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Subaru bringing new XV concept to Geneva

The high-riding, Impreza-based Subaru Crosstrek is due for an update. So to whet our appetites, Subaru's showing a concept that previews the new XV. The concept will debut in Geneva, and it's being teased today in the image above. The Japanese automaker isn't saying much about what will go into the new XV Concept, and the teaser doesn't give us much to go on aside from an impression of body-cladded ruggedness. But it isn't hard to see what direction Subaru is going in here. It already revealed the Impreza 5-Door Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, and the Impreza Sedan Concept in LA shortly thereafter, each previewing different bodystyles for Fuji Heavy's compact model. Like the Outback Sport before it, the Crosstrek is essentially a beefed-up version of the current Impreza. So we'd expect the new XV concept to follow a similar path, building upon the show cars we saw recently in Japan and California and taking them down a more rugged path for the European show. We'll look forward to seeing how it shapes up, but more than that, to seeing how Subaru implements the designs for production. Related Video: Subaru to Debut "Subaru XV Concept" at 2016 Geneva International Motor Show Tokyo, February 9, 2016 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today announced that the "Subaru XV Concept" will make its world debut at the 86th Geneva International Motor Show to be held in Switzerland (Press day: March 1 – 2 / Open to the public: March 3 – 13, 2016). The Subaru XV Concept will be unveiled at the press briefing scheduled for 11:15 AM (Central European Time) on March 1 at Subaru booth. The special site will opens today on the Subaru Global Site. http://www.subaru-global.com/2016geneva.html The site will feature information updates relating to the Geneva International Motor Show including Subaru's press conference.

Mazda MX-5 Miata goes Head 2 Head with Subaru BRZ

It's a battle that's been in the making for some time now: the Subaru BRZ versus the Mazda MX-5 Miata. And now that the new Miata has arrived – and in Club spec to boot – that's exactly what Motor Trend has lined up for its latest episode of Head 2 Head. Now before you go screaming that one's a coupe and the other a convertible, take a few commonalities into account. Roofs aside, both feature a 2.0-liter four mounted up front, driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Both are made by Japanese automakers and cost around $25-30k, give or take. Both produce around the same amount of torque, and while the Subaru may be more powerful, the Mazda's considerably lighter. To create a more even contest, then, you'd have to line a BRZ up against a Scion FR-S, or the MX-5 against the upcoming Fiat version of the same. Of course, being that close on paper doesn't mean that it's a draw. One has to come out on top. And after taking both along country roads and the Streets of Willow racing circuit, our friends at MT have picked one over the other. You'll want to watch the 22-minute video above (or at least skip ahead to the end) to see which came out on top, but if you're as enthused by a purist driver's car as we are, you'll enjoy every minute of it. News Source: Motor Trend via YouTube Mazda Subaru Convertible Coupe Economy Cars Performance Videos motor trend mazda mx-5 head 2 head

Ever wonder how to really pronounce Japanese automaker names?

People tend to get very set in their ways when it comes to the pronunciation of words. Just look at the endless debates over whether or not to say the final 'e' in Porsche (which you should in terms of correct German enunciation). Or the argument about whether to follow the British convention and give the 'u' in Jaguar a special delivery or to say the 'ua' diphthong as more of a 'w' sound, as usually happens in the US.
This short video doesn't answer either of those automotive questions, but it does allow a native Japanese speaker to demonstrate the accepted pronunciations for several, major automakers from the country. One benefit is that it clears up the occasional debate over whether Nissan should be said with a long or short 'i' sound. Also, listen closely to how the female host says Mazda as Matsuda, the way it's actually said in the language. Even if this doesn't change the way you enunciate these brands, at least now you know the accurate way in Japanese.