Subaru Vortex Reviews

Subaru has dropped several hints that a high-performance STI version of its BRZ coupe is in the works, including one very big hint even before the BRZ made its debut. Then, just a few weeks ago, a prototype wearing STI badges was spotted running some laps on Germany’s Nürburgring, confirming the car's existence. The prototype revealed that the BRZ STI will feature popular performance mods such as a large rear wing, aerodynamic body kit, lowered suspension, large alloy wheels and a sports exhaust. What it didn’t reveal, however, is whether the car’s engine has been fitted with a turbocharger or other means of forced induction, something past STI models have traditionally featured. According to reports overseas, the BRZ STI, which will be revealed next spring, will forgo a turbocharger due to a lack of space under the hood. Despite this, peak output should still rise from the BRZ’s 150kW rating to somewhere around 165-172kW in the BRZ STI thanks to changes to the exhaust system and variable valve timing.  This ties in with previous comments from Subaru that there was no space for an intercooler and its required piping in the BRZ’s engine bay. Furthermore, the addition of a turbocharger would go against the purist sports car philosophy Subaru engineer’s had originally envisioned for the BRZ. A supercharger is also said to have been ruled out due to a loss in the car’s fuel economy, though it's more likely Subaru doesn't want the BRZ STI encroaching on the performance of its next-generation WRX. The good news is that the relatively mild mods being applied to the BRZ STI should equate to a relatively low price rise. And the BRZ, along with its Scion FR-S twin, is already one of the most fun cars you can buy, so a little extra power, sharper handling and an affordable sticker should make the BRZ STI one very enticing package. www.motorauthority.com  

   

Is the tribe becoming too big for the faithful family sedan but cannot consign it to the remainder section? Look no further than the Subaru Liberty Exiga seven-seater wagon.Based on the Liberty platform, the Exiga started life as a six-seater wagon. Now, due to popular demand says the maker Subaru, an extra place has been set for someone in the 2013 Model Year vehicle, which went on sale in July.VALUEThe seven-seater comes in two models – the Liberty Exiga 2.5i, which includes a DVD, and the top spec Liberty Exiga 2.5i Premium (our test vehicle), which adds leather trim, satellite navigation, reversing camera, Bluetooth compatibility, eight-way electric driver and front passenger seats, and a new 17-inch alloy wheel design and new-look door mirrors. The former is priced from $37,990, the latter costs from $42,490, both plus on-road costs.With a model upgrade midway through 2012 the entry-level Exiga added a reversing camera plus dusk sensing headlights and steering wheel Bluetooth controls, voice command, audio streaming, USB connectivity and AUX jack. Dusk sensing headlights were also added to the MY12 Premium model.Liberty Exiga 2.5i’s factory-fitted 4.3-inch LCD screen displays audio information and reversing camera images. A saving grace on long drawn-out journeys is the roof-mounted, fold-down remote-control DVD system with infra-red wireless headphones which can keep even the most tiresome travellers in the two rows of rear seats occupied.TECHNOLOGYThe wagon is powered by Subaru’s four-cylinder 2.5-litre horizontally opposed boxer petrol engine producing 123kW of power at 5600 rpm and 229 Nm of torque at 4000 revs. Expect to get fuel consumption of 8.6 litres per 100 km, while emitting 202 grams of carbon dioxide every kilometre in the combined urban/highway cycle.DESIGNWith all seven seats occupied, there’s not much space in the back for two people’s luggage, let alone that for more than half a dozen. With the rear two rows of seats folded there’s a reasonably flat surface to take longer and more bulky items – even a street market marquee folded. Gone is the central storage compartment of the six-seater, but that’s understandable – you can’t expect to have everything.Designers, it seems, did not spend much time on the exterior, the Exiga having a boxy, old fashioned look. The high sides, however, do make for plenty of head room – 40 mm better than the Liberty – and good visibility all round for the driver.SAFETYLiberty Exiga has 16-inch solid disc brakes with aluminium callipers for weight savings of around 1 kg backed up by the latest anti-skid braking system with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist. However, step into the past with an old-fashioned foot operated parking brake. Vehicle Dynamics Control, Subaru’s electronic stability program, is standard and the Exiga has a top five-star ANCAP crash rating for occupant safety and a three-star pedestrian rating. DRIVINGThere’s no arguing with the vehicle’s smooth operation, the new Subaru Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) seeing to that. An adaptive control helps select the optimum gear to suit driving style and road conditions. Driver demanded gearchanges within the CVT, at 100 milliseconds or less, are designed to be almost instantaneous to increase response.A six-speed manual mode can be engaged by tapping the gear lever across. The steering wheel paddles can then be used for manual shifting. If the speed remains unchanged, the transmission will move back to the Drive mode automatically.The tilt-and-rake adjustable steering column allows 40 mm of rake adjustment, while dual zone air-conditioning has been refined to reduce engine load and increase fuel efficiency, while double door seals and weather strips optimise window sealing and temperature insulation.VERDICTSubaru says comfort, noise, vibration and harshness were high on the designers’ list of priorities. Pity their colleagues did not attach the same importance to outward appearance. However, once you go past the dated ‘maxi taxi’ exterior the Liberty Exiga has much to offer, especially for the larger family, small sports team or groups of friends.

