by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen June 17, 2008 3:00 PM
Filed Under: Japanese, Subaru
Today in Japan the all new Subaru Exiga went on sale. The Exiga, first shown as the EXIGA concept at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, combines seven-seater functionality of an SUV with the sleeker looks of a wagon. Subaru has stayed very close to the well received concept car, including panoramic roof, with only the futuristic chrome details missing on the production car.
The Subaru Exiga is offered in four guises, the entry level 2.0i, the more luxurious 2.0i-L, the sporty 2.0i-S and the grand touring 2.0GT model. The GT model is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 liter DOHC horizontally-opposed boxer engine producing 225 hp while the other models do with the 2.0 liter DOHC boxer engine putting 148 hp to the road.
The naturally aspirated engines are linked to a 4-speed automatic transmission with Sportshift and Active Torque Split AWD, while the GT is hooked up with a 5-speed automatic with Sportshift, Subaru's SI-Drive and the Variable Torque Distribution system.
FHI Unveils New Model Subaru EXIGA, a Seven-Seater for Panorama Touring
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the debut of its new Subaru EXIGA in Japan. The EXIGA went on sale nationwide through Subaru dealerships today.
Based on the concept of a seven-seater with panoramic visibility for the touring experience, the EXIGA has been developed to provide a safe and pleasant journey for all occupants. Capitalizing on its accumulated know-how from building wagons and crossover SUVs, Subaru has succeeded in creating open and comfortable interior space for all the passengers to easily engage in conversation and share the experience of touring enhanced by dramatic wide-angle views through the windows.
The new model represents Subaru’s latest proposal for a new type of multi-passenger vehicle, built on Subaru’s strengths in vehicle stability, low noise, and quality ride —all realized by Subaru’s Horizontally-Opposed engine layout and the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3).
Subaru EXIGA 2.0GT
Development Concept: a Seven-Seater for Panorama Touring
Seven passengers
Despite a body size that’s convenient for maneuvering, the EXIGA comfortably accommodates up to seven occupants, ensuring ample space and a pleasant ride for each passenger. Excellent utility and comfort have been added through the adoption of new designs for better visibility, ingress/egress, and cargo space.
Panorama
A bright, open interior space has been created for passengers in any seat to enjoy the scenery outside. The vehicle’s low noise level allows all passengers to easily converse.
Touring
In addition to high levels of safety, both active and passive, the EXIGA blends high performance and smooth handling with high-quality riding comfort. The vehicle also offers excellent environmental performance and fuel economy.
FHI offers four EXIGA models:
2.0i is the basic model with selected standard equipment, priced in a more affordable range
2.0i-L offers high quality finishes and expanded standard equipment
2.0i-S is a sporty model with a naturally aspirated engine, featuring dynamic powerful styling and interior designs
2.0GT is a grand touring car that combines potent powertrain performance with environmental considerations
What does it mean? If you don't know, why say it? Anyhow imo the interior is pretty slick. The detailing looks decent, however they could have given that gray trim more substance.
I like it alot...its a good car for family men who want something sporty as well as spacious. And with the 2.0T...he can do alot to increase performance :)
Still fuming because Subaru killed off the Legacy wagon in the states, I'd welcome the Exiga as a possible replacement. Why does the North American arm of the company assume that anyone who wants decent cargo carrying capacity would also need the raised suspension of the Outback, Forester or Tribeca? It seems to me that Subaru make a big deal over the better handling dynamics of the boxer engine's low center of gravity and then chucks out that advantage by needlessly lifting these cars 2-3 inches off the ground, so they can assume the posture of an off-road vehicle. I've owned three of the Legacy wagons, but if Subaru doesn't come back with a practical replacement minus the jacked-up ground clearance, I'll be shopping my next car elsewhere.
Boring! Why cant Subaru hire a designer for once. Todays Outback looks pretty nice. In the front that is. The rear lights arrangement no. But Im driving it, I like the integrity the brand stands for. I hope they wont spoil their chances by designen something as ugly as the original Tribeca again. Please dont mess up Outback!!!!!!! Exiga have to get smaller head light arr. and a better looking end. Go to work Subaru or I´ll buy a SAAB 93 Sportcombi next time, now when they offer AWD.
