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Subaru Crew: Suggestions for Subaru
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Comments
My point - I'd like to see Subaru offer engine options that aren't packaged along with several thousand dollars worth of equipment.
Unfortunately it seems that MY2006 is doing just the opposite, the turbo engines in the Forester and Legacy/Outback will now require higher equipment levels.
-juice
I generally have no probolem with AT being an option, or even standard, as long as manual can be at least special ordered. Similarly with other stuff.
I understand conflicting forces here, between simple configs, easy to manufacter and market, but part of a niche/upscale segment is choice. Back to enthusiasts: for big guys like Toyota, one enthusiast may be per 50 regular customers (in case of Camry the ratio is probably 1 to 1000 ) . Subaru's ratio is much, much lower - you must be some kind of a nutcase to go for it at the first place (try to explain to your Camry neighbor why you paid 5 grand more for something smaller or try to explain you BMW neighbor why you think AWD is better). Most of their customer choose them for very particular reasons, whether it is technology or image or otherwise). If they keep ignoring those who care to tell them what they like, the future may not be as bright (fortunes sinking ?? ).
I have my WRX for over 2 years and will probably stick to it for another 2-4, depending on many things. My next car will be midsize, this I know. I like 6 cyl, I also like manual, 6 speed would be nice, I want wagon. Choices? BMW, Audi (not right now, but wil be available in the future) and... that's it!
I like their concept and technology, I just want to give them a chance to bring to me something I will like and something I will not have to give my arm and leg for. I may go with Legacy GT Ltd, by why oh why do I have to give up 6 cyl?
2018 430i Gran Coupe
2018 430i Gran Coupe
We only know that it's sold in those countries, and that most likely it costs them less to certify those models for sale in those countries than it does in the litigous USA.
Spec B is coming here, but might be watered down a bit. It'll get the Bilstein suspension and big rims, probably some special colors, but not the 6 speed manual tranny we've asked for.
-juice
-mike
Another thing is that very often focus groups are used just to confirm intuition of executives (especialy male), but are afraid to admit as such and need "scientific" data to back them up. They simply throw away results they don't like and repeat studies until desired results. I just hope Subaru doesn't use those methods in their marketing research.
Another one: manual transmission. How many times I hear: it won't sell. Hello? Did you even try? How do you expect to sell them if you have one stripper on your lot? It is easier to sell automatic to a manual guy (oh, you won't find any around, I will give you a great deal on this one, and look how much better resale it will have) than the other way around. It is all about playing safe, which of course creates self-fullfilling prophecy. I personally know several manual people going automatic because of availability issue. Those people are different ages, differen walks of life, not very similar to me.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
I've participated in several focus groups, some are better than others to be honest. They definitely target the group to try to answer specific questions.
Never did an automotive related one, though.
-juice
1) Telescoping steering wheel and pedals. I know lots of people have asked for the steering column, but the pedals are necessary as well for those who are a bit shorter in stature.
2) A back up sensor of some type. Even the salesman I spoke with recommended picking up an after-market back up sensor. With the size of the back window, it would be very helpful even necessary.
3) As noted by most people, more power. Once you are moving it is ok, but to merge onto a highway with a full load I can see needing more time presently.
That's it for the moment. Otherwise, I feel they did a nice job.
Mark
http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2050615.005/pageview/photo/photo/Mini3/page- /1/nissan/1.html
Subaru might consider offering something like this, and have it positioned under the the Impreza. Maybe 1.5/1.6 boxer (which they already have) and with AWD; could be cool?
Bob
I could see this idea being used on the rear fender.
Bob
-mike
-Frank
Granted, this is a bit severe, but it hints at what a B9 Tribeca 3.0R Spec B could look (somewhat) like, that I mentioned a few posts back. Dave, are you out there—and listening???
Bob
Tribeca STi:
* grille inserts look *HAWT* I bet it would sell like crazy
* painted flares look better on this vehicle than the stock black ones
* some of the ground effects are a bit much, just paint them body color
* use a FMIC because the scoop is a bit much on this design
Heck yeah, though, that looks great!
-juice
-Frank
http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2050620.003
Bob
New suggestion - in Japan Subaru is now selling an R2 with a Utility Package that includes smart keyless entry - perhaps this is something that should be considered for the US?
Interesting that is debuted in the low-end cars.
-juice
http://www.subaru.co.jp/forester/crosssports/
Bob
By that I mean, give us the 17" wheels, and a tweaked suspension and quicker steering with more road feel. However, I'd like to see the ground clearance of the current Forester maintained. So it probably wouldn't handle "quite" as well as the JDM car, but it would handle better than our current XT.