Demand has outstripped supply for both versions of the new sports coupe cooperative from Toyota and Subaru - now Subaru has managed to get some more of the sportscar. Subaru Australia has been allocated extra production to the tune of 140 units for the $37,150 BRZ sports coupe, a.k.a. Toyota's 86, to roll down the Gunma Main Plant line in Japan during the first quarter of next year.The extra allocation of 140 vehicles means customers given delivery dates from May onwards will get behind the wheel a little earlier by up to two months. Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior says the BRZ was a big success for the brand."We're delighted that Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) has recognized the enormous demand for BRZ in Australia and allocated additional production," he says. Back orders for Subaru's version of the rear-wheel drive coupe stretched out to November next year after the initial allocation of 201 cars for this year sold out in an online buying frenzy that lasted just three hours.Anyone looking for more details can log on to www.subaru.com.au or www.buybrzonline.subaru.com.au. The good news for those opting for the Subaru version follows the addition of 1500 vehicles that will arrive in Santa's sack at Toyota late this year. 

   

Welcome to the future of motoring. The quintessential farmer's car, the Subaru, now has so much technology it nearly drives itself. You don't need to spend long in a country town to know how popular the humble Subaru is. There are all vintages from the still coveted Brumby ute to shiny new Libertys and WRXs.And it's not hard to see why. They have 4WD, better ground clearance than many cars, plenty of room inside, they're “tuff'', somewhat utilitarian and they just keep on going. Having owned a number of them myself, it was a little daunting to get into the latest Subaru.Unlike my first variant a 1970s 4WD wagon, in which the greatest technology was the optional stereo-cassette deck the new Liberty X is a radar-guided, talking, automatic braking, technological marvel. It even has its own set of eyes. Seriously. One either side of the revision mirror.The Liberty X is a car that aims to be the best of both worlds, and is essentially a top of the line Liberty planted on the chassis of an Outback. This makes it ride 5cm higher, making it easier to get in and out of and providing more clearance on the road about 20cms to be exact.It's one of Subaru's major selling points for the Liberty X, which comes in two versions: either a 2.5-litre engine with continuously variable transmission or 3.6 litre engine mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox, which is the model we tested.FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGYAt the heart of the technology inside the Subaru is the company's EyeSight system, similar to that found only in Volvos. That's where the eyes come in. Among other things, EyeSight warns the driver when they are veering out of a lane, keeps them from crashing into the car in front (at low speeds) and controls the highly intelligent cruise control.Unlike normal cruise control, in this version you can set the distance you want between you and the car in front. If the car in front slows, so do you as the car maintains the distance between you. Without even touching a brake. It's a seriously clever system, although it takes a lot of faith to take your foot off the brake and let the car do the work for you.Control freaks will never be comfortable with it and it's not flawless so you should never rely solely on the aids in the car. In one instance during our test drive the system applied the brakes hard when we passed a pedestrian, closely but not closely enough to make contact with them.The braking was brief, but enough to startle everyone on board and, if another car had been too close, they would almost certainly have rear-ended us. That said, most of the time the system was a reassuring background aid, particularly useful in stop-start traffic.ON THE ROADTechnology aside, however, the main business of the Subaru is to be a car. And, as it turns out, it does a pretty good job at it. On the road, the car has quite a “sporty” feel. Steering is light but quite direct and the ride is firm.On typical bumpy Australian roads, the ride was in fact sometimes a little too firm, although the tight suspension combined with the constant all wheel drive system makes sure the car was always sure footed and confident in its place on the road. A little more give in the suspension for Australian roads would have been nice.The five-speed automatic gearbox was not as slick as some these days, but fast, smooth and almost always chose the right gear at the right time. There are sport settings for more spirited driving, which allow the gearbox to rev harder and hold each gear longer. It works well. There's also manual mode, of course, which can be accessed at any time through the paddles on the steering wheel.POWERThere's no shortage of power under the bonnet, with the 3.6-litre variant producing 191kW/350Nm and propelling