Subaru Crew - Future Models II

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Comments

  • dstew1dstew1 Member Posts: 275
    As the owner of an '06 I would consider that delay to be very good news.

    Same here...
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    The Subaru of Canada has their '07 Foresters listed. Their lineup is a bit different than what's sold south of the border (no LL Bean & they still have an XS & XS/Prem trim levels). This link does show the XT's new 17" wheels.

    http://www.subaru.ca/interface/Subaru02/WebPage.asp?WebPageID=6129&Range=Foreste- r&ModelYear=2007&WebSiteID=282

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    >Latest word is that it may by an '09 model, and not an '08 model.

    wow... I've had hoped to get a good deal on '07 when a new model '08 starts arriving (still sort of low on cash)... still, probably overall is a good news.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Subaru just introduced a new 1.5 boxer for the Japanese market, the 1.5R.

    This is not to be confused with the old 1.5i, which has been offered for years. The new "R" engine is a DOHC with variable valve timing, and puts out 108 hp. The new engine is more eco-friendly and gets better gas mileage than the old "i" version. It's also more powerful, I believe.

    I see this as a good sign, as it shows Subaru still has interest in the 1.5L size, and still using the boxer engine. I would love to see this engine in a Justy replacement, and sold here to go up against the Scions and Honda Fits—with AWD, of course.

    More info and pixs over at nabisco.

    Bob
  • ozman62ozman62 Member Posts: 229
    Bob, notice that all but the XT still have full size spares as well. Now I know why there's such a premium in Canada. :mad: Unfortunately, the base model still gets rear drum brakes and steel wheels.
    Owen
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think they've held on to the under 100" wheelbase long enough. They're going to lose a few sales to the bigger, newer entries.

    I hope they at least figure out a way to incorporate stability control.

    XT rims looks good - very beefy, substantive. The tires don't quite fill out the wheel well, though. I wonder if they're smaller overall (diameter) than the current one.

    -juice
  • dstew1dstew1 Member Posts: 275
    XT rims looks good - very beefy, substantive. The tires don't quite fill out the wheel well, though. I wonder if they're smaller overall (diameter) than the current one.

    That's probably just an illusion, assuming they're using the 215/55/17, which is supposed to correct the speedo error of the 215/60/16 tires (which read too fast).

    Doug
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Optical illusion I guess. More metal, less rubber, so they appear smaller.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Ye, the tire size is 215/55x17 on the new Forester XT.

    Bob
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    Picked up over at nabisco, here's a page that's collected rumored next-generation Impreza designs. Ignore the last set, though, it's from a video game.
    http://home.arcor.de/goep/4StudienImpreza.htm
    I still think that red people-mover looks pretty darn hot.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Some look good, others look awful.

    That people mover has been around for a while, I had a copy of that pic from way back when. I hope they produce something like it.

    Bob: yeah, that's a near-perfect sized Plus One.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Yeah, I saw that too. It looks like they've grouped them pretty much in the order in which they appeared, the top being the most recent.

    This grouping clearly shows that there are some styling cues that are shared by all: front end, long wheelbase/short rear overhang, and Tribeca-like character rear fender/rear door crease. My guess is these, in some fashion, will make it into production.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They all seem to have stacked/tall headlights as well. That seems pretty likely to make production.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.sevenphotos.com/content/view/14/2/

    Paul gives a good first-hand driving report on these models.

    Bob
  • kreuzerkreuzer Member Posts: 131
    Subaru have any plans to come out with a less expensive car than the Impreza? Like maybe a Justy replacement.
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    Don't hold your breath or try to time your next purchase. Only the vaguest of rumors so far. Subaru of America tested the Japanese-market R2 minicar recently, but we don't really know what came of that. R2 hasn't been selling as well as Subaru hoped for. Also in Japan, Subaru recently launched the Stella to replace the aging Pleo, and in Europe they'll be selling a rebadged Toyota Yaris as their own. They've also got an even smaller R1 and an R1e electric vehicle being tested at the Tokyo Electric Power Co. utility. I think if we get anything, which I kinda doubt, it'll be the Stella.

    Stella and R2 are MUCH smaller than an Impreza - bigger than a SMART car, but smaller than a Mini or the new Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Chev Aveo, etc. Maybe Subaru thinks they're too small for the American market, but I'd like to see them sold in urban areas.

    Here's a link to the Stella:
    http://www.subaru.co.jp/stella/exterior/03/
    to the R2:
    http://www.subaru.co.jp/r2/
    and to the R1:
    http://www.subaru.co.jp/r1/
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The small car market is actually getting crowded. Before it was Aveo or Scion, mostly, now add Fit, Versa, Yaris, and pretty soon Smart. Remember there aren't too many buyers in the small car segment and it's really tough to make a profit.

