1987 Subaru Vortex Reviews

The Subaru WRX tS Spec B could well be the easiest performance car you can actually live with.

The latest Australian new-car sales figures show one clear leader among Chinese brands. GWM could be the first one to crack the top five for year-to-date sales in Australia as it overtakes MG and Isuzu.Japanese and Korean brands along with Ford have dominated for the past decade with their range of utes and SUVs drawing in plenty of buyers.Now manufacturers from China are storming up the sales charts. The original success story was MG, which rapidly fought its way to the top 10 off the back of an appealing array of cars at price points now abandoned by rivals, and a steady supply of new vehicles during COVID-era shortages.MG has now been surpassed by one of the longest-serving Chinese automakers in Australia, GWM.GWM has sold 25,189 new vehicles in Australia through the first six months of this year, which places it just ahead of both MG (21,674) and Isuzu (21,883).This puts it in a solid seventh position in Australia, with something of a gap between it and Mitsubishi in sixth (33,379).Mitsubishi will be looking over its shoulder in the second half of this year with stock of its ASX, Eclipse Cross and Pajero Sport SUVs runs dry, as the Japanese brand awaits new generation vehicles.GWM itself is rapidly being chased down by BYD (23,335), with its rate of growth at 144.6 per cent year-on-year much higher than that of GWM, which is up what would normally be an impressive 17 per cent.The rise of both GWM and BYD is thanks to a rapidly expanded or updated model line-up, which includes in-demand vehicles not being fulfilled by big name players.Both GWM and BYD now offer a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute, as well as a range of sharply priced PHEV SUVs (BYD), hybrid SUVs and off-roaders (GWM), and affordable electric cars.MG has languished slightly off the loss of its bargain-basement previous-generation MG3 hatch, ZS small SUV, and HS mid-sizer, which have all been replaced by more expensive new-generation offerings.MG is no doubt hoping its Kluger-rivalling QS large SUV and incoming U9 ute will be major volume additions in the latter part of the year. They will also be joined by the Camry-rivalling MG7 sedan.The next-biggest Chinese challenger, Chery, is also leaping up the sales charts, up an unprecedented 228.8 per cent so far in 2025 thanks to its bargain Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 mid-size SUV pair, and the Tiggo 4 small SUV which seems to have replaced the MG ZS as the bargain entry-level SUV of choice. It is still several thousand units away from a top-10 entry, but will almost certainly be within striking distance in 2026 if its growth continues.The rise of MG, GWM, and BYD has seen Nissan join Subaru as top-10 has-beens.The biggest gap remains between Toyota and the rest, with the 'Big T' still having moved a steady 120,978 units in 2025.

Subaru, we love you but you're missing a few things.Where is your ute? Your retro-revived Brumby? And while we’re at it there are so many other models you should be making and selling in Australia. Here’s our shopping list of what Subaru needs to doOK, well it does look like the Brumby might happen, with CarsGuide reporting recently that Subaru and Toyota were teaming up to produce a small electric ute. And that’s exciting even if it’s only taken 31 years to bring the Brumby back. We’re not saying Subaru doesn't have any good cars in Australia - it absolutely does. The family favourite Forester is probably the best off-the beaten track capable mid sized SUV and the WRX is a superb rally car for the road, but there are more than a few missing models from Subaru’s line-up.The most obvious is a seven seater SUV, which would be able to compete with Mitsubishi's Outlander, Kia’s Sorento and Hyundai’s Santa Fe. Imagine a Forester XL — a three row, seven-seat SUV that’s about 200mm longer than the standard Forester at 4840mm length. It’d have Subaru’s symmetrical SUV and 215mm of ground clearance and be one of the most adept light-off roaders on sale. Price it from $50,990 to $73,000. It’d sell like cakes that are hot.You actually don't have to imagine a Forester XL, because it really exists in the United States and it's called the Ascent. It's  a three-row seven- or eight-seat SUV that's basically a big Forester.What about a Toyota LandCruiser or Nissan Patrol rival? Could Subaru build one of these? Not on its own, but it is very buddy-buddy with Toyota. In the same way Subaru’s BRZ sports car and Solterra electric SUV were both born out of joint ventures with Toyota, a LandCruiser Prado or 300 Series version could be entirely possible.Oh, and while we’re at it, a HiLux-based ute would also see Subaru go head-to-head with Ford’s Ranger, Nissan’s Navara and Isuzu D-Max.I’d like to think Subaru could come up with amazing names for these two new vehicles but history says coming up with a names isn’t really the brand’s strength. So the ute would likely be something like the Subaru Muster and the big hardcore off-road SUV would be the Subaru Longitude. Terrible names, great cars. And finally, a people-mover and you can thank the Kia Carnival for changing everybody’s mind about these vans being uncool and making them kind of desirable again. Subaru actually sold a seven-seater people-mover called the Exiga in 2012. It was based on the Liberty wagon, but it was discontinued in 2015 from Australia.Despite people mover sales only representing about one per cent of the total market share Kia still managed to sell 10,080 Carnivals in 2024 — that's a quarter of Subaru's total sales for the same year. Will any of these imaginary Subarus actually happen? Probably not. Well the Brumby small ute is likely. Subaru plans to make more joint venture EVs with Toyota, which also makes sense. Still a Forester XL would be nice.

