Subaru Impreza 2007 News

Subaru revealed its new Impreza range at picturesque Byron Bay. The rolling green hills of the country’s most easterly point was an apt setting for the new look Impreza, where traditional buzzwords like ‘muscle’, ‘aggression’ and ‘performance’ made way for more refined variants like ‘elegance’, ‘cosmopolitan’, ‘sophistication’ and ‘safety’. The range will be unveiled to the public at the 2007Australian International Motor Show in Sydney in October. Subaru is offering four Imprezas: R, RX, RS, plus the turbocharged WRX manual. The roomiest ever Impreza is launched as a five-door hatch, with a four door sedan expected to arrive in Australia around October 2008. Subaru is trying to steer away from WRX as the ‘hero’ model and has instead focused more on the mainstream Impreza versions, in a bid to attract a more diverse consumer base. In his launch speech, Subaru managing Director Nick Senior said: “..While the emotion and headlines for this new Impreza may well centre around the WRX version, it is the normally-aspirated models that provide us with our greatest opportunity. “To be able to sell a $24,490 vehicle with five star safety, four star pedestrian safety, all-wheel drive, anti-lock braking system, Vehicle Dynamics Control, 2-litre double overhead cam engine, air conditioning, six airbags, cruise control and the rest of the equipment …is exciting for the brand.” said Senior. Subaru is highlighting the new range’s safety credentials — the new, lighter and stronger Impreza has as a five-star ANCAP rating for occupant safety, giving it one of the strongest safety stories in its class. “Undeniably we have the high ground in the small car sector when it comes to total safety,” Senior claimed. Senior said key structural points on all Imprezas are now reinforced by high tension steel, which has increased rigidity and ride comfort. Subaru claims improvements have been achieved with Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) in all Imprezas. The new-generation Impreza comes in normally-aspirated and turbo charged variants. The new double overhead camshaft provides improvements in power (more than 20%) and torque (more than 7%) over the SOHC engine used in the superseded 2.0i and RV. Compared with previous models, the turbo-charged engine delivers smoother torque from lower revs. As usual, All Wheel Drive is a standard feature. Improved ride comfort and more interior and cargo space are the result of a longer wheelbase and new double-wishbone suspension. Aesthetically, the sophisticated new style is an obvious change from earlier models. The new shape has sparked debate among WRX purists, who claim the rounder, softer Impreza is too bland. The MY08 Impreza hatchback is slightly taller and shorter, emphasised by a distinctive shoulder line that carries through to the front end for a more integrated feel. Clear headlight lenses and rear LED lights with metallic highlights distinguish the premium look. The change is consistent, not only outside but also throughout the interior of the vehicle. The sweeping twin-cockpit design offers greater head and shoulder room, and the use of plastics and other materials throughout the cabin is offset by aluminium-style highlights, across the range. Subaru Impreza starts at $24,440 for the R model, through to $39,990 for the WRX.  

The world's biggest motor show is weeks away, yet the car companies are already scrambling over each other to release clues about their exhibits.Among the highlights of the 62nd Frankfurt International Motor Show are cars made out of bamboo, a boxer diesel engine and yet more “urban crossover SUVs.”Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil its Concept-cX compact SUV at the show.Concept-cX uses interior trim materials made from bamboo and other plant-based resins.The concept is powered by a new high-output, high-efficiency 1.8 litre diesel engine, featuring a variable geometry turbocharger for optimum boost control and a diesel oxidation catalyst with diesel particulate filter, and Mitsubishi's new twin clutch sport shift transmission.Dodge will also launch a crossover wagon, called Crew, which hits Australia late next year.The seven-seater is based on the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring sedan platform but with all-wheel drive and powered by 2.4-litre petrol and 2-litre turbo-diesel engines.The Crew looks like a shrunken Chrysler Voyager people mover, but with a longer nose and higher ground clearance.It will be built at Chrysler's Toluca plant in Mexico with production due to start in December.Subaru will use the show for its biggest new model blitz yet.Leading the line-up will be the new Impreza five-door hatchback in its 1.5 and 2 litre naturally aspirated formats, which arrives in Australia the same month.Other Subarus on show include an Impreza-based World Rally Car Concept, facelifted Tribeca luxury SUV with more efficient 3.6-litre boxer engine and five-speed auto, new Justy one-litre supermini and the world's first horizontally opposed boxer turbo-diesel engine, due to be progressively installed in models from early in 2008.Mazda will debut its Mazda6, the second Mazda new generation product to evolve to the next stage following the new Mazda2.Although Australia is yet to see the Kia cee'd five-door, the Korean company will debut its new sporty three-door Pro-cee'd, the third model in the family of cars designed for Europe and made in Slovakia.Only the bonnet and the front wing panels are carried over from the five-door model.Volkswagen will revive the 'people's