    I'm sure Subaru will see how the others do before they decide.

    -juice
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    And by then they'll have to compete with cars that have established name recognition, and may be entering a market where the demand has been met. One of the downsides of being a small car company that can't afford big risks.

    I'm hoping they'll do something based off of the Yaris chassis (but substantially different interior/exterior plus boxer & AWD) for this market. That'd save them plenty of R&D costs and make it a much smaller risk.

    It's always so hard to guess where Subaru's going.
  • saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694
    I'm hoping they'll do something based off of the Yaris chassis (but substantially different interior/exterior plus boxer & AWD

    That would probably be too costly, but it might be possible to put the 1.8l Corolla engine in the Yaris hatch. That combo would have quite respectable performance and if offered should have all the safety equipment that is so hard to find in the Yaris hatch.
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    How 'bout the Japanese Impreza's 1.5L instead of Corolla's 1.8? At least they'd stay boxer that way. AWD is a must in my mind, though. Yes, it would need all the safety equipment STANDARD.
  • saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694
    Unless the changes are simply bolt-in, the cost would be immense.........and the engine needs to be one already certified for emissions here. AWD, though we like it in our Subarus is not a must for most purchasers and it sets the minimum selling price at too high a level to compete with other small cars.

    A well to do retired friend is probably going to get a Yaris partially because it is not only smaller but CHEAPER than a Corolla. Most people think a very small car should have a very small price.
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    That's why I think Subaru needs to build a better (and therefore slightly more expensive) small car, because they simply can't compete on price alone. The partnership with Toyota could that help somewhat, but Subarus are never the cheapest cars in their class. They are good values, but not cheap. Other small AWD cars are on the way (Suzuki SX4 for starters). If you can't afford (or want something smaller than) an Impreza but want AWD, where else are you going to go?

    Without the AWD, what's the point in buying the Subaru? Just get a Yaris or Fit.
  • saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694
    Without the AWD, what's the point in buying the Subaru? Just get a Yaris or Fit.

    If the Yaris hatch were stocked by dealers with the optimum accessories and safety equipment you would be correct in there being no advantage for a Subaru-labeled version. Check the Yaris threads for all the complaints about dealer stock!

    A Subaru version priced with the equipment might be priced more like a Corolla........but that is not a problem for the Subaru dealer.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Let's see how the Smart sells. Once you get to the compact level, smaller does not mean cheaper.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I picked up an '07 Tribeca brochure today. The base 5-passenger model no longer has a moonroof.

    The dealer had some '07 Foresters on the lot. The base Forester does NOT have alloys, as previously reported. It still has the steelies.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    In a way, that's good, they need a value priced model. Plus the steelies are the same size, and not bad looking.

    Moonroof deleted, I'm sure they're trying to bring the price down a tad.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    in Glen Burnie MD has several '07 Legacy 2.5 SEs, a Forester LL Bean and a Tribeca on the lot. So the '07s are on the way, for sure.

    Bob
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    Full details on the '07 Legacy (including MSRP/invoice) is now available:
    http://www.cars101.com/subaru/legacy/legacy2007.html

    Disappointment in the transmissions - that base model is the only Legacy wagon available with a manual tranny, and the 5-spd. auto didn't make it any farther down the lineup than it is now.
    On the plus side, most prices have gone down.
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    Full details of the '07 Outback out now, too:
    http://www.cars101.com/subaru/outback/outback2007.html
    Looks like they're offering a very de-contented Outback "Basic" now. I thought the "Brighton" models didn't sell well, so I'm kinda surprised they're trying it again. De-contented B9 Tribeca, de-contented Outback... these are their 2 most upscale models. Wonder if they're changing their approach on the "premium" thing. At least it's more choices being offered. I guess it kinda makes sense to have an Outback for folks who will beat it up a little bit off of the pavement or wherever. Should appeal to the traditionalist no-frills Subaru owners, hopefully.
    Invoice (before dest.) on an Outback Basic, MT, is only $20,720, which is $2500 LESS than last year's cheapest Outback!!
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    The decontented base '07 Outback will have the following stuff deleted and/or replaced:

    From the regular Outback 2.5i ...it will lose the power driver's seat, limited slip rear differential, cargo cover, cargo tray, cargo power outlet, cross bars, splash guards, 17 inch alloys, tire pressure monitoring system, heated seats, heated exterior mirrors, and Windshield wiper de-icer. gains 16 inch steelies.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    they're changing their approach on the "premium" thing

    I hate to say I told you so...wait a second. No I don't. In fact, I love saying that.

