2004 Subaru Forester X Wagon 4-door 2.5l on 2040-cars

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Pontiac Aztek enjoys rebirth thanks to Millennials

Apparently, Millennials – those between 18 and 34 – aren't afraid to look different on the road, and they like performance, too. A new study by Edmunds is discovering some surprising vehicle choices by this group. Among them, the long-derided Pontiac Aztek is getting a new day in the sun with 25.5 percent its buyers coming from this generation in the first half of 2015. For comparison, Millennials represent an average of 16.8 percent of used car purchases. The Aztek is slowly shaking its reputation as a styling abomination, which seems tied to its appearance on Breaking Bad. The show premiered in 2008, and the Pontiac has been on this list for four of the past five years, according to Edmunds. It even led the pack in 2010. A recent Retro Review from MotorWeek also showed that the crossover wasn't always so hated. While it's still a shock to see the Aztek on any popularity list, the awkward-looking crossover only ranks sixth among Millennials. The vehicle with the biggest portion of buyers from the generation is the Dodge Magnum with 27.6 percent. According to Edmunds, the bluntly styled wagon is especially popular in Detroit and Chicago. The Chrysler Pacifica comes in a close second at 27.3 percent. When it comes to used cars, value and utility appear to trump just about anything else for many Millennial buyers," Edmunds analyst Jeremy Acevedo said in the report. Young buyers aren't afraid of sporty rides, either. The Subaru WRX has 26.4 percent Millennial buyers to rank third place on the list, and the Volkswagen R32 takes fifth at 25.7 percent. Just a few points lower in seventh place is the Nissan GT-R at 25.4 percent, and the final performance machine in 10th place is the Lexus IS-F with 24.7 percent. Related Video:

Subaru mulling expanding Indiana plant for Forester, Impreza

Thanks to currency fluctuations and their impact on the bottom line, a growing number of Japanese automakers are starting to increase vehicle production in the US, and it appears Subaru could be the next to do so. According to Bloomberg, Subaru is looking into expanding production capacity at its Lafayette, Indiana assembly plant, which currently builds the Outback, Legacy and Tribeca as well as the Toyota Camry.
Subaru's Indiana plant currently has an annual maximum capacity of 310,000 units, but the automaker is expecting to far exceed that figure this year, with year-to-date sales of 299,788 units through November (not including Camry) - an increase of almost 30 percent over 2011. The report indicates that Subaru could expand the plant to add as many 50,000 additional units to the plant, likely in the form of either the Forester or Impreza.

Subaru prices 2015 XV Crosstrek from $21,595*

Less than a month ago, Subaru announced a series of minor revisions for its ruggedized Impreza, the XV Crosstrek. And now it's revealed US pricing for that updated model. For 2015, Subaru has introduced a new entry-level model, the XV Crosstrek 2.0i, that starts at $21,595 (*plus an $850 destination charge). That's $400 less than it used to charge for what was the base 2.0i Premium, which has grown $300 more expensive but includes a new multimedia system. (The destination charge has also increased by $25.) Go for the CVT instead of the five-speed manual that comes standard and you'll be looking at $23,295 for the Premium model, and step up to the top-of-the-line Limited trim (which comes with the CVT) and you'll shell out $24,795 – again, those prices not including delivery. The hybrid version holds the same pricing as the previous model year at $25,995 or $29,295, depending on trim (plus the new $850 destination charge). The EyeSight system that earned its place on our Technology of the Year shortlist, bundled with the multimedia system, adds another $1,295, the moonroof another $1,000, but if you tick all the options (moonroof, nav, keyless entry, push-button start and EyeSight) it all comes bundled at $2,795. Certain trim levels encompass some of those options though, so prospective buyers will want to thumb through the full press release below. SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING ON 2015 XV CROSSTREK® MODELS - Well- equipped XV Crosstrek begins at $21,595 - Subaru-developed driver assist technology, EyeSight® now available - XV Crosstrek Hybrid pricing holds the line at $25,995 - New multimedia systems with rear vision camera standard Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc., which has posted record-breaking sales every year for the past six years, today announced pricing on the enhanced 2015 XV Crosstrek models. The 2015 XV Crosstrek models will arrive into retailers in December. Pricing on the newly added XV Crosstrek 2.0i begins at $21,595. With just a $300 increase over previous year, the new Premium and Limited trim levels feature the updated Subaru STARLINK Multimedia system. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid pricing remains at $25,995. The versatile, fun-to-drive XV Crosstrek combines bold five-door design, a highly capable chassis, best-in-class fuel economy and updated multimedia features. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, 8.7-inches of ground clearance, 17-inch alloy wheels and ample room make Subaru XV Crosstrek a high-capability crossover.