car' with a concept Beetle.It is called the City Expert because The Beetle name has been taken by the more expensive new-generation car.The City Expert goes back to Beetle roots with a rear-mounted, flat-four boxer engine and a cheap price tag.VW will also reveal six new models with BlueMotion diesel technology, including the new Golf BlueMotion claiming economy of 4.5 litres/100km down 0.6-litres from the previous model, and CO2 emissions down 16g/km to 119g/km.Range on a 55-litre tank is now more than 1200km.Peugeot's 308RCZ concept will give a big hint towards a future body style for the 308 family.The ultra-light 2+2 coupe uses aluminium, polycarbonate windows and carbon fibre body parts and is powered by a 160kW 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbo jointly developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW.Renault will show a wagon version of its Clio mini.The Clio Sport Tourer will go on sale in Europe early next year.Mini is also on the bandwagon with the return of the Clubman van.The five-door model has double rear doors and a suicide door on the driver's side.The suicide door, which opens the opposite way, is designed to allow passengers easier access to the back.It would make more sense on the other side, but clearly the former British car now owned by BMW is designed for left-hand-drive markets with the blinkers also on the left.Ford will show its Kuga crossover all-wheel-drive probably powered by a range of petrol and turbodiesel engines, including the 2-litre 100kW/320Nm TDCi that has just appeared in the Focus.The Kuga is based on the Iosis X concept unveiled at last year's Paris Motor Show.In a surprise move, Suzuki will show it's expanding from small cars and SUVs into the family market.Their Kizashi family car looks mean with a massive black grille, sloping lamp clusters and low-level fog lamps.Also looking mean is Saab's 9-3 Turbo X which will rekindle the spirit of the 1980s Saab 900 Black Turbo.It will feature Cross-Wheel Drive allowing torque to be split to either side of the rear axle via an electronically limited slip differential, based on information from the stability and traction control systems.However, the show-stealer is likely to be seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher when he unveils the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, a lighter and faster development of the existing 430 coupe and convertible.Power is up to 380kW, weight is down 100kg and the F1 transmission has new software that cuts shift times to 60 milliseconds. 

Enthusiasts more used to the previous model's sedan body type are concerned at Subaru's decision to make the new WRX available only as a hatchback.

Subaru is about to turn its Impreza world upside down with the arrival of the all-new model, but what are they giving up in the march of progress? We took a current model WRX hatch into the garage to refresh our memory. Debate is raging over the merits of Impreza's new softer, more middle-of-the-road style that flies in the face of the original WRX's appeal.We are yet to drive the new model, or even have the opportunity to look closely at it away from a motor show, but it is going to have to be at the top of its game to win over those who love a WRX because of its mongrel factor.The WRX hatch is not a big car but it is ample for a family of four, with reasonable luggage space in the wagon-style rear.The true joy of the car, however, is its ability to turn a drive to the shops into something more. The 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder punches well above its weight with 320Nm of torque well suited to finding gaps in city traffic.A little thirsty, certainly, but driving for economy is not something the boxer engine nor the WRX's character is well-known for.At $40,440 plus on-road costs, the WRX is not overly expensive. There is enough comfort and convenience, climate-control airconditioning, great sport seats, cruise control, airbags, good sound system, strong security to qualify it as a family car before the fun factor is even measured. Today we also farewell the first big cat in our long-term fleet. The front-wheel-drive X-Type Jaguar that has pounded the tarmac around Sydney for the past few months has grown on us.After an initial first drive found it light in the steering and seemingly skittish on the worst and busiest of Sydney's roads, we grew to like it.A sometimes uncomfortable driver's seat that wraps around your hips, an annoying noise when it reverses and the chunky key are minor concerns in a luxury car priced under $60,000. Our Sport model is priced at $56,990.The 2.1-litre V6, particularly in the sport driving mode, has surprising power. It peaks at 117kW and 200Nm. We found it simpler to let the auto transmission shift itself through its five gears rather than play around with the manual mode. Overall, at the price, we'd give it a thumbs up.The third member of our garage, the Suzuki SX4, has made itself at home for a couple of months, exploring more than 3000km around Sydney. It has proved an enjoyable small car that is easy to live with.It even likes to think big, with “mini-me” SUV looks and four-wheel-drive functioning at your fingertips. The SX4 has a slightly higher driving position and better visibility than some small cars.There's plenty of storage and boot room, it's great for shopping and you can put a couple of adults in the back seats without complaints.The wide mirrors took some getting used to and it can be noisy on Sydney's potholes. Overall, the SX4 is a good little car for around town. 

