Nice stuff. Glad to see NASIOC represented along with Edmunds. I think that car companies are starting to realize the power of the internet and should be focusing some more efforts on grassroots input on new cars and designs.... SOA gets what it deserves on this one, as they barely ever take any good input from folks who actualy buy and drive their cars! (This isn't exclusive to SOA only)
A big part of the problem was the the MT photos were just awful. They were very unflattering, unlike the ones that showed up on R&T.
MT was more interested in being artsy/fartsy with the images, rather than in portraying the car in its best light. The lighting was horrible, and very misleading—especially the frontal images which suggested an "all chrome" grille. The camera lens they used foreshortend the car, making it look fat and stubby. Frankly I'm astounded SOA gave the okay for these shots!
...And you know what they say about first impressions...
i have a feeling that subaru leaked this on purpose to get more publicity than usual. i think it has gotten more publicity.
two clues: some pics showed cameramen taking pics.......
pics are not the same, several different ones. if it is a leak, the should only have 1-2 pics.
BTW, why can't subaru get a face right & stick with it, why is this so hard for them. i liked the 2008 leg/ob face, why is impreza showing a diff face ?
I agree, the 96->99 Legacy and Imprezas were similarly nosed. They need to find themselves and define themselves. Say what you will about Saab but you can almost always pick out a Saab in a crowd, even the Saabized versions of the Trailblazer and WRX.
The first photo at this link, without the hood scoop is FAR more flattering than that scoop. One thing that Subaru has not done well (at all, for many, many years!) is the scoop. Maybe people want ugly and obtrusive to garner attention, but the scoop really takes away from the car.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Autoweek has photos, too, if you want to look at a 3rd source.
Motor Trend had the worst photos, I wouldn't conclude much from those.
They dropped the 4 pots, but what else?
Even though the hatch is shorter, passenger room is better due to the longer wheelbase, and the compact rear suspension should mean a much more useful cargo area shape.
I don't see that you give up much else.
The auto is still a 4EAT, but that's the same as before.
The sedan looks nice, in fact I think the sedan/trunk profile in back balances the long front overhang much better than the hatch (which seems stubby in the back to me, overemphasizing the nose). The sedan tail looks like the outgoing Pontiac GTO a bit. Overall, I like the look of the sedan but am mixed on the hatch.
The Evo's bolstering is indeed very aggressive but it is not sized for the average american. If you're round at all, or even athletic but large and broad-shouldered, you won't fit in the seat properly.
I'm 6'0" 175lb and couldn't be much bigger to still properly fit in the seat. In fact a year ago after cracking my ribs riding dirtbikes, the kidney bolsters were very uncomfortable for about two weeks. The jarring ride wasn't much better, either.
I think the retainment of the 4EAT, which is over 6 (?) years old in a completely redesigned model, when literally the whole world has moved onto 5EATs and beyond, in a car that costs nearly $30K, is worse than dropping a feature. Especially worse since they did not have to design a 5EAT from scratch, since an off-the-shelf 5EAT was available in other Subaru products, being sold at roughly the same pricepoint. A 14K, lowest of the lowest econo product like the Honda Fit, comes with a 5EAT.
This is a 2008 model year introduction not a late-90s introduction, where a 4EAT will pass muster. "Same as before" (= same as the version introduced 7 model years before) in such a key feature, does not pass the smell test. I was debating between the current WRX and the Legacy GT but decided to wait for the new WRX. Now I will be truly surprised if the WRX is a contender for my money.
If by any chance you are interested in a light colored interior (ivory, beige etc), you are out of luck when it comes to the WRX. The WRX is available only in the black interior....as per the article in Motortrend. The lesser Imprezas do have the light interior option.
I contemplated for a few minutes yesterday a swapped 98 Legacy. I was up dropping a GC8 off at East Coast Swappers in Springfield Mass and they have a 98 Legacy for sale with an 03 USDM WRX engine, STi Intercooler, V2 STi 5-MT w/rear LSD, KYB AGXs and H&R springs. Took it for a test drive, was pretty nice. Only $10k but couldn't pull the trigger on a non-warrantied car...
I think that looks clean & aggressive enough in a not-over-the-top way... in a BMW way. The strong shoulder line reminds me of the 1st generation Impreza.
Here are some more hot photos from Subiesport. Best pics so far, IMHO, and it's not even the WRX! :shades: This does not look like a typical subcompact economy car. Good job, Subaru. I wish these pics were released first!! Just keeps looking better.
Powerful hood, new grille, front bumper, headlights, front quarter panels, rear bumper, rear quarter panel & glass, and rear hatch. Sheesh - seems like just the doors & roof were untouched.
The license plate is located higher up in the back. Much more SUV-ish hatch & bumper treatment. That's a different roof rack, isn't it? And note the larger "SUV" mirrors, rather than car mirrors - that should help rear visibility as well. The 1st style looked sleek & sophisticated. This looks more a tad more "sporting" & slightly rugged. This is a decent compromise, though, I think. W/the new engine, sales should really pick up. (I hope!!!)