the car from 0 -100 in under 8 seconds. In the real world, this means that overtaking is a breeze at freeway speeds and you're rarely left wanting at any speed. The smaller 2.5-litre cousin produces 127kW and 235Nm.INSIDETypical for Subarus, there's plenty of room inside for two adults and three kids, and a cavernous boot that will easily swallow a weekend's worth of luggage. The (heated) leather seats are comfortable and the dashboard trim is a mixture hard plastics and fake metal.While it's not unpleasant, some of the materials do feel a little flimsy and look like they would be prone to scratching and damage. Taller or larger drivers will appreciate the additional 50mm of height, which makes a surprisingly large difference when getting in and out of the car.Overall the cabin is a very comfortable space, although at highway speeds there was a fair amount of tyre noise from the big 18 inch rims not enough to disrupt a conversation, but enough to notice and get a bit tiring on a long trip.PRICINGThere are two variations of the new Liberty the 2.5X and the 3.6X, with the 3.6 starting at $55,990 (plus on-roads) and the smaller 2.5 starting at $44,490. Most options you'd want are included, such as heated seats, sat nav, bluetooth, dual climate control, McIntosh sound system, reverse camera and sunroof.3.6 Litre Liberty XPrice: from $55,990Engine: 3.6-litre 6-cylinder, 191kW/350NmTransmission: 5-speed auto, 4WDThirst: 10.3L/100km, CO2 242g/km2.5 Litre Liberty XPrice: from $44,490Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder, 127kW/235NmTransmission: 6-speed constantly variable, 4WDThirst: 8.0L/100km, CO2 185g/km

It will be previewed at the Los Angeles motor show later this month ahead of express deliveries down under. It's said to be a major advance from a company that also claims to have invented the compact SUV - despite Toyota's counter-claim for its RAV4 - and now plans to move things forward. So the new Forester is bigger, with more efficient engines, improved cabin quality and extra equipment. It also gets engine stop-start, the Eyesight safety system on upscale models, and an inevitable CVT automatic transmission. But, despite recent cuts on new Toyota models including the $19,990 Corolla, Subaru says it's too early to talk about showroom stickers. "We've never been the cheapest, it's about value," the managing director of Subaru Australia, Nick Senior, tells Carsguide. "There is a hell of a lot more specification and equipment in this one. We've not decided on price because we've still got a couple of months. We'll see what the exchange rate does and whether it can help us." But he's emphatic on the Forester's design and development. "It's all-new," he promises, dismissing any suggestion that the boxer engines are just carryover items. "We've got the new HB engines, which have been refined. They are in the current Forester, then the Impreza and XV. "The new Forester is bigger. The interior room is improved. I think people will be more than pleasantly surprised by the fuel economy and emissions, as well as the soft-touch plastics in the cabin." What then, about its history and future role in Australia? "I know what everyone claims. But we showed the original compact SUV at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1995. It was the Strega, a concept car that became Forester in 1997," says Senior. "It attracts our most diverse audience, from young single adventurers to families with kids up to the more mature. It's a car for all seasons and reasons. "These days it's incredibly important. it's been our highest selling vehicle for a number of years and it's been the top selling compact SUV until the flood of front-wheel drive cars came in." So, will Subaru have a front-drive price leader with a Forester badge? Now or at some future time? "No. It's not being built in front-wheel drive," Senior says bluntly. "We have all-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with ground clearance. So the Forester can be used as SUVs were intended to be used. "Not ever is a big statement. But there has been no indication. It was never the intention to have a front-wheel drive Forester when this one was designed." But Senior cannot make any promises on an automatic gearbox for the diesel-powered Forester, one of three engines choices for 2013, despite the limitations of the CVT used with its petrol powerplants. "Yes, it's something we'd like. But most people just put the transmission in D. I can't give a timeline on that." So, what about the design, which has been heavily criticised since pictures first hit the web with claims the Forester looks bulky and brutal? "You have to see it. It's the most global of Subaru's vehicles, and it's successful in Australia, China, Japan, Europe and the USA. It's not an American design," says Senior. Finally, Senior promises there will still be some surprises when the car lands in the New Year. "There are a couple of little features that we have incorporated on some models that will be a success on the showroom floor. But you've got to wait," he says.  