    Told ya so, told ya so, told ya so! :D

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That is a pretty big price drop, but they took out some stuff I'd want.

    I'd be wiling to give up most of the stuff, but I'd still want the AWP, and the extra power outlet.

    I'd even be OK with the steelies, and a lot of that stuff are accessories you can buy later with Subaru Bucks, as you accumulate them. You can add cross bars. You can't add heated seats, though.

    -juice
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    "You can't add heated seats, though."

    - Technically you can, they'll just be after-market. I had looked into them back when I had gotten my 2000 OB. At that time it was around $1000 for dual heated seats. I can only imagine what it would be now.

    Mark
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Not so fast...

    Yes, they may be offering more on the low end, but I bet most models are up in price (and content), especially top trim level models of the Tribeca, Outback and Legacy.

    What I see is a wider price spread between the cheapest Subarus and the most expensive ones.

    Bob
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    Top trim up in content, yes, but not in price. I haven't had time to compare them all vs. last year, but I think Spec B is the only one where invoice went up, and it only went up ten bucks. Invoice on GT Limited sedan, automatic, is about $2500 less than last year!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Limited are cheaper, eh?

    I like the Limited package, don't get me wrong, but I think it's pricey. The price really jumps a lot from 2.5i to Limited, for any model.

    -juice
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    Looks like price difference between SE and Limited is about $2000.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The OB Basic doesn't seem like a good value. Invoice price is nearly the same as the Legacy 2.5i SE wagon, and that has a lot more content (twin moonroof for starters).

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    It's still probably a better bad road type of vehicle than the Legacy. Those living in remote rural areas would be smarter to get the Outback.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Top trim up in content, yes, but not in price.

    If that true, great. Maybe they just rearranged the content somewhat? I haven't seen anything yet on pricing or vehicle content to really comment, other than the new added optional equipment the Tribeca gets. I bet a loaded '07 'Beca is more than a loaded '06 model. Last year there no rear backup sensors or rear camera.

    Bob
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    I'm thinking specifically of the '07 enhancements: SI Drive, SRS WOW, aux input, etc. They're not on all models, but primarily the top-of-the-line ones. If they can add that stuff (& more), and keep the price the same or lower, that's great.
  • aaykayaaykay Member Posts: 539
    The rise in the interest rates, resulting in a stronger dollar, should enable the Japanese manufacturers to sell cheaper and yet retain the same margins.
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Actually it's not technically.
    Realistically, the vehicle is already pre-wired. Just need the switch and seats; I sure that would not be hard to scavenge.

    -Dave
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    SRS WOW? Air bags that wow you? :confuse:

    What's next, SRS BOW WOW (for dogs) and pretty soon SRS WOW HOW NOW BROWN COW? :D

    -juice
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    *chuckle* :) Not SRS as in Supplemental Restraint System, but SRS as in "SRS Labs, a Global Leader in Audio, Voice and Surround Sound Technology".
    http://www.srslabs.com/home100.asp
    It's some type of digital processing to "enhance" the sound and make it more 3D-like. I have it on my TV, and it's not fantastic, but is okay.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Too many acronyms! ;)

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    The SRS WOW I've sampled on several mp3 players is pure crap. Way too much bass and the whole concept is flawed.. music is not a surround sound experience. Movies are.

    ~Colin
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    I agree. Wish they'd focus on quality, accurate sound reproduction from a top-shelf audio manufacturer, rather than digitally re-processing the music for a special effect. SRS WOW may be a small incentive for John Q. Public, but audiophiles will probably be turned off. Hopefully SRS WOW will be able to be turned off also. :)

    On the other hand, maybe they'll do a decent job. One can hope.
  • doug1doug1 Member Posts: 37
    Noticed while looking at the government's fuel economy website today (fueleconomy.gov) that the gas mileage on the turbos was up a bit, presumably due to them testing it using the "intelligent" setting with the new SI Drive. I believe the OB XT with a stick was rated at 21/27 (up from 19/25), and the auto was 20/26 (up from 19/24). The GTs also had gains, but oddly, not as great as the XTs.

    Gas mileage has been one of Subaru's weak points for years, so any improvement would be good. I have an OB XT, and around town it's a thirsty pig (about 15), and on the highway, it gets about its mediocre EPA rating of 25. I don't understand why Boxsters, BMWs, etc. can get 30, when comparably powered Subarus are mired in the mid 20s. AWD doesn't result in a 5mpg penalty. I wish Subaru had something along the lines of the VW/Audi 2.0 FSI (and the DSG transmission for that matter!) to provide decent power with good gas mileage.

    Anyway, glad to see that the 2007s are potentially easier on the gas, as well as improved in a number of other areas (VDC, etc.)

    Doug
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