Maybe the driving characteristics improvement over the non-hybrid model will be enough to justify the cost for many. We'll have to see how it does with the standard tires when you test one here in the states. Considering the overall differences for the price, I don't think the additional $3,000 is all that bad. Maybe consider it a slight performance tweak, and increased fuel economy is just icing on the cake.
This is perhaps the most pointless hybrid since GM released the Malibu "mild" hybrid. The Crosstrek didn't need a hybrid that offers a nominal increase in fuel economy. It needs a turbo with a measurable increase in power. Oh, and a proper automatic transmission.
I've always like this CUV since it has come out, but felt it was underpowered and noisy. I'm with bankerdanny on this one: It needs a turbo. And no spare tire? That would be a deal killer for me.
Subaru is really shooting for a niche market with this thing. Can't say I've ever wanted a stilted hybrid with a 15-year payback period that has enough ground clearance to get me miles down a dirt road or snowstorm only to leave me stranded there when I get a flat because it has no spare. I predict a short market life for this car.
Comments