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Subaru Crew - Future Models II

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  • samiam_68samiam_68 Member Posts: 775
    Impreza:

    Not bad from the side. Front end is okay too (in a generic sort of way), but no personality whatsoever. Rear end is horrible on both sedan and hatch - WHAT were they thinking?

    With the antiquated mechanicals, a poorly designed interior, and that rear styling, this thing will not sell well. Given the competition, we'll likely see a 30% drop in sales for this new model.

    Tribeca:

    Looks much better than the stylistic horror it replaces, but the rear window is still too small and too high up. The mini-van-ish A-pillars are still there - another minus.

    I'm hoping the new engine will be a big improvement over the lethargic 3.0. If they subdue the art-deco interior and make it more ergonomic, I might actually consider it for my next vehicle.

    My prediction: with significant incentives, Subaru will be able to move about 40% more of these than the 07's.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Yeah, it probably did. Too bad Subaru didn't offer this 2 years ago.

    Bob
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    Many official launch pics of Impreza & Forester released from Subaru Global media site are posted
    HERE.

    (I'd rather remove that link if someone can find the pics elsewhere!)
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    Hmmm... I gotta wake up earlier, as you all beat me to the punch.

    One advantage to working a swing shift and living on the West Coast. ;)
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,696
    I agree with you on every facet of your critique. Too bad I am absolutely not in the market for one. But, maybe in another 10 years when my next beater has finally worn out or gets run off the road again..... :P

    The nose of the 1st version might have been original, but it was so, so ugly. I still cringe when I see it.
    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
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,696
    For example, I really like the lines on the car from this angle:

    image

    The lack of hood scoop sure makes it look clean, though those clear tails are too "kiddy" for my tastes.

    I really like the sharp line down the sides, as on the current Legacy. Make for nice continuity across the line-up, but also draws ones eyes to the stance of the vehicle.
    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
  • dstew1dstew1 Member Posts: 275
    Seeing the redesigned Tribeca helps me a little in understanding where they were trying to go with the new Impreza, in terms of a family look. I really like the new face on the 'Beca - nothing exciting, but not marginalizing either. I would definitely be more likely to buy one now if I were in the market for something bigger than my FXT.

    Speaking of Foresters, the Tribeca should give us an idea what to expect for the '09 redesign. Hopefully they draw more on the bigger ute's beefy features than the Impreza's delicate ones. More room in the backseat will be wonderful for the new Forrie, as well as the new flat cargo floor. Keep ground clearance at least what it is now, and make the approach/departure angles resemble those on the new Tribeca, and Subaru will be in business. BIG business. :D

    Doug
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    overall length of tribeca has increased, does that mean more room for third row ?

    189.5 to 191.5
  • aaykayaaykay Member Posts: 539
    I had assumed that only the WRX came with the nasty tails and that for buyers interested in the car, it would be an easy swap with a non-WRX Impreza. Looks like all hatches come with the "nasty tail".

    But got to admit that the hatch looks nicer from this angle, even though the front is completely devoid of any personality (reminds me of a Ford Focus). Compare that with the existing Impreza wagon, from a similar angle (front and rear) as follows:

    Note that I have no idea how to actually pull in the picture into the post and hence posting the links:

    http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2007/Su- - - baru/2007.subaru.impreza.20100280-E.jpg

    http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2007/Su- - baru/2007.subaru.impreza.20100281-E.jpg

    I like the current Impreza front-end, even though the version implemented in the Tribeca was nasty.
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    I doubt it -- the length increase must be external.
  • dbtdbt Member Posts: 298
    overall length of tribeca has increased, does that mean more room for third row ?

    189.5 to 191.5


    This is a good catch. Wheelbase is the same, as are height & width, and weight has gone down a whole pound. With wheelbase the same, the extra 2 inches either goes to the front overhang or the rear (or split). I cannot tell from the pictures myself. We need interior dimensions, which I cannot find now.
    (old cargo capacity: 74.4 cu ft, 30.9in legroom in 3rd row)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Tribeca sales will nearly double for 2008, the limiting factor being supply. Subaru is going to regret letting Toyota take over that one assembly line and supply will be short. Incentives will be much smaller for the Tribeca than they were for 06-07.

    I do not expect retail prices to go up, but they will drop the incentives so effectively the street prices will go up a grand or two on the Tribeca. Worth every penny, IMO.