Subaru has increased the price of its Crosstrek small SUV which has also gained a new crash safety rating.The Crosstrek, and its Impreza hatchback cousin, have been awarded a five-star ANCAP crash safety rating, on the back of a 2025 model year update that has introduced new tech and a cleaner powertrain for hybrid variants.The Crosstrek's price increase is relatively small at $500 per grade. The line-up now kicks off with the entry grade 2.0L at a list price of $35,990 before on-road costs. Subaru Australia confirmed with CarsGuide the reasons for the cost increase.“Continued increase in costs associated with production and logistics has resulted in a price adjustment for the MY25 Crosstrek range,“ the spokesperson said. “However, we are confident that the Crosstrek range continues to be exceptional value for Australian customers.”The price increase follows the addition of new safety tech, such as traffic sign recognition, and this has resulted in a five-star ANCAP rating for vehicles built from April 2025 and on sale from June 2025. The traffic sign recognition system can now identify No Entry, Give Way and Stop signs.“We are proud to confirm that the model-year 2025 Crosstrek has achieved a maximum five-star ANCAP rating,” Subaru's spokesperson told us. “The latest results highlight the strength of Subaru’s outstanding safety engineering, with the vehicle achieving high scores across key assessment categories. For Subaru, safety is not just part of the package, it’s the foundation. We are proud to see that commitment recognised by ANCAP, reaffirming our focus on offering smarter, safer vehicles for Australians.”Other changes to the Crosstrek’s range includes a petrol-particulate filter for hybrid models due to European emissions standards.“To meet the latest Euro 6e emissions standard, a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) has been introduced to Crosstrek Hybrid models,” the spokesperson said. “The GPF is the latest technology in reducing tailpipe emissions by capturing fine particulate matter from the exhaust. As a result of this update, there has been a minor adjustment to the hybrid variant’s power and torque outputs to ensure optimal performance and compliance.”The hybrid Crosstrek's outputs are now 100kW/182Nm down from 110kW/196Nm.The rest of the standard features list of Subaru Crosstrek remains unchanged with the entry-grade 2.0L coming with 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, LED headlights and daytime running lights, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker stereo, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an 11.6-inch media screen.The Crosstrek is the second-biggest seller in Subaru's model range, with  4452 sold so far this year. Rivals to the Crosstrek include Hyundai's Kona, Honda's HR-V and the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Cars with a manual gearbox are becoming a rare breed on our roads as vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions now dominate the market. But, fear not my gearbox-loving friend, for there are still new cars with manual transmissions for sale in Australia.What is a manual car?Here's a super-simplified explanation. A manual car is a vehicle that has a manual gearbox, not an automatic transmission.A manual car has three pedals - from the driver’s point of view, left to right, a clutch, brake and accelerator.The clutch must be physically engaged/depressed by the driver (that is, left foot flat to the floor on the clutch pedal) before the gear stick can be moved in order to change gears and then the clutch must be disengaged/released in order for the car to then move forwards, via first, second, third gear etc, or backwards in reverse.A vehicle with an automatic transmission has two pedals. From the driver’s point of view, brake on the left, accelerator on the right.There is no clutch in a car with an automatic transmission because the auto does all of that aforementioned engaging/disengaging for the driver. However, the