With the local car industry now at the halfway point in the 2007 sales race, it is easy to see who's winning and who's losing.Toyota is basking in the glory of not only being No.1, but also cementing its sales lead so convincingly that — barring a catastrophe — it will take out the sales crown this year.The Altona-based Japanese company is 40,404 vehicles clear of its nearest rival, Holden. It is also relishing the positive spin of the Corolla knocking off the Holden Commodore last month.But apart from Toyota, other players are also revelling in the good times.Of the importers, Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki and Peugeot managed strong June sales.Mazda sold 6932 cars, with the Mazda3 being the strongest seller on 3037.The company experienced the biggest market share gain of any importer.Its record half-yearly result is 20.3 per cent up on the same time last year, lifting market share from 6.7 per cent in 2006 to 7.5 per cent, a gain of 0.7 percentage points.Subaru's tally was 4085 for the month, with the Forester, Impreza and Liberty all breaking through 1000 sales.Suzuki, like many importers, was buoyed by keen end-of-financial year deals.It sold 2368 cars for the month, bringing its year-to-date tally to 10,910 vehicles, a 43 per cent lift over last year.Of the French, an ever-expanding Peugeot line-up continues to bolster sales, but Renault flops around due to a lack of new product.Peugeot sold 1016 vehicles last month, bringing its year-to-date run-rate to 4549, a 13 per cent lift over last year. The 307 continues to be Peugeot's best seller.By contrast, Renault has a year-to-date total of 1431 vehicles, 32 cars fewer than last year.Even Saab experienced some solid growth, albeit off a low base, as the 9-3 turbodiesel helped lift the marque's appeal.Saab sold 336 cars last month, its best month for 10 years, taking its year-to-date tally to 1148, a 170 per cent lift over last year.The X-Trail, Tiida and Navara continue to drive Nissan sales. The Japanese importer sold 5845 vehicles last month with 31,176 year-to-date, a 20 per cent lift over last year.The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries monthly Vfacts figures show that most of the extra volume last month was generated by the light, small and medium car segments.A breakdown of large car sales shows that Holden sold 5588 Commodores last month, Ford 3206 Falcons, Toyota 2626 Aurions and Mitsubishi just 877 380 V6s.All three were eclipsed by the new four-cylinder Corolla, which secured 5890 sales.But a finer look at the figures shows that much of the Corolla's success was down to fleet purchases and pent-up demand for the new car, which spiked figures.But a sale is a sale. Holden's own figures point out that 29 per cent of VE Commodores are bought by private buyers, as opposed to 18.6 per cent for the VT Commodore.Apart from the Corolla, other small car stars were the Mitsubishi Lancer with 2143 sales, Holden Astra 1763 and Ford Focus 1550.Of the tiddlers, Toyota again ruled last month. The Yaris managed 2926 sales against 2486 for the Hyundai Getz, 1361 for the Kia Rio, 1351 for the Suzuki Swift and 1392 for the Honda Jazz.Despite the dominance of the light, small and medium segments, large cars were up 3.7 per cent in June and, in year-to-date terms, are running 5.1 per cent ahead of last year.However, Ford's overall market share has slipped 2 per cent and Holden's by almost 1 per cent, despite its Korean strategy, which was hoping to deliver an increased share.Mitsubishi is a bit stronger, experiencing a 0.6 per cent overall drop in share and, despite Toyota's increasing sales, its share has increased by only about 0.6 per cent.One of the more interesting results was for the Ford Fairlane.Ford sold 149 Fairlanes, bolstered by the news that the long-wheelbase sedan will be axed at the end of the year.Dealers are also reporting a slight pick-up in interest for the car from fleets.Overall, the year-to-date sales figure of 524,376 means that a record 1 million market is likely by December.   Top 10 makes  1 Toyota 24,5392 Holden 14,2563 Ford 10,3044 Mitsubishi 81945 Mazda 69326 Nissan 58457 Honda 57508 Hyundai 50239 Subaru 408510 Volkswagen 2848 Top 10 models1 Toyota Corolla 58902 Holden Commodore 55883 Toyota HiLux 42494 Ford Falcon 32065 Mazda3 30376 Toyota Yaris 29267 Toyota Camry 26458 Toyota Aurion 26269 Hyundai Getz 248610 Mitsubishi Lancer 2143 

