Subaru Baja

ateixeira

You mean Nissan Murano? The SUV? 240hp sounds good, but $30-35k is prohibitively expensive for many folks.

-juice

twrx

My wife wanted a pickup and I could not convince her that we needed to wait for the Baja> So we ended up with a 1992 Toyota extra cab. Really nice condition for its age. Along the way we test drove a new Nissan Frontier supercharged model. I read Consumer Reports auto issue and they hate the Nissan trucks, bad reliablity, bad crash tests, poor handling and poor acceleration even with the supercharged V6. Don't know about the other stuff but I will take them to task on the acceleration and handling. Being a WRXer like I am I did not think any pickup would be any fun to drive. Wow, take one of those out for a drive if you get a chance.
TWRX

bac111

Look at that cladding. Looks like the guys who did the Pontiac Aztek got ahold of this thing. Man oh man, who in the world is going to buy this thing?

ateixeira

* Yellow color looks nice in person, I liked it much more than I though I would
* mid gate is bigger than I thought, useful for long boxes or lumber.
* too much cladding, no surprise. Monotone would likely look far better, but they only had a yellow one
* when gate is down, license plate drops but blocks the hitch receiver

So I left with a slightly more positive impression after seeing it in person, but I'd still like to see the cladding dropped (to Outback levels, say) and an H6 option.

Big surprise was a 2003 Legacy 2.5 GT with VTD AWD and a shiftronic manual control for the 4 speed auto!

-juice

paisan

Um, you can't/shouldn't have a hitch in place when you open the rear tailgate cause you are likely to crinkle that tailgate by the trailer you are towing on a turn!

-mike

ateixeira

We were trying to think about whether that would work or not. I would have the gate closed if I were towing, most likely.

-juice

99gs

What's VTD on the new GT's? They have a limited slip Diffy, but don't know VTD. Thanks Jack

ateixeira

VTD AWD is from the VDC and WRX auto models. It splits power 45/55, with more power going to the rear axle, instead of the 90/10 front wheel bias from the standard Auto AWD.

Basically it "feels" like RWD, where the other models feel more like FWD.

-juice

99gs

Is the shift of power to the different wheels more comprehensive then the regular AWD?

ateixeira

I'd have to let someone that owns one elaborate on that. I have a VC AWD on my manual tranny, and have only sampled auto AWD briefly.

Still, the rear bias would be a big plus for me.

-juice

paisan

Its 80/20 on the current and previous gen AT-AWD subies. My XT6 was 90/10 or 95/5 and you can definitely tell the difference in power split between the AT XT6 and the VC 50/50 MT split on my other XT6. Also there is a difference between the 95/5 and 80/20 splits on the XT6 and my dad's '97 Legacy L. With that said, they are really both great systems, I'd prefer the 50/50 or 45/55 split personally.

-mike

squiredogs

That Baja-like pickup made from the Axiom looks awesome! That would definitely hurt the Baja for me, except the Axiom is overpriced, so this would be too. Are there production plans for this or an S-10 "mini-avalanche" for the fall? I know GM has a hand in all three companies, do you think they would "dumb-down" the midgate like they did to the Subaru? There is still no real competitors for the Baja slated for the fall, barring crew-cabs.

paisan

The Axiom is not overpriced at all when you look into it. The earliest you would see something like the Aximigo would be around next year this time. The GM Crew-cab is due out in the fall designed by Isuzu for GM but the specs are unknown as of yet.

-mike

ateixeira

Axiom's MSRP was set high to begin with, but with the current rebates and near invoice pricing, now it's actually value-priced.

I seriously doubt we'll see the Axiom SUT. Volumes are low already, and would be tiny for the SUT.

Plus, GM likely will have a mini-Avalanche, and guess who will design that platform? Isuzu. So they'd be shooting themselves in the foot.

Axiom SUT seems like a long shot.

-juice

rsholland

This has already been announced.

Bob

ateixeira

There you go, unless Isuzu can do the Axiom SUT for almost no money, it won't happen.

-juice

paisan

Well it may wind up re-badging an Axiom as a GM, that is entirely possible, especially since the Rodeo portion of SIA has been winding down a bit.

-mike

ateixeira

Guess so. Maybe Isuzu will just update the Rodeo platform and use that for GM's pickup, and therefore the Axiom's underpinnings, too.

-juice

paisan

The GM pickup will be built @ a GM plant, too many for SIA to crank out. A mini-avalanche could be launched and re-badged as a Rodeo Sport.

I see the next generation Rodeo being a spin-off of the Axiom since the Axiom and Rodeo ride on the same suspension and frame.

-mike

rsholland

will based off the new TrailBlazer platform, probably(?) the extended length version, or the new S-10 replacement. GM has already pretty much confirmed this vehicle will occur, and will be based of what I just mentioned. I don't see it coming from either the Axiom or Rodeo.

Bob

rsholland

I'm hoping, aside from all the ugly cladding, that Subaru robs every great idea that is in the Avalanche. By that I mean it should have:

• A "true" switchback, and—unlike the Avalanche, I would like to see it with a retractable power rear window.

• Lockable rear fender storage compartments.

• A step on each side the rear bumper, for easy access into the bed with the tailgate dropped.

Bob

ateixeira

That would be ground-breaking. The Avalanche has those steps, but as I pointed out to you in NY, the Escalade EXT does not. Neither has the power rear window. I guess it could go down into the midgate, then fold in.

The lockable fender storage is a good idea, though. They could even be outward facing.

-juice

rsholland

copy Chevy's rear bumper, not Cadillac's...

A power rear window is not that uncommon. I believe the 4Runner has that feature, or used to have it. It was also pretty common of full-size Detroit wagons a few years back.

