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Subaru Crew - Future Models II

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  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    the new RAV4 looks jazzy man. I quite like the look. Of course it's all surface. Haven't driven a rav4 before.
    Anyways leo....run!!! Or u'll succumb to the lure of the Scoobyside. urrgh.....
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The rav4 like most Toyotas are simply ripped off of someone else. The Rav4 is basically a smaller verison stylingwise of the Isuzu Vehicross. Now that is a vehicle. Full time 4wd, Lo-range, handles like a subie, and has 215hp/230lbs, hand assembled, 18" rims, yummy!

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Never looked at it that way. Maybe a very mild, watered down monotone Vehicross, I guess.

    -juice
  • texsubarutexsubaru Member Posts: 242
    Actually, I rather preferred the exterior styling of the previous generation RAV4s over the vaguely Echo/Prius look of the new model. But Toyota did bolster the engine a bit and improve the interior space, both of which were weak points in the earlier models (actually, didn't drive my friend's RAV4 enough to really be able to comment on the engine, but can vouch for the space being tight, having spent a few hundred miles in a RAV4 back seat with a baby carrier and another adult). On old and new ones, the RAV4 bumper deficiency bugs me, too, as does the fact that the rear tailgate seems to me to be hinged on the wrong side.
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    made me very glad that I didn't wait until it came out to buy my Forester. Too much form, not enough function. The appearance of the Forester has really grown on me. It looks like exactly what it is: a tall, small station wagon. Just what I need.

    Ross
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    The Rav might look better and those rear seats are neat, but it looses out in the rest of the cadigories...

    I still think that black Forester S's look sweet! I'd get that as a small SUV for sure, over everything else.

    Maybe the Santa Fe if I was straped for money... (v6 and AWD for under $20k is damn good)
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    If anyones interested, I just finished uploading a vid entitled "Impreza Tribute" that ive been working on in class for awhile...


    http://kostamojen.tripod.com/


    Just do a right-click save-as and download the .wmv file, its only 4.1mb.


    I think everyone will like it too :D

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    expected to be unveiled at the NY Auto Show! Let the speculation begin... A new Forester perhaps? A "sporting" Legacy perhaps? Or, something entirely new and unexpected? Hmmm...

    Bob

    http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010309/nyf001a.html
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    New wagon! Doh, and we won't find out until 4/11 at the earliest.

    OK, I'll fire the first shot...

    Well, unless this show is just keying on the WRX wagon (think about it-- all the ink so far has been on the sedan) then I think it's something small. Not as in a small deal, but a small vehicle. Unless they source it from GM, they don't have a big enough engine to go bigger and for the short run, isn't the Outback H6 big enough?

    Yes, I would guess something small. If it uses a Subaru drivetrain then it can't be *that* small, since the longitudinal flat four requires a fairly long and wide engine bay (compare to a Ford Focus). I can see them building something similar in shape to a Focus 3dr hatch, or Pontiac Vibe. Those designs do work much better with a transverse inline four and FWD though...

    Surely it wouldn't be anything this small would it?
    image
    (Subaru Pleo, 660cc inline 3, 58HP, 2000lb)

    :-D

    -Colin
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    has already debuted. I sat in one at the Philly Show.

    The NY Show has historically been the North American show in which Subaru makes "big" announcements. Should be interesting...

    Bob
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Is the WRX the only new Impreza wagon to have already debuted in North America? If so then it could be the rest of the Impreza wagon lineup (TS, RS, OBS). If not, then what? Maybe the hotter Legacy wagon we've been waiting for (GT, Blitzen).

    Ed
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    all the other new Impreza models have already been shown at other shows—Chicago for one.

    My guess is an early showing (perhaps a concept, and not production version) of the next Forester. Think about it: there will be a new CRV next fall. The Escape, Tribute, Santa Fe, and Rav4 are all new since the Forester debuted. I bet Subaru is going to tease the public with a new Forester concept—in order to keep some of these people from buying competing brands until they actually release the next Forester.

    Bob
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Yeah Bob, I suppose the new Forester would make sense. You're no fun. ;-)

    -Colin
  • leomortleomort Member Posts: 453
    I look up the Forester here on Edmunds. They gave their TMV. Does this include the destination charge? Is it safe to assume that Edmund's has already taken into consideration the incentives and rebates?

    Leo
  • leomortleomort Member Posts: 453
    with a peak preview at the 2003 Forester? I hope so, but I have to wait almost a month to find out

    Leo
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Maybe my full sized wagon with an H8?

    Or it could be a larger version of the OB using the 3.0H6.

