards the limits of the STI’s adhesion.

In under eight minutes with either car, a few snap judgments had to be made. If motoring journos in Malaysia are fortunate enough to get their hands on a test unit when it finally arrives here – prospectively in August – then you’ll probably hear more about the STI’s performance on Malaysia’s more “liberal” roads.

Click to enlarge

What I can tell you is that the two cars are worlds apart. The S-GT is basically a WRX spec car and a twin-scroll turbo results in it producing 247hp at 6,000rpm and 333Nm at 2,400rpm. Despite these figures actually trumping the 2.5-litre WRX (224hp and 306Nm), it certainly doesn’t feel that way. It doesn’t even feel like it could outrun, say, a Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Although this might be due to some sort of transmission lag with the rather unsatisfying four-speed auto ‘box. Certainly, it didn’t seem like peak torque was coming at 2,400rpm and in fact, was closer to 4,000rpm before the car seemed to make haste.

If there is a manual version, it’s not coming here, which is a shame since apparently, the manual 2.5 WRX beats the 2.0 S-GT in the 0-100km/h sprint by two seconds with the S-GT coming in rather unimpressively, just under 8 seconds.

There was no real opportunity to test the symmetrical all-wheel drive – where weight distribution of the drive system is evenly balanced between left and right thanks to the four-pot boxer engine – although the ride seemed decent enough.

Motor Image will be bringing this car in as the ‘warm’ family car, with the auto ‘box making it simple enough for non-enthusiasts while the Sportshift would allow some scrolling through of the four ratios for a more involved drive. Early indications are that it will be priced at 170 grand plus change, making it a cheaper and more sedate alternative to the Golf GTI or Honda Civic Type-R.

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But if cheap and sedate are not words in your dictionary, it looks like the acronyms WRX STI will be in the next few months.

With 296 ponies charging in at 6,000rpm and 407Nm coming through at 4,000rpm, the UK spec STI will be a real steal if it does come at the RM300,000 mark that Motor Image Sdn Bhd general manager John Lim is trying to price it at. Reported to do the 100km/h sprint in under 5 seconds, it’s about half a second quicker to the ton than its longstanding rival, the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (the Evo IX was priced at RM284,872 without warranty).

It’s interesting to note that the UK-spec STI is different from the Japanese-spec STI. The JDM car uses a 2.0 liter boxer-4 engine with a twin scroll turbo good for 304 horsepower, while the UK-spec one we are getting uses a 2.5 liter engine with a single scroll turbocharger.

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The thing that’ll strike you first when you climb in is how the interior doesn’t look or feel like the traditional rally-derived performance car. Subaru have tried to make this feel like a car that’s priced in its range.

With the as-confusing-as-an-M5 electronic dials and switches to adjust your Driver’s Control Centre Differential and Subaru Intelligent Drive, it definitely lends itself to the idea of state-of-the-art.

There is in fact a tangible difference between the three SI-Drive modes – Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp – each getting progressively happier to give you all the power you want. There was no time to fiddle with the DCCD though, which will decide the locking behaviour of the differential, giving you either more traction or more turning capability with its rate of response in re-channeling torque.

What I do know is that the AWD works in Auto well enough. Variations of throttle input in corners translated to minimal under- and oversteers in the cornering line which was held to firmly otherwise.

The only dodgy bits are the slightly under-communicative steering and the styling. If the non-STI versions are just plain boring, the STI tries to counter this with some adjustments to the front and rear end and most tellingly, bloody huge fender flares.

Click to enlarge

The wheel arches are so huge now that you certainly can’t call them boring – it’s more love it or hate it. Whatever the case, you can’t ignore it when it’s there in the flesh.

With the rather short drive time, perhaps the thing that was most impressive was the damping of the ride and low noise levels. Unlike the Evo, which usually tells you it’s a fearsome car by rattling your bones and booming out a loud four-pot harmony, the new STI is nearly disappointing in how well it reduces its 2,500cc engine to a drone rather than a roar and the way it handles bumps, holes and inconsistencies in road surfacing.

In any other RM300,000 car it’d be applauded. In an STI, well, I’m happy that my bum is comfortable in its bucket seat, but I’d have liked a bit more music.

VIDEO: New Subaru Impreza WRX STI TV Commercial

VIDEO: Unveiling of the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI

VIDEO: The new Subaru Impreza WRX STi doing donuts

VIDEO: Subaru Impreza Rally Car

VIDEO: Two Subaru Impreza Rally Cars doing donuts

VIDEO: Subaru Impreza WRX STI – 001

VIDEO: Subaru Impreza WRX STI – 002

VIDEO: Subaru Impreza WRX STI – 003

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

“I think there is high potential for this car. We haven’t had a sports car for a long time. This is a long-awaited-for model. Pricing would be not prohibitively high,” said Toyota Motor Corp CEO Katsuaki Watanabe. The car should be quite fun indeed, with rear wheel drive dynamics and that rumbly boxer engine note.

Since FHI president Ikuo Mori says he has personally driven a test version of the car and is pleased with it, development must have been going on for quite some time now. The car will be launched in 2011.

Other Toyota-FHI joint ventures will also increase, and FHI will stop producing compact vehicles of its own design. It will use Daihatsu badge engineered vehicles instead. The Subaru Justy based on the Daihatsu Boon was the first such Daihatsu-based compact vehicle, with the next one set to be a Subaru-badged Daihatsu Coo in October 2008.

Also confirmed is Toyota’s increase in Subaru stakeholding from the current 8.7% up to 16.5% in a deal valued at 31.1 billion yen (US$311 million).

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Naza World has brought in 3 new cars – the Nissan GT-R, the latest Subaru Impreza WRX and the Nissan Dualis SUV. These cars are priced at RM728,999, RM302,999 and RM229,999 respectively.

The Nissan GT-R really needs no introduction, with publications all around the world raving about the 911-killing supercar. Under the hood is a twin turbocharged 3.8 liter V6 putting out 450 horsepower and 502Nm of torque, hooked up to a transaxle twin clutch gearbox mounted at the rear for optimum weight distribution. Of course, the GT-R must have the ATTESA E-TS all wheel drive system. 0 to 100km/h takes 3.8 seconds.

The latest generation Subaru Impreza WRX with a hatchback body instead of the previous generation’s sedan body is powered by a 2.5 liter boxer engine. The new boxer is 22.6kg lighter than the previous model and produces more low end torque. Peak horsepower and torque are 224 horsepower and 306Nm.

Price at over RM200K, the Nissan Dualis will be an alternative to those who are jaded with all the Muranos going around. The Nissan Dualis is the Japanese/Australian market name for the Nissan Qashqai. Naza is bringing in the 5-seater version.

The Dualis has a 4WD drivetrain and a 2.0 liter engine producing 137 horsepower and 198Nm of torque. It has 6 airbags and stability control. It has a 200mm ground clearance, 30.2 departure angle and a 19.2 degrees approach angle for those who are concerned about some off-roading related numbers.

More images of the cars after the jump.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

Subaru will remain somewhat independent and not be considered a Toyota subsidiary as the resulting shareholding by Toyota will be under 20%. In a response to Nikkei’s report, Subaru says it still does not have anything to announce at the moment as the stakeholding increase is not final yet and still under discussions.

Of course, such reports will always affect share prices. Subaru shares went up 6.6% on the day the Nikkei reported the news.

Related Posts:
GM sells Subaru shares to Toyota

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 08:29:26 +0800.