As Australia's new car juggernaut rolls on towards the magic million sales mark, the number of available models continues to swell. Already recognised as one of the most diverse and competitive car markets in the world, Australian importers continue to add to the mix.With half the year nearly gone, buyers have taken almost 500,000 new vehicles into their garages with some of the traditional biggest selling months still to come.At least three new marques will arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half of  the year; Hummer, Mahindra and Skoda,  testament to the vibrancy of what is, in world terms, a minor market.However, it is the expanding model range within existing brands that will drive the Aussie market over the million mark for the first time.Over the next six months more than 50 new or revised models will arrive in Australian new car showrooms. Here's a look at what's coming soon:ASTON MARTINDip your lid in style in September with the V8 Roadster, a gorgeous extension of the Vantage. AUDI Audi starts its end-of-year program in September with the R8, the biggest, baddest Audi in the garage The Supercar looks with enough performance to keep most on their toes. Also on the cards for October is the A5, Audi's first coupe since the TT. An all-new platform which comes as a front-wheel-drive and quattro. In November the V8 4.2 TDi may answer some questions for the Q7, including on fuel economy. BMW You'll have to wait until October for the new M3, but the latest offering from the M garage has something special. It's the first V8 for an M3. CHRYSLER A Sebring convertible, topless cousin of the sedan launched in early 2007, arrives in December. DODGE The Nitro SUV joins the Caliber for Dodge next month and the US marque backs that up with its Avenger sedan in August. FIAT The baby Ritmo, sold as the Bravo in Europe, will be Fiat's second passenger offering in Australia when it lands in October. Expect petrol and diesel. FORD The rush to oil-burners continues with the Focus getting the honour of being Ford's first passenger diesel next month before the Focus CC, the drop-top concept that set hearts aflutter at Frankfurt two years ago lands in October. The other big news for Ford is the return in November of the Mondeo for a third tilt at Australia. HOLDEN The key second-half model from the General is the VE Ute, bringing all the developments in the VE sedan to the working man's Holden. HONDA The Civic Type-R is razor-sharp styling built around a high-revving fun package. Next month. HUMMER The iconic offroader from the land of the large truck opens its Aussie account in October, a couple of months later than anticipated as a result of production delays for the H3. Surprisingly agile with real offroad ability. HYUNDAI An important second-half for the Korean marque. It starts with the popular Santa Fe SUV finally getting the 3.3-litre V6 from the Sonata to give it some extra punch. In October, the new Elantra hatch joins the sedan in the Aussie line-up after a wait of almost 12 months. JAGUAR An October styling refresh for the marque's luxury sedan, the XJ, is all from the Big Cat this year before a big 2008. JEEP The second of Jeep's non-Rubicon Trail-rated soft-roaders arrives in August to join the Compass for duty around town. KIA The Carens compact people mover has never really taken off here. The new generation is a little bigger and more stylish. It will be powered by a four-cylinder petrol or diesel engine with five- or seven-seat capacity. On sale in October. LAND ROVERThe baby Freelander gets a complete makeover for this generational change. New engines and a new family look all go on show in July. MAHINDRAIndia's workhorse ute, the Pik-Up, starts to roll out to Australia in July. MAZDA A new generation and a new look for the little Mazda2. Sharper styling is the key to this one's October debut. At the same time Mazda will add a diesel option to its top-selling Mazda3 range. MERCEDES-BENZThe key model for Mercedes this year is the meat-and-potatoes C-Class. Bigger, brighter and ready to meet the masses it is available from July. Also on Mercedes' new-model list is an upgraded ML500 and R-Class in September, both getting the 285kW V8 engine. October is a big month for the three-pointed star with the crackingCL65 AMG (a bi-turbo V12 with 450kW and 1000Nm) and the more sociable S320 CDi, which marries diesel with uber-luxury. MITSUBISHI You have to love a fighter. Australia's “other” family car, the 380, wins a minor refresh with some interior updates from next month. In August the automatic turbo diesel, traditionally the model's top seller, completes the Triton range while in October the point guard for the red-hot Evo X (due late in the year), the new Lancer, promises look-at-me-styling and more punch than the current model. NISSANThe baby Micra finally gets the green light for Australia with an October date with sales. In November the X-Trail, a core model for Nissan and the