Canny motorists are facing a shopping bonanza as car makers start slashing prices to make way for new models. But it's not only outgoing models going cheap - look out for end-of-year sales as well.Any time a carmaker trumpets a new model, these shoppers are there ready to make a financial killing by buying up the old model. Look for sales at particular times of the year. June is traditionally a strong month for squeezing extra savings out of a dealer though, with a buoyant car market and fierce competition, anytime towards the end of any month can deliver a bonus.End of year sales are popular. Dealers always want to sell but the months of November and December provide a chance to discount cars built in the current year. Fighting this are car buyers who want a car built in the new year to preserve resale value. Here's some deals but be prepared for more as the calendar year draws to a close.HOLDENDeep Purple is no longer a rock band - it's Holden's new colour that is available on a range of cut-price “Z-Series” Commodore sedans, utes and wagons. The new colour is the same as Holden's iconic show car, the Efijy. Different models in the Z-Series line-up get different equipment levels but, as an example, the base Omega automatic is $41,990 but the Z-Series edition costs $39,990.The bonus is that the Z includes a heap of extras within that price, including leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, rear camera and sensors, leather steering wheel and chrome door frames. The SV6 ute adds 19-inch alloys, carpet mats and leather seats for $38,490, down $1000 on the plane-Jane SV6.The discounts on the VE Holden Commodore range precede the launch early next year of the VF Commodore models. Holden is also running out the Barina five-door manual hatch at $16,490, a saving of $500.TOYOTAYou'll have to do some legwork here. The new Corolla is on sale and some dealers still have stocks of the old model. Officially, there's no discount on the outgoing model though some dealers - predominantly NSW and Victoria - have extra stock and have advertised a $18,990 price, $1000 off the list price. Note that the cheapest 2013 Corolla is also $19,990. Toyota WA says customers should discuss pricing direct with their dealer.It's not only the Corolla that may offer savings. The RAV4 gets updated early next year and though there's no official price, dealers will consider offers. On top of that, Toyota has zero per cent finance on Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion until the end of the year.HYUNDAIThere's a lot of previous-model stock available from Hyundai and buyers can make big savings if they're not chasing the latest car. These include old-stock i30 hatchbacks with $2000 off the normal price and previous Santa Fe SUVs for up to $3000 off.But there are also current models. The big one is the $13,990 drive-away price on the i20 three door which saves $2500. A similar discount is on the five-door i20. The i40 wagon is now from $29,990 driveaway, a saving of about $3000, and the sedan model with automatic transmission is also from $29,990, saving about $2500.Hyundai's popular baby SUV, the ix35, is now from $27,990 driveaway for the Active version, a saving of $1120, while other ix35 variants have been reduced by $500.MITSUBISHIThe new Outlander SUV arrives November 18 so Mitsubishi is sweeping out current stock. The "Enhancement Pack" model is an LS version with leather seats, heated front seats and an electric-adjust driver's seat. It has Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, six airbags for the front-wheel drive version (up from two) and a cabin styling pack with bright trim to the door handles, console panel and rear door trim.Prices start at $28,990 drive away for the LS front-wheel drive model with five-speed manual transmission. The normal price is $29,340 plus on-road costs so the saving is about $4500. But for buyers who want the new model, register on Mitsubishi's website and there's the chance to win a $1000 Westfield shopping voucher and 15 per