    -mike
  • natescapenatescape Member Posts: 176
    I found the Forester MUCH more surefooted than the new Rav (which felt like a toy to me). It's definitely more powerful and probably more peppy. I have found myself doing 105 MPH by accident before without knowing it, mainly because the engine wasn't straining. It has tons of power to get from 70MPH -> 85 MPH with little effort. It's just smoooooooth. The Rav might be able to keep up (I've never raced one, so I really don't know), but it would have to really rev high to match the Forester.

    BTW, I really liked the Santa Fe. Had it gotten better gas mileage, I might have purchased one.

    I also think the black S+ is sweet. That's why I bought one (http://www.natescape.com/subaru). ;)

    Quick opinion on the foglights. I run with mine on. From times I've seen other Foresters with the foglights on, they really don't seem intrusive at all. I can't see where they'd make any extra glare. They're pointed down.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Your guess is as good as mine. Whatever it is, it should be interesting—and food for much discussion on this board.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I would think Subaru would want to firm up current model lines before adding others.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    used the word "wagon," so maybe it might not be a Forester... Ah, more fuel to the fire!

    Bob
  • leomortleomort Member Posts: 453
    isn't the Forester consider a tall wagon? ;) Oh, the torment of it all :D

    Leo
  • amishraamishra Member Posts: 367
    It could be the ST-X pickup with the H4 turbo. It has been a while since they said they were going to build it commercially.
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    any clues you could give us regarding this new wagon at the NY show?

    My guess: I'm siding on the performance side - it's a b4-Blitzen-like Legacy wagon to go along with the WRX. (they'll be siblings)

    -Brian
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    The operative word is "wagon," not pickup.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    As much as I would like to see a new Forester, I can't help but agree with you. The Legacy lineup is in the greatest need of a "performance" shoring up right now.

    Bob
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    My guess is Legacy. But why wagon and not sedan? Yes, this gets very interesting.
    BTW, Patti is somewhere in New England this week putting a VDC to the test on a ski trip.

    Dennis
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    The Legacy sedan and wagon just changed only 1.5 model years ago! This could be a minor facelift I suppose.

    -Colin
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    Heres a fixed link to my Impreza Tribute Vid... Its worth taking a look at :)


    http://i1b.yimg.com/1b/7150260a/h/151d581c/ImprezaTribute.wmv


    Its a .wmv file and is about 4.3mb in size.

  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    Try these if that last one doesnt work: http://briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/kostamojen?c&.flabel=fld3&.src=bc or http://briefcase.yahoo.com/kostamojen
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    of Subaru showing an all-new Forester, I think any other "new" wagon will be based upon something that is currently in production in other markets. Therefore a turbo Legacy, or a twin-turbo Legacy, such as the Blitzen, is a very good possibility.

    Remember, Subaru just showed the Blitzen wagon at Geneva last week, which is the first time that vehicle has been shown outside of Japan and New Zealand. So, they may indeed show it at NY too.

    Certainly the Blitzen would bolster the new (for America) performance image, along with the new WRX.

    Bob
  • barresa11barresa11 Member Posts: 277
    You should be proud, the vid tribute rocks! I like your choice of music too. I work for AEI Music Network and we do similiar vids (different subject matter)for other retail businesses like Nordstoms, The Bon Marche, Sears, Old Navy, Jillian's, etc. Your's is every bit as good (actually more interesting to me...obviously!)

    Stephen
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    Wow thanks! That was my first time editing a video in Adobe Premiere and I really enjoyed it, very intuitive.

    Anyone else check it out yet?
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    Watched it yesterday - cool video! How long did it take you to put together?

    The knight rider music was a perfect touch!

    -Brian
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    made me want to go out and drive my car! hahahah... the Knight Rider song was abit cheesy but it was kewl. Now send it to SOA and receive a free WRX!
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    I worked on it in class... The class is about 3 hours a week, and it took me about 7 weeks. Took a little more time outside of class to get the images in stuff... About 25 hours.

    Hehe, everyones like the night rider music besides you ramon :)
  • leomortleomort Member Posts: 453
    this weekend. The seats didn't seem uncomfortable to me but I need to spend more time in them. Noticed two things about the Forester. The doors didn't have a frame around the windows like other cars. Reminded me of a Dodge Neon. Worried about the possibility of glass window breaking. Also have a habit of using the door's window frame to close the door. Why did Subaru not put a door frame around the glass window? Sorta makes it look cheap. Aside from this cosmetic feature that we didn't care for, I notice that the brakes were kinda of mushy. Is this typical on Foreseters or Subarus in general? Other than those two things, we loved the Forester. I was surprise at how powerful and peppy the car was. It handle beatifully. Great turning radius. Could even park into normal size lots without trouble. Didn't see any probelm blind spots..visiblity was good all around. Only drove the Suzuki Grand Vitaria as comparisons. So far no comparisons, the Forester wins hands down. Nice test drive, Rav4. So far, I'm impressed with the Forester. Oh, by the way, the sales rep was impressed with my knowledge of Subarus, thanks guys!