compact SUV that set the benchmark for those who actually can go off-road, gets a full generational change. The Dualis arrives in December. A softer option to the X-Trail, it sits on a similar platform but is more plush. PEUGEOT It's all about size for the French manufacturer. In July the 207CC, the previous generation of which set the standard for accessorising small cars, is back and promising to reclaim the crown. Its far more focused and athletic sibling, the GTi arrives in August with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. The station wagon derivative of the base 207 goes on sale in October. PORSCHEThe 911 turbo cabriolet proves Porsche's belief that if you can go fast in a sedan you should be able to go just as fast in a cabriolet. In September you can prove it for yourself. RENAULT August sees the Megane diesel join the Renault fleet, while the Clio Sport returns in November in an all-new guise. SAAB The new 9-3 will highlight Saab's first all-wheel-drive system in a completely renewed model range. All models arrive in November. SKODA Launches into Australia with a two-pronged attack in October. The Octavia medium-sized hatch and the quaintly named Roomster compact MPV will carry the flag initially. SMARTIn September the next next-generation smart ForTwo arrives, a little bigger and a little smarter. SUBARU The new Impreza is one of the most polarising styling departures of the year. In basic and WRX fettle the hatch arrives in September. A cult car heads mainstream and the jury is out. SUZUKIIf it ain't broke ... A freshen-up for the car that put punch back in Suzuki's local range, the brilliant Swift is in showrooms in October with the sedan version of the SX4 “tall hatch” joining the stable in September. TOYOTA The first product from Toyota's new “hot shop”, the Aurion TRD, arrives in August with a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 with sports manners and a load of plastic kit. Also in August is the generational change for Kluger with the SUV getting a substantial facelift and the 3.5-litre V6 from the Aurion. November brings the Landcruiser 200 Series and a TRD version of the HiLux. VOLVO The highlight for the Swedes in the second half of the year is the all-new generation of the XC70 due in November. About the same time the C30 will get the in-line five-cylinder diesel. VW A hot version of the Passat, the R36, is heading Down Under in November. 

But it will not be anything new for a motorsport ace who made his Bathurst debut last weekend, finishing second for Subaru behind the BMW of Paul Morris and Craig Baird in the 12-hour production shootout at Mount Panorama.After more than two years with Glenn MacNeal alongside him in the Subaru Impreza WRC in rallies around the world, Atkinson is about to take on a new co-driver.He won't know until today who that co-driver will be, after complicated negotiations to pick a successor to the talented and committed youngster who was also living his dream.MacNeal has backed out of the World Rally Championship for personal reasons and is expected to pursue a business career in New Zealand while guiding the rally career of his partner, Emma Gilmour, from the passenger's seat."It's probably been coming for a little while. It's a bit both ways," Atkinson says."You have to commit 110 per cent to this job and I don't think he felt he could."MacNeal and Atkinson split after their most recent start together in the WRC in Rally Portugal, leaving his driver with a new challenge and a new opportunity."We have a few options. We're just working through them, and the plan is to have the new person at a test this weekend in Europe," Atkinson says."There are a lot of good co-drivers, but you want an outstanding one. I also want someone who is experienced, but not too old."The main thing is they are competent in the car. Not many people have experience at that level and that speed."Atkinson now lives in Monaco and could end up with a French or British co-driver, though former world champion Nicky Grist has been cut from the shortlist.Atkinson hopes to go in on a high with his new partner after recent upgrading and testing of the latest Impreza WRC, despite struggling, then crashing in Portugal."We made some changes for Portugal, but I need confidence in the rear end of the car. If I'm not confident I cannot push," he says."I was worrying too much about the car in the last stage.I misheard a note and screwed up and we went off."It should be better from here. If we can do consistent rallies, like we did in Mexico and Monte Carlo, with good speed and no mistakes, it will ensure the future and some good results. It's a matter of getting the car so I can do that."

