Subaru Crew Cafe

rsholland

Note 4WD lock button on dash & hill desent button on lower center console, just above cup holders.

Bob

ateixeira

Baby got back. Those tail lights looks like the beginning of a big bottom.

-juice

rsholland

Haven't seen the rear yet.

Bob

kens

Looks pretty good. It's an evolutionary change -- kind of a hybrid of the current RAV4, the new Forester front-end and a Mazda 3 Wagon.

Ken

p0926

Which is saying something coming from someone who prefers the boxy look :P

-Frank

rsholland

It was a pretty base model, but with full-time AWD. This vehicle will go a long way towards changing Suzuki's image here, and for the better. I was very impressed. The power is good; not great but good, and certainly seemed more powerful than the non-turbo Forester 2.5. It seemed very well made, and is about as roomy as a CRV. It lacks the height of the CRV, so the CRV may have more "total" space. Either way it's much roomier than the Forester. The rear seats fold like the CRV, meaning split-fold and tumble.

The ride is not as good as the Forester, mainly because it appears to be a bit more rugged, and you can feel that going over bumps. It's weight is around 3600 lbs, which is in the Outback H-6 neighborhood. The steering seemed to be pretty quick, and quicker than the Forester I think.

The one I drove had the 5-speed automatic. All new Grand Vitaras have a 185 HP 2.7L V6 (w/timing chain), fully independent suspension, choice of 2WD, full-time 4WD, or 4-Mode 4WD (Neutral, 4-hi full-time, 4-hi lock, 4-lo lock), stability control, ABS, fullsize spare and 3K towing. They start around $19K. The one I drove was around $22K. It's a very nice package.

Bob

rsholland

http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2050831.004

ateixeira

Interior reminds me of the RAV4, interestingly enough. Still seems very narrow to me, even the XL7 was that way.

I like the nose, but not the profile. Not enough design flair, the D-pillar and taillights look just like the Sienna minivan.

Looks OK overall, great for the price. Suzuki has a 7/100 fully transferable warranty, also.

-juice

rsholland

http://hondanews.com/CatID2010

ateixeira

I like the coupe, front is sharp and rear is clean. 3 spoke wheel is a bit odd and the speedo is trying too hard to be high tech.

The sedan is a mess, front looks like an Ion, 2 spoke wheel is nasty, and the rear is unfinished.

30/40 mpg with a dogmatic, not bad for a 140hp 1.8l.

-juice

rsholland

New Civic sedan has a longer wheelbase than the Legacy (page 3)!

http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2050901.005

Bob

ateixeira

The Si loses 4mpg city, oddly it's worse than the Acura RSX with the same engine and slightly more power.

5 speed automatic even on the Civic DX! Subaru is waaaaaay behind here.

That is a long wheelbase, wow. Honda is bringing the Fit to the US so I guess they are making room for it.

Hybrid is a little more efficient than before, and keep in mind even the old one matched the Prius in read-world mileage (both got 48mpg), so it might become the real-world champ among sedans.

Nice improvements. I really like the coupe's styling, but the sedan leaves me cold.

-juice

rsholland

They confirm my intial impressions. Suzuki has a winner here.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=107099

Bob

ateixeira

It's wierd, I should like it more, but I don't. Hard to explain why, really. If the V6 made 200hp maybe it would get my heart pumping.

Nits to pick - the spare blocks the rear view, already bad due to wide D-pillars. Was visibility bad while backing up, Bob?

Another thing - the rear gate swings to the wrong side, it blocks the curb if you ever parallel park. This is cost-cutting, it's designed for Japan, not the USA.

It reminds me a lot of the outgoing RAV4, like they benchmarked it and improved on a few little things. But Toyota is already showing the new one.

Price, warranty, V6 standard, 6 air bags, it has plenty of goods. I'm just not excited about it.

-juice

rsholland

I didn't back it up, but I would guess it's much like our CRV, which is not great when backing up.

I need to spend more time in one, but my initial reaction is very positive. Is it perfect? No. It doesn't have a sport shift, and the 4-Mode 4WD is only available with the automatic, and on the top two trim lines. Also, no NAVI (yet).

So why do I like it? It's the only small SUV (to date) that offers all the features I want: full-time 4WD with a low range, has a fully independent suspension, is more off-road ready than any small cute-ute SUV, fullsize spare, decent towing (3000), almost as roomy as a CRV, handles very well, looks good, gets reasonable mileage (matches the Tribeca EPA, on regular gas), has a smooth and reasonably powerful V6 with a timing chain (not a timing belt), 5-speed automatic—and is inexpensive! I bet you could get a fully loaded version, with all the bells and whistles for well under $25K.

