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Subaru XV Crosstrek gets special edition model, retina-searing paint

It's not going to be hard to spot the buyers of the upcoming 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek Special Edition driving around town thanks to the model's exclusive, blazing Sunrise Yellow paint. But you can think of the loud color as Subaru's way of celebrating a record year in 2014 with 513,693 vehicles sold, easily beating its half-million-car goal. The Crosstrek was also the company's third-best-selling vehicle last year, behind the Forester and Outback. Limited to 1,000 units that begin arriving in the spring, the Special Edition is priced at $25,290, plus $850 destination and delivery. For that money, Subaru gives buyers a compact crossover based on the 2.0i Premium with some extra kit. In addition to the sunny paint, all of these models come with a power moonroof, body-color folding mirrors and blackened headlight bezels. The all-weather package is also standard with heated exterior mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer and heated front seats. The biggest upgrade inside is Subaru's Starlink multimedia system that includes a seven-inch touchscreen with voice-activated controls, multi-touch support and two USB ports. Keyless access with push-button start and leather wrapping for the shift lever and steering wheel also come with this version. There's nothing new underneath the bright paint and improved interior, though. The Special Editions get the same 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine making 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque as the rest of the lineup. As expected, power is routed through a CVT to Subie's all-wheel drive system. Read more below about Subaru's limited take on the Crosstrek. SUBARU ANNOUNCES XV CROSSTREK SPECIAL EDITION - Limited edition production model with 1,000 units - Based on 2.0i Premium trim - New exterior color Sunrise Yellow - Priced at $25,290 Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc., which has posted record-breaking sales every year for the past six years, today announced the introduction of the 2015 XV Crosstrek Special Edition. The Special Edition will be limited production of 1,000 models arriving into retailers in Spring 2015. Based on the well-equipped 2.0i Premium trim, the Special Edition is priced at $25,290 (plus $850 d&d). The versatile, fun-to-drive XV Crosstrek combines bold five-door design, a highly capable chassis, best-in-class fuel economy and in-demand multimedia features.

Revisit the charms of the 1978 Subaru Brat

The Subaru Brat is the automotive equivalent of a teenager with a mullet: weird, a little reckless but brimming with enough self-confidence to make it cool.
The Brat came from Subaru's desire to compete in the burgeoning light pickup market of the late-1970s. To get around the so-called Chicken Tax that added a 25 percent tariff on imported pickup trucks, Subaru threw two seats in the bed, which technically allowed it to be classified it as a passenger car. The result was a great, weird combination of a complete lack of safety, with a low price and lots of driving fun.
In the video below, Motor Trend's Johnny Lieberman takes a 1978 Brat through the desert and shows just how much fun a little pickup can be.

Consumer Reports says Toyota, Ford, Honda and Chevy are big winners in brand perception survey

According to Consumer Reports, the automotive brands that stand out in the minds of car buyers are, in order: Toyota, Ford, Honda and Chevrolet. This news comes after the magazine polled its readers, asking them to take into account vehicle quality, safety, performance, value, fuel economy, design/style, and technology/innovation - which are the factors that car shoppers are most influenced by.
It's important to note that this award is only about perception. In other words, it's perceived quality, not actual quality. "Often, perception can be a trailing indicator, reflecting years of good or bad performance in a category, and it can also be influenced by headlines in the media," said Jeff Bartlett, Consumer Reports deputy automotive editor.
The brand that made the biggest jump in perception amongst Consumer Reports readers is Tesla, which posted an impressive 47-point gain to finish in fifth place. Subaru is also notable for finishing in the top 10, despite being one of the smaller manufacturers doing business in the US. Scroll down below for all the details from Consumer Reports, if you're so inclined.