Subaru finally released images of the car this week after an internet storm created by a series of leaked photos. The new model has been labelled "more mature and sophisticated" by Subaru, which believes a more conservative look than previous models will appeal to a broader audience. The five-door hatch will be launched in September, followed by the four-door sedan a year later.The all-wheel-drive Imprezas will make their official world debut at the New York International Auto Show this weekend. The models on display will be US specification only. While different to the Australian version, Subaru Australia says they do give some indication of what to expect.The US WRX is lighter than the current model and produces more torque at lower revs.The centre of gravity has been lowered, the engine sits lower in the chassis and all models have new double wishbone rear suspension.Rigidity and ride comfort has also been improved and a longer wheelbase means more space, a more dynamic performance and a reduction in noise and harshness in the cabin."We will have important advances in engine technology, specifications, safety and style," says Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior.The WRX STi model, the leader of the range, won't be unveiled for several months.

The return of the 12-hour endurance contest is important to Australian motorsport, particularly for companies that have been excluded from the Ford-v-Holden battleground of V8 Supercar racing.Subaru is leading the charge in the WPS 12-hour this weekend, fielding a pair of Impreza WRXs with an all-star driving crew led by rally champions Chris Atkinson and Cody Crocker.GM Holden is splitting its attack, running an Astra Turbo crewed by V8 Supercar aces and also entering a girls-only Astra turbo.But a privately-entered BMW 335i coupe, with a driver roster including Craig Baird and Paul Morris, is shaping as the early favourite in an event that will put a priority on strong, consistent laps and time outside the pit lane between stops for fuel and repairs.Baird and Morris have won at Bathurst before, when they shared a 2-litre BMW Super Tourer, though they were subsequently dropped to second for a minor technical infringement."This weekend will be a bit of a reunion I guess, with Morris and I back behind the wheel of another BMW," Baird says."Winning the Bathurst event in 1997 was fantastic, but unfortunately we were disqualified soon after because I drove longer thanI was supposed to."Even with the history, I am looking forward to getting out there -- the track is one of those you always love the opportunity to compete on and enduros are great events."The final field for the 12-hour runs to 35 cars, well below the track capacity but a good start for an event being rebuilt.The last time the 12-hour was run, in the 1990s, it was a battlefield for high-priced exotics including the Porsche 911 and Mazda's RX7 turbo.But the organisers of this year's event have gone for a more showroom-focused contest, with a tight price cap and classes that encourage everything from homegrown Ford and Holden muscle cars to Japanese four-wheel-drive turbos and new-age diesels.It looks to be a wacky race, with all sorts of cars and all sorts of drivers lining up for the start at 5.45am on Sunday.Holden hopes to sneak home with the VXR Astra on the strength of its reliability, fuel efficiency and a driver line-up of V8 Supercar regulars Jason Richards, Jack Perkins, Shane Price and enduro specialist Nathan Pretty."I'm looking forward to making two Bathurst trips in one year," Perkins says.The WPS 12-Hour is the big event in a motorsport meal at Bathurst this weekend.The track is allowed two feature weekends each year and had success in the past with motorcycle racing, before the original 12-hour in the 1990s and the return of racing last year.This weekend's program includes another 11 races for everything from an entry of 55 historic touring cars to the action-packed Aussie Racing Cars.Sideshows will include the opening round of the Freestyle Motocross Nationals and an eight-car drift battle.

Fuji had wanted to give the blue Impreza WRX hatch a high-profile launch in New York but with the leak years of planning have come undone.The Impreza is clearly a big departure from the current car. It is said to be slightly bigger, more powerful and safer, with improved quality levels. Interior photos show a dashboard similar in style to the Tribeca all-wheel-drive, with a central satellite navigation system and a three-spoke steering wheel with audio and cruise controls.Subaru has placed the trip computer at the top of the dashboard, just below the windscreen. The photos have sparked widespread talk on Australian and overseas motoring forums on the internet, with a lot of critical comment about the new car.