The rear door opening is much less of an issue than I thought, having lived with a CRV for a while. So far the wrong-way opening has been a non-issue. I can't recall anytime that it has been a problem. The new Rav4 is nice, but still doesn't have low range, and likely Toyota will nickel-and-dime you to death with option packages, resulting in a pricey car.

The only thing I really wished it had was a Subaru logo on the grille and a boxer engine. It's everything I wished the Forester was, or could be.

Bob

ateixeira

The wrong-way rear gate is not an issue because you live out in the boonies and probably never parallel park. :P

I'm in DC a lot and I do, so I expect it would bother me more.

Subaru is striving to make the Forester more car-like, so besides more clearance, it's less traditional SUV than that Zook in just about every way.

-juice

robr2

The wrong-way rear gate is not an issue because you live out in the boonies and probably never parallel park.

Let's show a positive of the wrong-way rear gate. For us right handed folks it's natural. No awkward use of your left hand to open it.

Besides, if you're parallel parking a CRV - it doesn't matter which way the gate swings. You're not going to be able to open it anyway. And what about those poor folks in Georgetown who live on the left side of a one way street and park in front of their little hovel? Wouldn't a right hand swing be just perfect?

ateixeira

True, you need a good amount of space behind you to open it all the way, at least.

Even in Georgetown, you still park on the right. So those people would have to cross the street to stack the cases of beer on the curb.

-juice

robr2

Even in Georgetown, you still park on the right. So those people would have to cross the street to stack the cases of beer on the curb.

Really?? Here in Boston, as long as there is room (and even when there isn't) folks usually park on both sides of a one way street.

ateixeira

Streets like that may exist here, but if so they're not common. I guess DC doesn't have too many one-way streets with parking on both sides.

-juice

rsholland

regardless of which way it opens, is an issue only if you have to parallel park. Juice, you're right, for me it's not an issue, a��s I rarely have to parallel park. It's mostly mall parking or driveway parking, so a rear door is just fine.

Yes, the GV is a bit more truck-like than the Forester, especially in terms of the ride. Still, it's way, way better than most traditional SUVs.

Bob

ateixeira

Just read that in an update, wow, big news!

VW needs help. Their upscale push has been a huge flop. Phaeton is on life support. Touareg sales are slow even with steep discounts. Even the new Jetta has been selling slowsly.

I predict this will help them tremendously.

-juice

amsbear

Did you also see that they may be cutting ~10,000 jobs in Germany over the next few years. They are looking at assembly plants in Portugal.

Alan
98 OBW Ltd

ateixeira

These are the pains they must suffer after the huge costs incurred in the effort to move upscale, too far too fast if you ask me. I'd been warning them all along, Piech had quite an ego.

-juice

ateixeira

Finally!

More than a month after ordering, when it was supposed to be 4-7 days delivery, but it's finally here. There's no way, no how I'd recommend this vendor. I had to call 3-4 times and they kept making empty promises.

I'm setting it up now. Hopefully I can test it on my way to work tomorrow.

It's the Garmin StreetPilot c320, plus a 1GB SD card so it should be able to fit the entire country, we'll see.

-juice

ladywclass

my DH bought the 'drive in movie screen' in mid july ... (62" tv) .. the first one they brought had a problem with the projection (display was slanted), so after going through the customer service and having a manufacturer approved service tech come to the house ... it basically went nowhere .. so .. with only 3 days to go in the 30 day refund/replacement period, we went back and asked for exchange ...

they brought tv # 2 ... this one was delivered on 8/19, and had the same problem as the first ONLY WORSE ... lol .. had to laugh to keep from crying ....

at least by the time we called the customer service rep that evening, the delivery guys had already relayed the story and they were already lining up the next delivery .. lol

tv # 3 was delivered on 8/27 ... this one seems to work ... finally ...

anyone want us to order/buy anything for them?

:P

ateixeira

ateixeira, "Navigation / GPS Systems" #331, 7 Sep 2005 10:23 am

So far, so good.

Dennis - I do wish it had a Main Menu button that would take you straight back there. When programming 20 addresses, you had to hit back about 10 times to enter another address. In the end it was easier to hit GO, then cancel, and then do the next address.

Haven't read the whole manual yet, is there a way to go straight to the main menu?

Not a big deal, I would only have to enter the addresses once, as it saves them. Neat.

What level of detail did you prefer? I'm on the default right now, the middle of 5 settings. Just curious.