It looks nice. But, it's just me, or have something Hyundaish about the front look? Would like to see one besides a Santa Fe. And those mirrors are plain ugly. But it's really a good prospect now; I know if someday I decide to jump, I will find one under $30K.
Yup a bit more mainstream is good for Subaru I think. You combine this with the outstanding underpinnings of AWD, boxer engine, etc. and you have a real good car. The outlandish styling and cheap interiors always killed them in terms of the mainstream buyers.
Just spoke with someone who rode in the back of an 08 Impreza 2.5i on a 2+ hr trip. Said the seat in the back is HUGE. So that's a definite positive factor.
"This does not look like a typical subcompact economy car."
Nope, it looks like an atypical economy car - the Mazda Pro5. From the front. The rest looks like a shrunken Mazda SUV (the 7 or the 9? I forget which - Mazda is losing me with all these numbered model designations).
Question: is there still going to be an Outback trim for the Impreza? Will it differ more from the base model than it does now?
As for Tribeca, all it will do is go from mildly offensive to mostly inoffensive. While the new look is a clean one, it will not stand out in any way, IMO. It will give the "Taurus X" and Pacifica a run for their money on that count, LOL!
I think the new Impreza will be a clear stand-out in value among the compacts as long as they can keep the base price at least a tad under $20K. And the nice thing has always been that it is a lot easier to find on dealer lots than non-Outback Legacys.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
As for the above Impreza hatch, for whatever reason, the rear has a "chopped off" look. Maybe it is the way the photo was taken. I never felt that way about the current Wagon, which looks really nice.
Some people just can't be pleased, and I seem to be one of them. I thought the previous Tribeca was nasty. I think the new one is incredibly boring. The pendulum has swung the other way.
The Fence has officially broken. Unless this thing drives like a Lexus RX when I test drive it, that is my next car. I'm in LOVE baby! It's beautiful!
I'm so impressed. They toned it down but it still has plenty of character. The shoulder are still there. Plenty of character lines. It loooks BEEFY.
It's like the old one went on a stringent Work Out regimen and beefed up. They kept the best features, so it still has the same personality, only they trimmed some body fat and made it more muscular.
The headlights do resemble the Santa Fe, but heck, that's a good looking trucklet, too.
The grille is a bit Chrysler-ish, but only a little. The details are fairly unique. And I like those hood lines.
The front bumper is more "shaved" looking, but the rear is beefier, and they moved those red lights from the awkward position they were in before.
The hood is up higher, grille more upright, so it looks more SUV-ish and far less van-ish. The side mirrors are so tall, but that's good for me since I tow, let's see what's back there. :shades:
I love that they kept the fender flares, one of its best features!
Blind spot should be much smaller. Basically it did get that Saabeca rear end I was hoping for. Schweet.
Roof rails also help make it look beefier, taller, more trucky.
About the only thing I do not like as much are the rims. I prefer the old ones, they were a cleaner design. I don't dislike the new ones, but I just prefer the older ones.
I like the Tribeca refresh! Definitely could see owning one.
I'll have to see it in person before I pass judgement, but so far I'm disappointed with the Impreza. As others have said, mish-mash of designs, Kia, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla. I don't mind the basic shape. Like the Tribeca, maybe they'll get Version 2.0 right in a couple of years. ;-)
I have to agree with Juice, they got the ball across the line this time. Not a knockout (like the original was in the wrong way) but should fit nicely into the mainstream. I hope it sells well. I am glad to see real roof rails on there.
On another note, this redesign must have cost Subaru big bucks...
Comments
I like the looks of the current Tribeca, and slightly worried that the 08 is going to be a bit milquetoast. Guess we'll see soon enough.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2563
Bob
-mike
Those teeny teaser pics and a bad photo layout by Motor Trend didn't really garner up any enthusiasm, in fact what they got was lots of criticism.
It's going to happen, you may as well try to control what people see.
MT was more interested in being artsy/fartsy with the images, rather than in portraying the car in its best light. The lighting was horrible, and very misleading—especially the frontal images which suggested an "all chrome" grille. The camera lens they used foreshortend the car, making it look fat and stubby. Frankly I'm astounded SOA gave the okay for these shots!
...And you know what they say about first impressions...
Bob
The R&T image is now my desktop background. It looks a whole lot better. :shades:
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070402/FREE/70402005/1062
Bob
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Bob
Tribeca info tomorrow.
Bob
two clues:
some pics showed cameramen taking pics.......
pics are not the same, several different ones. if it is a leak, the should only have 1-2 pics.
BTW, why can't subaru get a face right & stick with it, why is this so hard for them. i liked the 2008 leg/ob face, why is impreza showing a diff face ?