Bob
In fact put it on the Tribeca and I'd be all over it!
Heck, put one on the Legacy too!
Subtle but nice improvement. Why do they get all the good stuff?
-juice
http://www.rolltopcover.com/
Ridgeline pics:
Video:
http://www.rolltopcover.com/demo.asp
Bob
Let's see some innovation here, how 'bout one that slides out of the tailgate itself and wastes no space? Might be too heavy, but add counterweights or something.
-juice
Bob
Mark
"Nice feature?" I think "Key feature" would be a better term. I think the Baja needs this to be standard as it would be a major selling point. One of the biggest complaints about the Baja, as it currently stands, is that it's not very practical, in that the bed is not secure from thieves. This roll-top cover would go a long way to ease that concern.
It offers the best of both worlds: an open bed (when needed) and a large secure trunk (when needed).
Bob
I'd want some other changes, too, though - like more passenger space.
-juice
I agree with you regarding the security concerns from day one. The first time I showed the Baja to my wife she commented that without some sort of secure locking top, it was impractical for someplace like NYC. Back in Jan when we did the 48hrs drive, one of the drivers had a Turbo Baja with a home made pad locked top. A secure top has been demanded from the beginning.
Personally I've found the Baja to be appealling, but for my actual use it would need room for 5, along with the secure top. Till such time as Subaru has something like that I'll stick with my OB.
Mark
Bob
we have kids' stuff ... we want a place to put their stuff out of view of potential thieves ...
we have purses ... we like our vehicles to 'enclose' our stuff like our purses ...
heck .. who knows? ... my cover is 'broken' on my OBW and i hate that i have no 'hiding' place
Bob
I think men envision hauling lumber, mulch, stone, etc. Cave men are we. :-)
The wives are just practical and know what will really go in there most of the time - groceries.
-juice
link title
Advanced Propulsion Technologies Inc., in conjunction with FEV Engine Technology, designed the generator, which is about the size of a large briefcase. Its four pistons — two in each cylinder — operate under the opposed-piston, opposed-cylinder principle (OPOC), which leverages improvements to the 2-stroke cycle to generate thermal efficiency in excess of 41%.
The OPOC design, says FEV, generates extraordinary power density. A turbocharged 2-cyl. prototype generates 325 hp and 590 lb.-ft. (800 Nm) of torque at 2,000 rpm, yet weighs just 270 lbs. (123 kg).
Eric
Bob
I used to be in the camp that didn't ask for NAV, but after sampling one for a few days I want it! And not just on the priciest models, how 'bout offering on a Legacy 2.5i Limited? Or a Forester X Limited?
So far it'll only be available with the H6 or turbo engines, I'd like to see it offered on some 4 cylinder models as well.
-juice
Sooner or later some car company in the market segments Subaru competes in will do just that. I just hope Subaru is the first to do so.
Bob
-juice
Bob
I say Subaru needs to cover these "little" areas if they are seriously trying to compete in this segment. As a matter of fact, just do like Mazda does... I got the SP 2.3 which adds, leather, moonroof, LED rear lights (hatchback model only), rain sensor, xenons, auto on/off headlights, 17"wheels and some other goodies at a very attractive price.
That's good for people like me, who are buying a house and don't have much money to spare Not to mention, keeping in touch with those who want a fun, reliable car without the "upscale" price. Come on Subaru!!!
2018 430i Gran Coupe
-juice
Just offer it, even as options for base models, and people will pay! That's everyone's beef with Subaru, they just don't offer it and if they do, it's just high end models. Yeah.. that doesn't work for those who don't need to spend top dollar to get these little 'gizmos' or whatever you want to call it.
If they have the itch to move upmarket, then it's not like they can't offer it to other trim models.
I sure hope the next generation Forester is like this new Grand Vitara:
• Full-size spare
• Full time AWD, high and low ranges that lock in 4WD, and Neutral.
• Traction Control
• ESP
• IFS/IRS
• True off-road capability.
• 5-speed automatic
While it's not mentioned on this teaser site, I suspect it has 3000 pounds towing, as that's what the current XL7 has. The 2.7L 185 HP V6 is more powerful than the the Forester H-4, but less so than Subie turbos or the H-6. It seems to be a very good compromise in size and power.
This site mentions the Rav4, so I think it's save to assume the Forester is also a target vehicle for this Suzuki.
Bob
Bob