-juice

rsholland

rsholland

High-performance 4WD station wagon
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that the Lancer Evolution Wagon would go on sale at affiliated dealerships throughout Japan today. Lancer Evolution Wagon marries the awesome dynamic performance of the Lancer Evolution IX high-performance 4WD sedan, which employs Mitsubishi's advanced and proprietary All Wheel Control (AWC) traction and stability enhancing technology, with the utility-enhancing luggage compartment of the Lancer Wagon. Tax inclusive price starts from 3,412,500 yen.

Lancer Evolution Wagon is the first station wagon model in the Lancer Evolution series. Derived from the Lancer Evolution IX sedan launched in March 2005, Lancer Evolution Wagon uses the body side panels and roof panel from the Lancer Wagon with reinforcements mainly focused on the rear end to create a lightweight and very stiff station wagon body. The powertrain mates a 2.0-liter intercooler-turbocharged engine to an electronically controlled 4WD driveline to realize unparalleled vehicle dynamics for a station wagon.

Lancer Evolution Wagon is offered in two grades. The GT uses a 6-speed manual transmission to deliver the ultimate in sporty driving pleasure. The 5-speed automatic transmission GT-A brings full-spectrum driving pleasure, combining the sporty performance of the GT with the convenience of an automatic. Lancer Evolution Wagon is to be produced in a limited run of 2,500 (GT and GT-A combined total), with production due to cease at the end of December this year.

Lancer Evolution Wagon walkaround

Exterior
• The design melds together Lancer Evolution IX's aggressive front end styling and Lancer Wagon's squarish rear end.
• Rear blister fenders and a rear bumper that take their design cues from Evolution IX are used to give Evolution Wagon a low-&-wide look.
• On the GT-A, the front license plate has been moved to a central position to promote automatic transmission oil cooler performance. On the GT, the license plate is located in the same position as on Evolution IX to promote cooling of the intercooler.
• Brilliant chrome headlamp extensions enhance the overall quality look.
• A chrome "LANCER Evolution" logo at the bottom left of the rear gate together with air outlet-look quarter lower garnish on the rear blister fenders identify Evolution Wagon's tail.

Interior
• Lancer Evolution Wagon's interior is distinguished from Evolution IX by the use of a chrome finish for the air vent controls and door handles to lend a slightly classier touch to the interior.
• Both grades use the same Momo steering wheel as Evolution IX. GT also shares the alloy accelerator, brake and clutch pedals used on its sedan cousin. GT-A uses the same accelerator pedal but has a slightly larger alloy brake pedal.
• Evolution Wagon uses double-sealing weatherstrips introduced on Evolution IX, to beef up sound insulation performance in the dash panel, and strategically places soundproofing, noise-absorbing and vibration damping materials in the newly acquired luggage compartment.
• Lancer Evolution Wagon models are fitted with Recaro full bucket front seats upholstered with a combination of non-slip coated fabric, comfortable Alcantara suede and genuine leather. The thigh bolsters are lower than on Evolution IX to facilitate easy entry and exit while still providing optimum location and hold.
• The rear seat uses the same 60/40 split back configuration as the Lancer Wagon but features Alcantara suede back and squab facings with protein leather on the side bolsters. The rear seat back has 5 reclining settings for greater occupant comfort.
• Measuring VDA 530-liters (5 occupants, luggage tonneau cover not deployed), the luggage compartment is slightly smaller than in Lancer Wagon. The 60/40 split rear seatback, roll-up tonneau cover, 3-section luggage compartment underbox, four securing hooks and accessory power socket together yield a high-utility and easy-to-use luggage compartment.

Body
• Lancer Evolution Wagon uses the same platform (engine compartment, front floor and rear floor) as Evolution IX. The body takes Lancer Wagon's side panels and roof panel and adds reinforcements at the A, B, C and D pillar joins.
• The addition of a large floor cross member reinforces the joins between the rear floor, rear wheelhouse and body side structure and brings a substantial increase in torsional stiffness. Major reinforcements have been added to the joins between the rear floor, rear end panel and the bottom of the D-pillar.
• The addition of a reinforcement at the top of the rear shock absorber mounting and an extra 50 spot welds in the tailgate opening help realize a lightweight and very stiff body at a minimum weight.
• Lancer Evolution Wagon uses the lightweight alloy engine hood and alloy front blister fenders from Lancer Evolution IX and the Lancer Wagon tailgate with oversize tailgate spoiler used on the Lancer Wagon Ralliart model. The Evolution Wagon-exclusive rear bumper borrows the Lancer Evolution IX design motif.
• Flowing from the trailing edge of the rear door, the edgy rear blister fender slips down and disappears under the rear quarter panel in a design that takes its cue from the front blister fender.
• Available as a dealer option, a rear high-performance sway bar enhances the already superior levels of rear end stability which realizes steering response and handling characteristics unparalleled in the station wagon category.