    I'm calling it - I predict the side air bag curtains will now protect the 3rd row on the Tribeca. The rear window is much bigger and they went through all that trouble, so I bet they will stretch the air bags to protect the 3rd row occupants.
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Looking at the 08 Tribeca, I wonder how much styling (if any) from the scrapped Saab version might have been used in the 08. That certainly would have helped cut the costs (though I suspect at least the bulk of the changes are indeed all new). Looking at some of the Saab SUV pictures (including the current 9-7X), I think I can see some of the lines and features in the 08 Tribeca. For instance, the headlights. And the front grille opening could have accommodated the Saab signature grille pretty well. Just musing here....
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Busy at work and just got back from 1.5 weeks in China. Time to catch up with more important things like the redesigns! :-)

    My two cents:

    Impreza: Aside from the grille insert, I think it looks okay. The sport compact car segment is getting fairly crowded now and I do hope the new WRX can hold up to the likes of the Mazdaspeed 3, GTI and the like. The mention of still using 4EAT is a bit disappointing.

    Tribeca: Much more conservative, but I think that's what Subaru should stick to.

    Ken
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    then, the press releases would have mentioned the 3 rows of air bags. see press realeases:

    http://www.subaru-global.com/home.html

    BTW, the wing type face on Subaru-global - I like it a lot. why didn't it make to impreza or tribeca.

    Subaru has multiple faces for 2008 - OB, legacy, impreza and tribeca. Each carries a different face. this is ridiculous.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,696
    I like the current Impreza front-end, even though the version implemented in the Tribeca was nasty.

    I agree that the current Impreza front end is better than the revised, as it has more personality in the grille. On the photo you posted.... darned scoop messing up the profile again! Overall, I prefer the revised body shape, as it looks like interior room is better utilized.

    I am not overly concerned with the Impreza, as I have no intent to own one, but I do enjoy the looking. ;) I have always liked Subarus in general even though I am disappointed with my current one. But, even so, if I can find a buyer for it I hope to go back to a '96 like I had (sans hood scoop, you will notice!). It is just a matter of finding one at a decent price, and hopefully one that is not a basket case... though I have become very good at dealing with those too. ;)

    Next time I am looking for a "new" car, Subaru will definitely be on the list if they can stay away from reverting to 06/07 Tribeca styling! :P
    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
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    I like it a lot too. I'm a bit sorry to see the distinct 3-nostril front to go away. I think they've overdone it on current Tribeca, but got it just right on current Impreza.

    What I've disliked the most in current Tribeca was its back and its general stance. Now both are vastly improved - it's amazing how a fairly small tweak of design can change the whole look.

    Cannot wait to see Forester'09 pix. Meantime, I'm climbing the Fence to replace Juice who fell off. ;)
  • aaykayaaykay Member Posts: 539
    Overall, I prefer the revised body shape, as it looks like interior room is better utilized.


    Based on the snippets coming out, the new version has definitely done a better job in the internal packaging/space utilization. Probably at the expense of cargo room. Motortrend mentioned that the cargo area in the Hatch is smaller than that of the Sedan. Either way, I don't see myself spending nearly 30K for a new econo-branded sub-compact hatch with a 4EAT (not interested in sticks).

    If they really had to copy the exterior design, why could they not have benchmarked on Audi, instead of using the Kia Rio or a Ford Focus or a Daewoo for design guidance ? :confuse: I doubt you will find design stinkers like clear taillights on a BMW or an Audi product.
  • aaykayaaykay Member Posts: 539
    I like it a lot too. I'm a bit sorry to see the distinct 3-nostril front to go away. I think they've overdone it on current Tribeca, but got it just right on current Impreza.

    Exactly my viewpoint ! After several iterations, Subaru finally got the front-end design right on their current Impreza. And then they changed it again during the redesign, using Ford's Focus for front-end design guidance ! :mad:
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    Well all the kids on nabisco may be upset, but that 5-door is exactly the car Subaru needed if it has any hope of remaining the least bit competitive in Europe and the UK. Touchdown #2 as far as I am concerned. Gimme a diesel and a 6MT and I'm all set.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    why could they not have benchmarked on Audi

    Gotta disagree with you there. Why benchmark a 2nd tier luxury make? Go straight after BMW...

    In fact, I can't believe noone here has mentioned this yet, but the hatch it resembles most in the BMW 1 series, right down to the concave door panels.

    image

    Kias use convex panels, i.e. they swell outward, like a balloon full of air. The WRX is the opposite, as if it had a frame wrapped by a balloon that got sucked IN slightly.

    I see a tiny bit of Focus influence, but again, that's another good looking hatch. I see no Daewoo at all.

    OK, it's half way between that and a Mazda3, but the 3 was the best looking 5 door on the market already, so that's a good thing.

    I don't like the tail lights or the chrome strip connecting them, but that's easily addressed by the aftermarket.