auto shifter needs to be moved to the ‘D’ (Drive), ’N’ (Neutral), ’R’ (Reverse), or ‘P’ (Park) position.Are they still popular in Australia? Yes, there are still new manual cars in Australia but they’re much less popular than in years gone by when manual cars dominated the roads, way back in those sweet pre-internet days…Are manual gearbox cars still being made? Yes, but there are fewer of them being made and cars with manual gearboxes are generally small, cheap cars or workhorse vans or high-performance sports cars.What has changed in the trends of manual car sales in recent years? When it comes time to decide manual or auto, people have increasingly favoured auto transmissions because these tech-advanced transmissions are generally smarter at selecting the correct gear ratios than the drivers themselves.What should you look for when buying a new manual car?Apart from any usual signs of misuse, damage or lack of maintenance of the vehicle itself, take the car for a test-drive and note any clunking or grinding noises emanating from the gearbox or if it slips out of gear, or if there are strong burning smells (transmission is overheating, low fluid level), obvious leaks (worn-out seals or gaskets) and/or the ‘check engine’ light comes on.Here are the top five manual cars available in Australia as new or, in the case of one particular vehicle listed here, near new.Read on.This all-wheel drive Rexxy has a 2.4-litre turbocharged, horizontally-opposed direct-injection 'boxer' four-cylinder, petrol engine (202kW at 5600rpm and 350Nm at 2000-5200rpm) and a six-speed manual gearbox.Punchy off the mark and gutsy on the move, this is a driver’s car, through and through, with the added bonus of Recaro front seats, Brembo brakes (with ventilated and drilled brake discs) and 19-inch matt-grey alloy wheels.The WRX made this list because what’s not to like about this Subie?Price: From $67,540 (MSRP)Small manual cars are still popular as they’re at the cheaper end of the market and so more budget-friendly than their automatic stablemates or rivals.This Hyundai has a punchy 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (206kW and 392Nm) and six-speed manual. This neat all-rounder offers plenty of driver enjoyment in a modest package.This compact car made the list because of its bang-for-buck appeal.Price: From $50,000 (MSRP)This range of traditional workhorses retain its appeal – and its manual gearbox options across WorkMate, SR and SR5 variants.Manual utes are still popular in Australia, as is a manual 4x4 or manual 4WD or manual SUV. An SR5 with a six-speed manual gearbox and a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (150kW and 420Nm) is a solid mid-range choice in the HiLux line-up.This ute made the list because it’s a manual labour legend.Price: From $60,670 (MSRP)Manual hybrid cars offer a great compromise between driving an EV and driving an internal combustion engine vehicle; you get the self-satisfied smugness of knowing you’re helping to prevent the world from turning into even more of a natural disaster-riddled hothouse than it already is, and you can drive around without any EV-related range anxiety.The cheapest Suzuki Swift Hybrid variant is this one, with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine (with 12-volt mild-hybrid assistance; 60kW and 110Nm) and a five-speed manual gearbox.This Zook made the list because it’s an impressive little all-rounder in a hybrid package.Price: From $24,490, drive-awaySure, it was technically released last year, but how could we not include the Ford Mustang Dark Horse?This wild beast of a car is a driver’s dream; it’s like driving a go-kart which has ingested a heavy dose of some kind of illicit substance.With a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine (345kW and 550Nm) and a super-slick six-speed manual gearbox, the Mustang in Dark Horse is a barrel of laughs to steer around.The Mustang made this list because it’s a shedload of fun.Price: $98,017 (MSRP)