Powertrain
• The GT grade uses the latest 4G63-type MIVEC intercooler-turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission to generate flat and wide torque with excellent response at all engine speeds. Producing maximum output of 280 PS (206 kW) / 6500 rpm and 40.0 kg-m (39.2 N-m) / 3000 rpm of torque, the engine gives Evolution Wagon performance that is unmatched in the station wagon category.
• The GT-A powertrain mates the 4G63-type intercooler-turbocharged engine, with its smaller turbocharger giving outstanding low-end and mid-range torque and response, to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The power unit generates maximum output of 272 PS (200 kW) / 6500 rpm and 35.0 kg-m (343 N-m) / 3000 rpm of torque to deliver top ranking performance for an automatic model.

4WD system
• Lancer Evolution Wagon's full-time four-wheel drive system uses Mitsubishi Motors Active Center Differential (ACD*1), which raises traction and handling to new levels of excellence, and a mechanical limited-slip rear differential that controls torque feed for superior traction and straight line stability over all surfaces.
• The 6-speed manual transmission GT grade uses a helical limited-slip front differential that takes the sport driving experience another step higher.

rsholland

Suspension
• Lancer Evolution Wagon uses the same inverted MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension as Evolution IX. The monotube shock absorbers deliver superior damping response and handling performance and were developed jointly with Bilstein.

Brakes
• Lancer Evolution Wagon uses the same powerful Brembo high-performance brakes as Evolution IX, with 4-piston 17-inch ventilated discs at the front and 2-piston 16-inch ventilated discs at the rear.
• With Mitsubishi's Sport ABS*2 giving enhanced steering control under hard braking and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD*3) automatically regulating the front-to-rear braking force ratio to match vehicle load, the braking system delivers responsive, smooth and predictable stopping power under all conditions.

Wheels & tires
• Lancer Evolution Wagon rides on the same 17 x 8JJ Enkei alloy road wheels as Evolution IX but finished in bright silver rather than dark gray. As with Evolution IX, Evolution Wagon is also available with 17 x 8JJ BSS super-lightweight forged alloy wheels as a factory-fitted option.
• The wheels are shod with the same 235/45R17 93W ADVAN A046D tires fitted to Evolution IX GT and designed to offer outstanding abrasion resistance and superior wet adhesion.

*1 ACD (Active Center Differential)
The ACD incorporates an electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch. An ECU optimizes clutch cover clamp load for different driving conditions, regulating the differential limiting action between free and locked states. The result is improved steering response together with better traction. ACD provides three modes - Tarmac / Gravel / Snow - to enable quicker control response for changes in road surface.

*2 Sport ABS
In Sport ABS, the system ECU uses information from a steering angle sensor that detects steering inputs as well as from lateral G and vehicle speed sensors to apportion pressure to each of the four wheels independently. The result is improved steering response under braking.

*3 EBD
The Electronic Brake Force Distribution system optimizes allocation of braking force between the front and rear wheels. Increasing the pressure applied to the rear wheels when braking close to the limit, EBD reduces the load on the front wheels to realize better anti-fade performance. The system also compensates for changes in surface and vehicle load conditions to ensure predictable and consistent stopping performance at all times.

Sales information
Sales target:2,500 (limited edition)

Available at: MMC affiliated dealerships throughout Japan

Manufacturers Recommended Retail Price (nationwide; tax-inclusive)

Trim level
Engine
Transmission
Drive
MRRP

GT
2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder
16-valve DOHC MIVEC
intercooler-turbocharged
6M/T
Full-time
4WD
3,465,000 yen

GT-A
2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder
16-valve DOHC
intercooler-turbocharged
5-speed A/T
with Sport Mode
3,412,500 yen

ateixeira

Call me strange but I think that's totally hot.

I've always loved the practical, square shape on the Lancer wagon, but I hate the hose on the non-EVOs. That fixes it.

Closest thing to a Forester STi, and it could be sold here.

To be honest the US market would be more likely to embrace it if they put that powertrain in the Mitsu Outlander.

-juice

rsholland

Okay, you're "strange." :P

Seriously, I think a Legacy STI (sedan and wagon) could work here, but I bet it's a few years off. The Legacy Spec B could (?) evolve in to something like that though.

I do like the Volvo-like square, upright back. Volvo does it better, in terms of styling, still I like the EVO. I wish Subaru Legacy and Outback wagons were more like that.

Bob

ateixeira

Sadly they are moving away from that, getting less sporty, i.e. no manuals. Big mistake IMO.