    Any how, I don't care all that much, as it's too small for us at this stage. Even if the wife trades up, it would be Legacy-sized at least. In fact 3.6l H6 Legacy on a longer wheelbase is what it might take to keep her in the Subaru camp.
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    funny, after all these years without an Impreza, I can now say that it is the perfect size for outside sales. So long as we have a Legacy (or bigger) for mom, I'll be sticking with Imprezas.
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,791
    I know that Juice is always right (trust me, I'm serious), but I have to disagree with calling Audi 2nd tier. They are 1.5 Tier and climbing fast; I see them where BMW was in the 90's. 2nd tier is the Volvo, Saab, Acura, Infiniti, Cadillac (tough one there) etc of the world. Audi builds the A8, Q7, S-series, RS-series, etc, and these are way more gutsy plays in the market then what those guys I identified before are doing. They have a full range, and will have even more with the A5 and R8 hitting the market. No way is the R8 coming from a 2nd tier make ;)

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Haaa, they are clearly a 2nd Tier market in my opinion. They are nice, but I've heard more horror stories on Audi/VW than any other car out there.

    -mike
  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    BMW is a benchmark in performance/handling, but certainly not in styling. Audi has been the styling leader in this the category for quite some time. Almost every magazine agrees with that. They may be 2nd tier in terms of sales/perception/prestige (but it seems they have caught up quite a bit in last years, too), but certainly not when styling is considered.

    To paisan - Benz is consistently slammed by CR and JD Power in reliability studies, yet they are still seen as top tier. So reliability figures are not telling it all.

    Moreover, Audi significantly raised their prices and did not experienced sales drops - actually they grow pretty rapidly, expanding their model base and even profit margins (still some catching up to do when compared to BMW or Benz), which tells me market swallowed that increase (unlike their little sister Veedub). Sounds like fast climbig to me. Perhaps not 1st tier yet, but certainly above Volvo, Saab, or even Acura.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    I guess it's a matter of opinion. I agree that Audi styling has more mass appeal, but I feel pretty strongly that BMW styling is sophisticated and very well thought-out. Not everyone's cup of tea, I agree, but I personally am a big fan and find the cars very satisfying to look at.
  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    Tail lights of 3-series sedan are Hyundai-class (not that a Hyundai is such a bad car). 7-series was a stylistic disaster until it got "smoothed out". 5-series was not so great, either - only wagons were OK. 6-series is also an acquired taste - and you acquire it by prolonged exposures to 7-series, so then the 6 is a relief. I would say only 3 coupe/convertible is finally getting back to what BMW used to be about - simple anassuming elegance.

    Interiors? X3 is a joke - rivals Cadillacs in cheapness in this class. iDrive anyone? :sick:

    Please, please - well thought out? By whom? Audi does not have these kind of blunders.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    What about MMI? In the previous breath you decry iDrive, afterall...

    FWIW, I think the new Impreza is a good mix of Subaru quirky, trendy-stylish, and refined. I don't like the way MT presents the pics, but I think this is a good direction for the hatch - and I'm glad its a hatch and not a wagon - this is more inline with the successful models in the class.... GTI, MZSpeed 3, etc....

    HUGE step forward with the styling of the new Tribeca (nee B9)... I do see the Santa Fe a bit/the Chrysler grille, but overall, looks far more mainstream to me, and I think that should definitely help, along with the uniquely designed 3.6L Flat 6...

    One will note that Subaru sales aren't yet in a positive direction compared to last year (down about 4k units), so all of this is good news, at least in my perspective.

    Finally, the freshening (light though it may be) of the Legacy/OB line shows a lot of attention to product for '08, a good thing. And although the purists and enthusiast may bemoan some of the model availability changes, it seems that the new line-up has the potential to broaden the customer base. (I mean, was anyone buying the OB sedan anyway? I still agree that the Legacy base model should just be dropped, though, and that VDC remains too limited).

    ~alpha
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    I never disliked the 7. Especially after I read Bangle's defense. He made the point that people in general, but Americans in particular, were getting too big for backseat comfort to be maintained without either a)extending wheelbases to limo-like lengths, or b) moving the greenhouse out over the rear axle. If one accepts b) as the appropriate course, the rear window movement forces the trunk lid higher and makes for too much metal on the sides (see Cadillac CTS). The tail of the 7 was his response. Everyone hated it of course, but I notice that toned-down versions of his idea are quietly showing up as other makers run into the same issue. He may have missed the mark a bit right out of the gate, but he was the one who took the chance. Personally, I dig it. More than Audi's krill catching baleen grilles, anyways.
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    or even more successful models in class which we don't get, like Megane and Astra, as well as offerings from Peugeot and Citroen. Subaru is also hurting big time overseas for lack of a diesel, but I do believe that's being addressed soon.
  • aaykayaaykay Member Posts: 539
    Gotta disagree with you there. Why benchmark a 2nd tier luxury make? Go straight after BMW...