The next-gen Subaru Brumby ute is champing at the bit to make a return to Australian roads.

In Japan Subaru has reportedly detailed plans to unveil a new prototype at this year’s Japan Mobility Show in October.As reported by Japanese publication Best Car Web, it’s speculated this new prototype will preview a new-generation WRX sports car.Subaru even showed off a shadowy picture of what appears to be this new prototype, as reported by Best Car Web.It looks like a WRX with a bonnet scoop and pronounced front and rear spoilers.This new prototype will also reportedly receive a new horizontally opposed (Boxer or flat) engine.At this stage specifications have not been disclosed, although it will reportedly support E20 carbon-neutral fuel.Subaru also reportedly hinted this new Boxer engine will support electrification, either as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV).Additionally, it’ll come with an “evolved” version of its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that it has been using in the Super Taikyu Series in Japan.This new prototype will reportedly be used for next year’s Fuji 24 Hours race. Subaru has historically used racing as a testing ground for developing its future technologies and products, much like Toyota.“We want to value customers who choose Subaru,” said Subaru Chief Technology Officer Tetsuo Fujiniki to Best Car Web when translated from Japanese to English.“We will continue to make cars that will help them do so.”At this stage it’s unclear if this new Boxer powertrain will eventually lead to a new WRX STI.The current-generation Subaru WRX was unveiled in 2021 and launched locally during 2022. It’s the first generation to be available without an STI performance flagship.Subaru did however reveal the S210 prototype earlier this year, noting it as the “pinnacle of the STI complete cars”. It’s likely not going to be sold outside of Japan, however.

It’s EOFY time again!

Subaru locks in more hardcore off-road variants of its core SUV range.

Subaru Australia will have a richer hybrid line-up with its new, sixth-generation Forester and it expects its electrified variants will outsell the petrol variants.Subaru Australia General Manager, Scott Lawrence, said it expects the hybrid sales split to widen as time goes on.“Ultimately, customers will decide, and we have got a really firm view that we need to give customers options,” said Mr Lawrence.“That’s why we have petrol range as well as a hybrid range.“What will be interesting to see how that changes over time.“We see good demand for both, maybe slightly stronger in hybrid, but as time goes on, we do see that customer demand changing towards hybrid.”In 2024, Subaru sold a total of 13,445 examples of the Forester. Only 1718 examples were equipped with a hybrid powertrain, equalling only 12.8 per cent.It’s expected this year’s figure will rise with the introduction of the new Forester. First deliveries are set to take place in early July.Compared to the outgoing Forester Hybrid, this new-generation model is considerably more electrified. It features Subaru’s new Strong Hybrid technology rather than mild-hybrid technology.Using a 2.5-litre flat-four petrol engine as a base (up from the 2.0-litre in the outgoing model), it’s paired with a 90kW/276Nm electric motor and a 1.1kWh battery pack.Total system output is 145kW, which is 9kW more than the standard 2.5-litre flat-four petrol engine the Forester receives.Subaru claims combined fuel consumption for the Forester Hybrid is 6.2L/100km, which is 27.4 per cent better than what the regular Forester claims (7.9L/100km).It doesn't compare to favourably to its main rival, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD, which produces more power (163kW) and drinks less fuel (4.8L/100km).The new Forester Hybrid is claimed to be able to travel over 1000km on a tank of petrol. It has a 63L fuel tank.At launch Subaru is offering the Forester Hybrid in three trim levels – AWD Hybrid, AWD Hybrid Sport, and AWD Hybrid Touring.Pricing for the hybrid models starts at $46,490 before on-roads, and extends to $55,990 before on-roads.Compared to the equivalent petrol variants, the hybrids are between $3000 and $6500 more expensive. It’s worth noting, however, that some trim levels have differing standard equipment.As examples, the Forester AWD Hybrid Sport and AWD Hybrid Touring gain larger 19-inch alloy wheels and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. These don’t feature on the equivalent petrol variants.Another difference is the Forester Hybrid doesn’t come with a spare wheel as standard. Instead it has a tyre repair kit.Subaru Australia however is offering the Forester Hybrid with an optional tow ball-mounted spare wheel accessory. At this stage it hasn’t detailed how much this costs.