-juice

rsholland

these new radar-controlled cruise control systems will drive radar detectors nuts.

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=103116

Bob

ateixeira

I heard the minimum following distance is too far, so cars end up cutting in front of you all the time. Dunno how useful this would really be.

Drive, people!

-juice

locke2c

I believe they use a different band, or otherwise they would drive police radar guns nuts.

~Colin

bat1161

I'm curious who has taken advantage of this offer? And if anyone has had any problems with it?

I'm asking because it seems that those of us living within the limits of NYC are not allowed to participate. I do not believe NY'ers are that bad that we can not try out the new Subaru's. I had contacted a participating dealer who is 7.5 miles from my home in NJ, but because I live in NYC, I could not arrange the 24hr test drive. There are dealers in NJ and out on Long Island participating, just no one within NYC. I had wanted to show my wife the Tribeca and figured driving it for a day is a good indication how things would go. I guess I will have to be satisfied with going with her to the dealer for a short test drive. I had wanted to compare the OB XT vs the B9 with her in the car.

Just curious if anyone else has run into this problem. BTW, SOA's response is it is up to the individual dealers. I suggested that they put a trailer on their ad saying not available in NYC.

Mark

ateixeira

This is a very bizarre marketing strategy because they will end up with a lot of miles on whichever models they use as "demos". I wonder if Subaru picks up tab, or the dealer?

-juice

bat1161

I've sent emails to 4 different dealers, all within 20 miles of where I live. One answered that they participate and asked what I was looking to drive. I answered them, and have not heard anything since. One didn't answer me at all, and the other two said no way once they heard I lived in NYC. Part of the problem is trying to find a dealer close enough to make it worthwhile. One of the conditions of the test drive is you can not put more than 100 miles on it in 24 hrs. That puts the LI dealers out of the picture. The dealer I go for service is participating, but he is 45 miles away. By the time I picked it up and came home, I would be able to go to the grocery store, before having to bring it back without going over the 100 mile limit. Frustrating to say the least!

Mark

ateixeira

But it just sounds like you are not a good candidate. Maybe they are afraid of car thefts in NYC. My roommate has his Golf stolen the first time he went, on the first day!

-juice

robr2

There aren't any Subaru dealers in NYC, the outlying boroughs, or maybe close in Westchester county that are participating?

hammerhead

GM was offering it ?last year? I remember it because the Subaru dealer here is also a Chevy store.

Cheers!
Paul

rsholland

regarding using regular gas in a H-6 Subie:

i work at a subaru dealership i recommend that u use premium bc subaru of america will void the warranty if you get a pinging noise due to using lower octane fuel.. they simply wont help u because if u look at the gas lid it says premium fuel only

Bob

ateixeira

How would they even know? LOL

-juice

rsholland

By testing the gas? Maybe there are tell-tail signs of using regular?

Latest word I have gotten is that regular is okay in the H6 for a few tankfuls, but not as a steady diet. Hope to know more soon.

Bob

locke2c

we someone complains about pinging, the dealership would ask the owner what type of fuel they use. if the owner answers truthfully, that's that. if not-- and they're convincing-- then no, SoA would not be able to prove anything.

but if all the gear seems to be in order and the ECU still is recording lots of knocking... I think it would be pretty obvious that the owner wasn't using fuel with enough octane.

~Colin

bat1161

Subaru updated the list this morning to include a dealer in the Bronx (34 miles away). The next closest NYS dealer is 36 miles away. Once again I go back to the problem that that would leave me with 32 miles of travel within the 24hr period. That probably is enough, but it may also be cutting it close. That's assuming the Bronx dealer is indeed participating.

I guess it is too much risk of a car being stolen in NYC. Especially out of the Bronx .

Mark

robr2

The Bronx is 34 miles away from NYC?? According the Subaru's website, the Bronx dealer is 13 miles away from zip code 10005.

Even if you were left with only 40 miles - do you think you could really drive more than that in NYC in less than 1 day??

ateixeira

What's the compression ratio? Doesn't seem like it's an ultra-high revver that would have a major thirst for octane.

-juice

bat1161

Robr2-

I live in Staten Island (10308). According to Mapquest, the dealer in the Bronx is 33.8 miles door-to-door, thus the 68 miles round trip. As for doing more than 40 miles in one day - it is approx 30 miles round trip from my house in SI to my Mom in Brooklyn. That gives me 10 miles to test with. I can barely drive from my Mom to my sister, who is also in Brooklyn before going over the mileage allotment!

What can I say - NYC covers a lot of ground. That's why my commute via public transportation takes about 1 - 1 1/4 hrs to get downtown, and my wife takes 1.5 to 2 hours each way!

Mark