2007 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sedan 4-door 2.5l on 2040-cars

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Why a production Mazda Koeru won't be a Subaru Outback clone

No automaker has had a hit quite like the Outback Many have entered, few have won. The Subaru Outback is one of those automotive bogeys that competitors seek to imitate but never quite capture. Mazda is poised to change that, its CEO tells Automotive News, with a production version of the Koeru concept. We're torn on whether this attempt will be the one to do it, whether the proposed model is truly aimed at the Outback, or whether it's just another pale imitation destined for failure. While the ingredients are pretty basic – wagon-like shape, extra cladding, a smidge more ground clearance than a regular car – no automaker has had a hit quite like the Outback. Reasons include packaging issues, poor brand fit, and Subaru's seemingly unstoppable momentum in building all-wheel-drive archetypes. That hasn't stopped a bunch of companies from trying. And now for a list: Ford attempted with the Freestyle/Taurus X; note that that model no longer exists, having been replaced de facto by the Flex and the newly crossover-ified Explorer. Audi discontinued the A4 Avant and slapped the Allroad badge and some fender flares on to capture the affluent outdoorsy crowd, initially selling well but now down 40 percent since last year. The humpback Honda (Accord) Crosstour and Toyota Venza could also be considered Outback-apers, as both short-lived models took sedan bodies and added a hatch and optional all-wheel drive. Dodge got into this space a few years back with the Journey Crossroad trim level, but fake brush guards and black wheels do not an Outback make. Volvo has perhaps come closest with the XC70, a not-quite-crossover that it nevertheless brands like its other crossovers. It helps that the Volvo die-hard and the repeat Subaru buyer aren't too different. Most of these models no longer exist, and the ones that do haven't sold as well as Subaru's Outback so far this year. Even if you're generous and add all 96,718 Journey sales (and not just those for the Crossroad, which FCA doesn't break out separately) to V70/XC70, Venza, and Crosstour, it still doesn't equal the 136,227 Outbacks Subaru pushed through November of 2015. And, as Automotive News points out, Mazda hasn't sold that many crossovers so far this year (the number is 129,932 thanks to huge CX-5 numbers). So why is Mazda considering going after the hallowed Outback? First off, we're not sure that it is because there's the question of what tiny niche this vehicle would occupy. "It's a totally new car.

Subaru Forester gets facelift for Japan

Subaru will introduce the updated version of the Forester for the Japanese domestic market at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month. The model benefits from a number of upgrades to the styling, interior, and equipment. It remains to be seen which, if any of these improvements will be applied to the version we get here. Most noticeable is the revised front fascia, which has been restyled to give it a "sturdier, more SUV-like appearance" thanks to a new grille, bumper, and headlights. Those lamps incorporate the company's latest EyeSight system with LED high- and low-beams that adapt to provide the optimal level of illumination according to traffic conditions. The suite of safety systems also includes lane-assist, pre-collision brake assist, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, and more. Around back the taillights have been redone as well, along with new 17- and 18-inch wheels and new body color options. Other features of the revised Forester include a new instrument panel with silver and piano-black accents, a color LCD display, and more. While mechanical changes remain limited, Subaru says it has optimized the suspension, steering, and transmission for better response. Turbocharged models also get active torque vectoring, and improved insulation promises lower NVH levels across the board. Subaru Upgrades Forester in Japan — New Safety Features include EyeSight (Ver. 3) and New Headlight Advancements — Tokyo, October 6, 2015 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today announced an upgraded edition of the Subaru Forester in Japan. The model will be exhibited on October 28 at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015 Press Day. The Forester has always been noted for the high degree of performance balance as an SUV. The latest upgrade advances this performance especially in the areas of design, driving enjoyment, and the utility and comfort expected of an SUV. Furthermore, the Forester's safety performance, already among the world's highest, has been bolstered by adopting the new EyeSight*1, an Advanced Safety Package*2 incorporating newly developed Adaptive Driving Beam headlights, and Subaru's first LED high & low beam lights and Steering Responsive Headlights. This comprehensive upgrade in vehicle performance has raised the Forester to a new level, as a product that will brighten the lives of more customers than ever.

Subaru XV concept: Just more wishful thinking?

Subaru has long been criticized as being rather weak-kneed when it comes to styling. That's not entirely true. In recent years they have displayed some really attractive-to-stunning concepts. The last-generation Impreza concept was very attractive, as was the most recent Legacy concept. The WRX concept shown a couple of years ago was a visual knockout, and the same can be said for the most recent Impreza concepts—as well as this new XV (Crosstrek) concept. The problem has been much of the visual excitement of those concepts got lost in the translation from concept to production. So we know that Subaru has great design talent; the concepts have proven that. The problem, as I see it, is those in a position to approve design for production don't seem to understand design. Now I'm sure it's a lot more complicated than just that. It involves marketing folks, engineers, as well as those suits that call the shots at FHI. Many of those in decision-making positions just don't seem to get it. However I do have to say that each succeeding generation of Subaru has got better looking. So slowly (very slowly) they are making progress. The problem is, the competition has gotten better too — much better. Hyundai, Kia, Honda and Mazda have been hitting it out of the park when it comes to styling; all the while Subaru has been hitting solid singles along with a few walks. That said I do have a good feeling about this new XV concept. It really does look close to being production-ready. The proportions are right, there is nothing outrageous or impractical here. There are even small non-roll-down (visually distracting, but absolutely necessary) side windows, which I rarely if ever see on concepts. The proof will be in the pudding when the new Impreza debuts at the New York Auto Show later this month. Fingers crossed.