cent off accessories for the new Outlander. If that's not tempting, Mitsubishi also has 0.9 per cent finance until the end of this month.SUBARUThe 2012 run out has just started for Subaru which has chopped up to $5000 off three models. It replaces its Liberty and Outback in early 2013 as a mid-life makeover that includes upgrades to trim specifications. There is an all-new Forester also due about February. So the deals are now on the table.The Outback 2.5i manual is usually $37,490 plus on-road costs (say, $5000) but is being rolled out the showroom door for $35,990 including all on-road costs. The same axe has lobbed on the Forester X which is now $32,990 drive-away including leather-faced seats, alloy wheels and fog lights.The normal retail price is $30,990 without the extras and without on-road costs. Subaru is selling the Liberty 2.5i sedan manual for $31,990 drive away with leather seats, electric driver's seat and reverse camera. The car normally sells for $32,990 plus on-road costs.FORDKuga Trend $35,490 drive away (normally $38,990 plus on-road costs) and the upmarket Titanium is now $41,490 drive away, previously $44,990 plus all on the road charges. The Kuga is to be replaced with a new model in early 2013.Focus Ambiente hatch now $19,990 drive away (normally $20,290 plus costs). The Mondeo Zetec hatch is $33,990 with all costs (usually $37,740 plus on-road fees) and Falcon's XR6 Turbo is down from $46,235 plus costs, to $43,490 drive away.KIAThere's a new Sorento SUV so the outgoing model has a $2000 gift voucher attached to its normal retail price.VOLKSWAGENIs running out stocks of the current Golf VI to make way for the Golf VII due early next year. Volkswagen Australia has set the price of the current Golf 77TSI manual at $20,990 including metallic paint and all drive-away costs. This is a saving of about $5000.The Golf Wagon 90TSI with DSG auto, metallic paint and all drive-away costs is now $29,990, saving about $3500. Note that for small-car wagon buyers, Volkswagen has not confirmed a wagon version of the new Golf. If you want this shape, this could be your last chance.VOLVOThe Swede is clearing out its 2012 stock by adding value rather than chopping the price tag. The S60 and V60 entry-level models now come with the upmarket Teknik pack valued at about $4500. But if you specify the Teknik model, Volvo will automatically give you the R-Design pack (valued at $3000) for free.The same deal applies to the XC60 SUV. There's also a deal on S60 or V60 from the dealer's existing stock. Volvo will include free scheduled servicing for three years or 100,000km.

Love them or despise them, the birth of all SUVs have their DNA in Subaru's Forester. It is the originator of the street-smart wagon that put on high heels and minced into the bush, creating a dual-use machine that Australians embraced like cold beer. In fact, Australians probably lit the fire that raged into the

Subaru says it will debut the next-generation Forester to the public on November 13. The SUV goes on sale in Australia in February, but Carsguide will have the first drive report in a few weeks. The new wagon has a new transmission, updated engine and changes to its high-performance turbocharged version. The Forester, launched in Australia in 1997 but an evolution of the first mass-production SUV of the 1970s, is Subaru's best-selling model in Australia. More than 169,000 Foresters have been sold in Australia to date. Subaru Australia's managing director, Nick Senior, says the next Forester is a crucial vehicle for Australia. “This fourth generation Forester is the most significant we will have launched since the original back in 1997,'' he says. “There is more change - substantial technical change -- and innovation, than ever before. But above all, new Forester is an SUV that won't be confined to the suburbs. “It's a vehicle that could have been designed specifically for the Australian lifestyle - it's all-road, all-conditions, all-seasons and this new one will go further than any previous Forester.”