    Leo
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Leo,
    All subarus have frameless windows, as do most lexi, and a number of other high end cars. I think it's actually a positive rather than a negative. it's cool in the summer to open the doors with the windows down and not have a rail around the edge! :)

    -mike
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    only that black Firebird with the LED running lights can have that song. hahahahah.... I'm strange. That's why I drive a Subaru.
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    All Subarus have frameless windows, it's sort of trademark "sporty" feature. I own Subarus since 1992, and first was annoyed by not having a frame, but now got so used to it that actually like it. When I have to drive husband's Accord, it always feels to me that doors are too heavy, and that frame somehow just always gets in my way.

    As for the brakes, you're right. They do feel mushy on all Soobs. To my knowledge, it's because Subaru uses dual-stage power boost. I never particularly liked it, but I can live wit it.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Hmm, maybe it's only the 90s subies that have the mooshy brakes. My XT6 has quite the tight brakes, even when you lock em up @ 75mph on the freeway! ;)

    They are far tighter than the ones on the Trooper IMHO.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Mercedes' top coupe has frameless doors. Acura uses them on the Integra, but cheaper cars built on that same platform don't get them - apparentely they are not worthy?

    I've gotten used to them (both my Miata and Forester have them) and I like them. The doors are lighter and easier to close. Visibility is better because they allow thinner pillars (if you disagree, try a Volvo XC).

    All new wagon, eh? Let's see:

    * Impreza platform. Nope, nothing left to debut.

    * Forester platform? Could be. NY is early, though. April, right? The Forester is supposed to arrive in 2003, so I say it is *not* the new one. Could be a turbo engine in the current Forester, but it's a long shot because I doubt they'd pitch it as a wagon

    * Legacy platform? Could be, though it would still be a (pleasant) surprise. The Outback sedan was supposed the get the H6, and we thought that was it. I'd love, absolutely LOVE, to see a Blitzen wagon. Any turbo in the Legacy would be fine, wagon or sedan, just give it to us!

    * Bigger Outback? Doubt it. The big SUW was scheduled for 2005. Even a miracle would mean 2003 or 2004. Too early, so nope.

    Bold prediction: I don't know! ;-)

    Blitzen bay-bee!

    -juice
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    I'd love to preview new Forester 2003 or an "old" (in other markets) turbo Forester, but I think Subaru is calling it small SUV not wagon. Nothing to show from the Impreza line, so I'm leaning towards the Blitzen or some other new Legacy wagon idea.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The more I think about it, the more I think it's a Legacy turbo.

    The engine is needed for the ST-X anyway. Question is - will they use a 2.5l turbo, or the WRX engine shipped from Japan. And where will it be assembled?

    If it's made in Japan, it'll have more power but probably cost a bunch more. If it's made here, it'll probably get a 2.5l turbo made here as well.

    Can't wait, now.

    -juice
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    This does indeed seem to be a feature(?) of newer Soobs. The feel is one of "is it going to stop" when you're used to firmer feeling brakes. The Soobs stop just fine and it is a result of the dual-stage booster. The WRX,however, has a totally different feel according to reviewers (specifically see: C & D April review of WRX), firm and linear.

    Stephen
  • leomortleomort Member Posts: 453
    but the Subaru salesman said that they're coming out with a truck model.

    Question for guys regarding the doorless frame. How does the glass window hold? Main concern is that it doesn't break easily when closing (sometime slamming car door close).

    Leo
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    After 6 years with my WV Golf, the brakes are one of my favorite features on the Forester. I find that they have an excellent, firm feel and the stopping power and control are outstanding! I do remember that the L that I tested felt poor however. Whether that was an individual car difference or a drum vs disk difference I can't say.

    Ross
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You mean ST-X? Or the 2005 big SUW?

    My money's on both still being registered as passenger cars.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Well on my '88 XT6 which is a 2 door so the glass is even bigger, i have gotten annoyed at my GF in the pass seat and gotten out and slammed the door on occassion, no ill effects :)

    -mike
  • leomortleomort Member Posts: 453
    The sales rep told me that Subaru don't typically have rebates and incentives. Reason: they don't have any problems selling their vehicles. He also said that Subaru doesn't run those special financing deals such as the other car companies (we've all seen the special deals: 0.9-2.9/3.9% financing for so many years). Reasons: same as before.
    Their 3-4 year financing was 5.9%; 5 years was 6.9%. (The had a lower rate for 2 years but it didn't matter as I would be able to afford even it was 0%). Is this typical?

    Leo
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Your salesperson (and rightfully so)left off the fact that most Soobies sell at or very near invoice which is another reason why there aren't a whole lot of incentives (not counting special financing) or rebates. The exception to the "at invoice" rule currently is the HOT WRX sedan & sportswagon.

    Stephen
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