    Audi is prima donna when it comes to design elegance. BMW is tier-1 when it comes to driving dynamics for relatively affordable premier products. Toyota is tier-1 when it comes to engineering in reliability and super-efficient manufacturing.

    Different automakers, different strengths. For design, I would benchmark Audi. ;)
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Let's put it this way. If you show up with a Caddy or an Audi at a country club, who is going to get the bad look? I'd venture to say the Audi driver.

    It is just not there yet as a rich-man's car.

    Not saying that they aren't cool cars but they aren't considered "elite" enough.

    -mike
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    "Let's put it this way. If you show up with a Caddy or an Audi at a country club, who is going to get the bad look? I'd venture to say the Audi driver."

    I think it'd be the Caddy driver on the west coast, where anything domestic is practically a pariah, (unless it's a truck/SUV). Cadillac has done some exciting designs recently, though - I like that they're defining their own unique American image.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Wow, east coast the Audi is still below the new caddys on the nose-in-the-air meter.

    Then again the left coast is a bit more liberal...

    -mike
  • agran9agran9 Member Posts: 2
    I want to say CONGRATULATIONS!... to the people behind... Evo X, as I think this would be the end of their life long rivalry. If before it seemed like WRX had a little edge on the EVO, now I can't even put them on the same line to compare.

    I know that looks are a matter of personal taste and you can't really argue about them, but come on, did you have to make it look like a KIA!?! Actually it looks like KIA, Mazda 3, Corolla, Chrysler, and BMW at the same time. Of course we all remember how new BMW 7 series caused an outcry when it just came out, and how now you barely find one today who would disagree that it is beautiful; but no matter how different it was when it just came out, it had individuality, it was still a BMW. Subaru's main problem was lack of individuality in design, and they seamed to be making small steps towards overcoming that problem... until this creature. I agree with other comments, why did they have to set KIA as a model for design if you have lots of history to look back at. I personally believe that the best design was the 2002 year version (which I proudly drive :shades: ), why not try to include elements of that?

    Now the technical side. Why did they have to displace one of the greatest cars in history with a shorter version of Legacy?! Don't get me wrong, Legacy is also a very good car in my mind, but... :confuse:

    Judging by this and their new B9, they are moving away from what they were and trying to appeal to the mass market. I highly doubt that this is a good move, as there are lots of good cars there too, which are known and respected for that. So far, in my eyes, there were Japanese cars and then there was Subaru... now it looks like there would be only Japanese cars.

    By the way why did they distant themselves away from GM? At this point they might as well just join them!
  • cuty718cuty718 Member Posts: 11
    image
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Interesting, looks like a FMIC on there....

    -mike
  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    That's exactly what I'm saying.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    It is just not there yet as a rich-man's car.

    And Impreza is or is supposed to be? :D:D:D

    You are talking about prestige factor, whatever that means. We are talking about "objective" design elegance (if of course there is such a thing). Looking back on any comparisons in any magazine, I can recall one after another "If exterior and interior styling were the only measures, this Audi would have won".

    So all I say - if you want mimic the best, in performance and handling follow BMW, but in design go after Audi, as there is really no compact looking better right now than A3 - both inside and outside. And again - just on looks. That's all.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    And what magazines are these? How many "advertising dollars" are spent in them by Audi/VW????

    There is no such thing as objective!

    I never said the Impreza should be gunning for BMW/MB or even Audi for that matter.

    VW/Audi has had their share of failures as well...

    Quattro 5000
    Phaeton

    To name a few! :)

    -mike
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    of course, VW is bleeding as a company. their losses are piling up every year.

    you missed Audi Allroad too. 2 of my friends have audi A6 and are at the shop twice a month for 2 years that i have known them.
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    media.subaru.com.

    i am starting to like tribeca a lot now. my only concern is each vehicle has its own face & not a corporate face.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Same here, a few people I know have A4s, always in the shop, usually electrical stuff.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I think they are coming around as far as a corporate face.

    The "SUVs" like the Tribecca and Forester will have a distinct look in the front.

    The profile of the impreza and rear gate is starting to resemble the Becca.

    My guess is that the next Forester will wear a similar look as the Tribecca and the new Legacy will have a similar nose to the 08 Impreza with a larger tail-section.

    -mike
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    juice, no 3rd row side airbag. see specs on media site.

    that's it - my wife won't let me buy this.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    ...for boxer diesel. This tranny will eventually make its way into all models with 2.0L engines and above.

    http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2570

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    ...for boxer diesel. This tranny will eventually make its way into all models with 2.0L engines and above.

    http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2570

    Bob
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    interesting that Edmunds forums do not allow us to post links to other forums. But every story on inside line is now based on Nasioc
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Actually the rules have been relaxed a bit as far as I know in terms of links to other forums. Also NASIOC is the temple of all things Subaru!

    -mike
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