-mike
Now reactions are getting better, but it's too late to make that first impression. :sick:
The more important question is, which better reflects reality ? The "stubby" version or the "elongated" version ?
Either way, I am not that stuck up on the looks as much as the elimination (or lack) of key features from this "all-new" model.
Motor Trend had the worst photos, I wouldn't conclude much from those.
They dropped the 4 pots, but what else?
Even though the hatch is shorter, passenger room is better due to the longer wheelbase, and the compact rear suspension should mean a much more useful cargo area shape.
I don't see that you give up much else.
The auto is still a 4EAT, but that's the same as before.
I'm 6'0" 175lb and couldn't be much bigger to still properly fit in the seat. In fact a year ago after cracking my ribs riding dirtbikes, the kidney bolsters were very uncomfortable for about two weeks. The jarring ride wasn't much better, either.
~Colin
This is a 2008 model year introduction not a late-90s introduction, where a 4EAT will pass muster. "Same as before" (= same as the version introduced 7 model years before) in such a key feature, does not pass the smell test. I was debating between the current WRX and the Legacy GT but decided to wait for the new WRX. Now I will be truly surprised if the WRX is a contender for my money.
-mike
-mike
-mike
I think that looks clean & aggressive enough in a not-over-the-top way... in a BMW way. The strong shoulder line reminds me of the 1st generation Impreza.
Powerful hood, new grille, front bumper, headlights, front quarter panels, rear bumper, rear quarter panel & glass, and rear hatch. Sheesh - seems like just the doors & roof were untouched.
The license plate is located higher up in the back. Much more SUV-ish hatch & bumper treatment. That's a different roof rack, isn't it? And note the larger "SUV" mirrors, rather than car mirrors - that should help rear visibility as well. The 1st style looked sleek & sophisticated. This looks more a tad more "sporting" & slightly rugged. This is a decent compromise, though, I think. W/the new engine, sales should really pick up. (I hope!!!)
Hard to believe it's the same vehicle.
Tribecca is what it should have been all along!
Good job!
Now get rid of the ricer lights on the wagon and we'd be in business. They look ridiculous and basically makes it look like a cheap POS
-mike
The new design is now worthy of the name Benign.
I predict it'll sell better than the original - it's more pedestrian and non controversial looking. Looks like they listened to customer.
-mike
~Colin
Hmmm... I gotta wake up earlier, as you all beat me to the punch.
Bob
-mike
Nope, it looks like an atypical economy car - the Mazda Pro5. From the front. The rest looks like a shrunken Mazda SUV (the 7 or the 9? I forget which - Mazda is losing me with all these numbered model designations).
Question: is there still going to be an Outback trim for the Impreza? Will it differ more from the base model than it does now?
As for Tribeca, all it will do is go from mildly offensive to mostly inoffensive. While the new look is a clean one, it will not stand out in any way, IMO. It will give the "Taurus X" and Pacifica a run for their money on that count, LOL!
I think the new Impreza will be a clear stand-out in value among the compacts as long as they can keep the base price at least a tad under $20K. And the nice thing has always been that it is a lot easier to find on dealer lots than non-Outback Legacys.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
You can expect the same rear seat room improvements in the all-new '09 Forester too.
Bob
The Fence has officially broken. Unless this thing drives like a Lexus RX when I test drive it, that is my next car. I'm in LOVE baby! It's beautiful!
I'm so impressed. They toned it down but it still has plenty of character. The shoulder are still there. Plenty of character lines. It loooks BEEFY.
It's like the old one went on a stringent Work Out regimen and beefed up. They kept the best features, so it still has the same personality, only they trimmed some body fat and made it more muscular.
The headlights do resemble the Santa Fe, but heck, that's a good looking trucklet, too.
The grille is a bit Chrysler-ish, but only a little. The details are fairly unique. And I like those hood lines.
The front bumper is more "shaved" looking, but the rear is beefier, and they moved those red lights from the awkward position they were in before.
The hood is up higher, grille more upright, so it looks more SUV-ish and far less van-ish. The side mirrors are so tall, but that's good for me since I tow, let's see what's back there. :shades:
I love that they kept the fender flares, one of its best features!
Blind spot should be much smaller. Basically it did get that Saabeca rear end I was hoping for. Schweet.
Roof rails also help make it look beefier, taller, more trucky.
About the only thing I do not like as much are the rims. I prefer the old ones, they were a cleaner design. I don't dislike the new ones, but I just prefer the older ones.
I am so pumped! I love it! Woo-hoo! :shades:
My current Tribeca lease comes due in December.
Can't wait.
Charlie
I'll have to see it in person before I pass judgement, but so far I'm disappointed with the Impreza. As others have said, mish-mash of designs, Kia, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla. I don't mind the basic shape. Like the Tribeca, maybe they'll get Version 2.0 right in a couple of years. ;-)
On another note, this redesign must have cost Subaru big bucks...