Bob

ateixeira

My dad had an Olds Custom Cruiser, and you know what? It opened down like a tail gate, or swung to the side, and the window rolled into the gate. Sounds high tech, eh? ;-)

-juice

rsholland

It's probably more likely that the typical Cadillac Escalade EXT owner is the one who could most benefit from that bumper side step, as they are likely to be older and in not as good shape as the typical Avalanche customer.

So GM makes it harder for older people to get in the back, than for younger people. Just another example of GM snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory...

Bob

ateixeira

LOL Bob, I somehow knew you would bring that up!

Does the Baja need one? The step up to the bumper isn't as high, so it may be overkill.

It's clever, but a tall SUV or truck needs it much more than a Baja.

How about some original ideas? It would be intersting to see:

* T-shaped tie-downs like boats use
* lockable side-opening compartments in the bed
* a slide-out ramp built in to the tail gate
* some type of folding or roll-out cover for the bed

There are lots of ways Subaru could be innovative. The Baja has a designed-in bed liner, which is one cool feature.

-juice

rsholland

The thing I like most about the Avalanche, is here is a pickup that really shows some clever thinking in terms of making the "work area" (the bed) more functional—and the public agrees! In spite of its styling, Avalanches are selling like hotcakes. This has to be due to its innovative thinking.

Patti, please pass on these thoughts... Thank you.

Bob

ateixeira

For Subaru owners, I think my ramp idea might be the most useful. They could have just two 2"x4"s slide out of the gate, or unfold, maybe.

Remember the Axiom SUT had that cool bed extender built into the gate? That was a neat feature.

-juice

rsholland

I'm not so sure those side steps would be overkill on the Baja. I think a number of buyers will be gardeners, many of whom may be retired. So, while that step may seem like overkill to someone your age, to an older person, having that feature (even on the relatively low Baja) could be a "deal clincher."

I know I'd rather see bumper steps than a "competition-like" silver fuel door, which it now has.

Bob

rsholland

idea is just in its infancy. There is so much more that can be done with that idea. I saw the other day (in Truck Trend?) of a bed extender that could also be used as a ramp for motorcycles, etc. That item is already for sale!

They have just scratched the tip of the iceberg in terms of what can be done in the bed area.

Bob

ateixeira

Go ahead and say it, you think the Baja will appeal to geezers! :-)

OK, give them the step. What can it really cost?

Bingo, I should charge them a licensing fee. I swear I didn't know about it, but Subaru ought to look into it.

-juice

ateixeira

What about a rolling bar? Get that Igloo fridge and a water tank with a pump, and a power outlet for frozen Margaritas!

Now you're talking! The Subaru Baja Bar edition.

-juice

rsholland

Since I'm rapidly approaching that, I do tend to be somewhat "sensitive" to these issues. It's funny, one of my clients caters to the "senior" market, so that whenever I design brochure for him, there are certain "do's" and "don'ts" that I have to be aware of for these clients (large, easily readable type for one, positive images for another).

Two of the very first shows the Baja was shown at was the Philly and San Francisco flower shows, so that must tell you something about Subaru's marketing of the Baja.

Bob

ateixeira

OK, if they're thinking flowers, what about a segmented bed, so pots don't slide around? Or tie downs on the butresses, or on the roof?

The ramp would be really handy for a wheel barrow. Lots of opportunity. Maybe Subaru can market an entire line of accessories. Have you seen the cargo bin they have for Foresters? Some things along those lines.

-juice

rsholland

all great ideas!

Bob

ateixeira

They need that stuff to stand out. Right now all they could claim to offer than noone else does is a car-like ride and fuel efficiency.

-juice

paisan

The S10 replacement is an Isuzu so it could be based off that. I think that Axiomlanche will be the next Rodeo Sport though. That is highly possible.

-mike

rsholland

in that the Chevy and GMC small (mid-size?) trucks will all be based on that vehicle.

Bob

ateixeira

Edmunds preview is out:

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/preview/articles/53161/article.html

They mention the integrated bed linger I talked about. And it does have 4 tie downs and a bed light. I'd like to see more than just 4 tie downs, though. Gimme a dozen!

Also, I don't recall, is it really just a 4 seater as the article implies?

-juice

rsholland

It's 4-seater. Remember, I mentioned the center rear console to you at the show? There were two cupholders in the rear center, between the seats.

Bob

ateixeira

Yeah, now I remember. I'm not sure I like that - 4 seats really limit its functionality. That alone takes the Baja and Element off my list.

-juice

odd1

Wouldn't that be the Baja Parrothead edition? I heard it comes with the complete Buffet box set.

ateixeira

What about a Baja Barney edition for parents, with a purple color scheme, DVD video, and seating for 5?

On 2nd thought, never mind!

-juice

odd1

Don't you get enough "I love you, you love me..." at home? I don't think that is the Barney edition. I think it is the Marquis de Sade edition.

ateixeira

What about a Marquis de SOD edition? I mean, look at all the flower show presence!

-juice

squiredogs

Could there be a lap belt between the two back seats, just to keep a 5th passenger legal for a REALLY short trip? Is that something that could be done aftermarket? 4 passenger is a little less flexible. Or would I have a better chance of getting a separate liftglass installed on a WRX wagon rear hatch? That would be perfect for me...

ateixeira

Hmm, I guess you'd need a couple of hinges, a latch, and some creative drilling. Plus weather stripping.

-juice

rsholland

in the middle of the rear seat, no seat cushion.

Bob

ateixeira

I say change it so that there is a middle seat, but it folds over to create a console. Ford's Taurus has a front bench like that, and Dodge's Ram pickup has a clever solution, too.

-juice

rsholland

Subaru's thing was, in terms of making it a 4-passenger vehicle. Making it a 5-passenger vehicle is certainly possible, and would make more sense.

Bob