Subaru Vortex Reviews

Australia is still a nation of gas-guzzlers even though new data shows tailpipe emissions have fallen to their lowest since records were first calculated 10 years ago. Small-car specialist Suzuki topped the latest car emissions study while Jeep ranked last among the Top 15 brands.Figures released by the National Transport Commission show the average emissions for all new cars sold last year fell to 192 grams per kilometre compared to 252g/km in 2002.But our cars are still pumping out 45 per cent more carbon-dioxide compared to those in Europe (132g/km) and we’re not far behind the gas-guzzling capital of the world: North America (231g/km).Although small cars and SUVs have overtaken the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon as our family favourites, Australians have been relatively slow to adopt more efficient vehicles because we are the fourth cheapest developed country in the world for petrol and the sixth cheapest for diesel.“There’s no doubt that one of the biggest factors that drives the European result is their substantially higher fuel taxation,” said the executive director of the Australian Automobile Association, Andrew McKellar.For example, the petrol price average in the UK last year was 217.3 cents per litre compared to 146.6 cents per litre in Australia. Fuel excise in Australia is also among the cheapest in the world: 38.1 cents per litre versus the UK’s 59.3 cents per litre.“Australian car buyers still tend to favour size, power and performance over fuel economy,” said Mr McKellar. However, the study should not be a “black mark” for motorists because Australians are more reliant on the motor vehicle.“In Europe, when you want to travel between cities it’s not uncommon to catch a high-speed train,” said Mr McKellar. “Australia obviously doesn’t have that network so we depend more on cars, and ones that can be driven comfortably over long distances.”The NTC figures also reveal private buyers are doing more to save the planet than are government and businesses. The average emissions of vehicles bought by private buyers last year was 186g/km compared to 198g/km for businesses and 210g/km for government fleets.This is partly because government purchasing policies have favoured Australian-made vehicles, which aren’t as efficient as equivalently-sized imported cars.Toyota has the most efficient locally-made cars, with the Camry and Aurion sedans producing an average of 179g/km, ahead of the Ford Falcon sedan and Territory SUV (213g/km).Despite manufacturing the Cruze small car alongside the Commodore, Holden’s emissions were the highest of the local makers (237g/km), according to the report.Indeed, none of Australia’s three manufacturers figured in the Top 10 list of the most efficient car brands.Top honours went to small car specialist Suzuki, whose average fleet emissions was 158g/km, ahead of BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai.Toyota, Ford and Holden ranked in the bottom of the Top 15 brands, with Jeep ranked highest among the group (226g/km).Toyota may have the largest hybrid model range but it was penalised by its high proportion of commercial vehicles and SUVs.Meanwhile the locally-made Ford and Holden six-cylinder cars outweighed the improvements in with their imported four-cylinder cars.The study covered only the Top 15 brands as they represented 92 per cent of vehicles sold in Australia in 2013.Meanwhile, Australia’s regulations for carbon dioxide vehicle emissions lag European standards by more than six years.The latest “Euro 5” rules, as they are known, aren’t due to be enforced in Australia until November 2016; they were introduced in Europe in September 2010.Europe is targeting even stricter standards by 2015 (to an average emissions rating of 130 g/km) before limboing to just 95 g/km in 2020.The European target for light commercial vehicles such as utes and vans are 175 g/km in 2017 and 147 g/km in 2020.The Top 15 most efficient car brands in AustraliaSuzuki 158 g/kmBMW 158 g/kmVolkswagen 162 g/kmMercedes 165 g/kmHyundai 175 g/kmHonda 176 g/kmSubaru 181 g/kmMazda 184 g/kmKia 184 g/kmMitsubishi 191 g/kmNational average 192 g/kmToyota 203 g/kmFord 205 g/kmNissan 209 g/kmHolden 212 g/kmJeep 226 g/kmAverage CO2 emissions by brand in 2013.Source: National Transport CommissionThis reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling

It took a nanosecond for us to realise we really liked the CVT Rex because it didn't behave like the usual slurring slushy CVT.

NEW The XV was new to the range when Subaru launched the all-new Impreza in 2011/12, but you won't find an Impreza badge on it anywhere. Yes, it was based on the Impreza, but the XV was so different to the small Suby that the company wanted to move it away into its own market space. Conceived as a sub-compact SUV the XV slotted in between the Impreza hatch and the compact Forester SUV. It was a sporty looking wagon, riding high in the style of an SUV, and came in a choice of three models.The range kicked off with the 2.0i, and climbed through the mid-range L to the burger-with-the-lot S at the peak. All were well equipped, with the 2.0i even having Bluetooth, rear-view camera and a sunroof. Take the step up to the L and you got sat-nav, while those who went all the way to the top got leather trim and heated rear seats. The safety story was also impressive, with all models in the range qualifying for a five-star tick from ANCAP thanks to seven airbags, including full-length curtain airbags and a driver's kneebag.Power came from a new long stroke version of the Subaru boxer four, this one of 2.0-litre capacity punching out 110 kW and 196 Nm. Bolted to the back of the new engine was either a six-speed manual gearbox, boasting a taller top gear for better economy, or a CVT type auto with six presets and paddle shifters. As with all Subarus the final drive is through all four wheels.Inside, the cabin is light and airy with good vision out thanks to a higher seating position and thinner pillars. The cargo space is a little cramped, and the spare is a space-saver mounted underneath the cargo floor in the rear.NOWThe XV is still quite new to the market, so there is little to report in terms of problems and issues, and given Subaru's overall reputation soundness of design there is good reason to think it will perform admirably over the longer time.Subaru's boxer four can use oil, so it's a good idea to keep a watchful eye on the oil level in the engine. Owner criticisms focus on the small boot space, and some knock its lack of mid-range overtaking performance. Some of those who have owned the previous 2.5-litre engine in the Impreza say the new, smaller engine lacks grunt.To date there has been one recall of the XV. It related to the routing of the engine wiring harness on the MY12 models, which could interfere with other engine components. At best it could cause the engine to idle roughly, at worst it could cause the engine to stall and not restart. Check that the recall has been carried out.Be sure to thoroughly test the CVT transmission during your test-drive. Take particular note of any shuddering at low speed or on take-off from a standstill. Also note any hesitations, surging or other driving issues. Make a careful check of the bodywork looking for any evidence of crash damage that has been poorly repaired.SMITHY SAYSAttractive little Suby is safe, economical and drives nicely.Subaru XV 2012-2013Price new: $28,490 to $36,990Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, 110 kW/196 NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, CVT, AWDEconomy: 6.9 to 7.3 L/100 kmBody: 5-door wagonVariants: 2.0i, L, SSafety: 5-star ANCAP

Subaru revealed a 'self-cleaning car' a few years ago -- on April 1. Now Nissan has done the same, but it's no April Fool's Day stunt. They've just unveiled a new paint technology that promises to out an end to car washing. And it's not just destined for some future model. They're planning to offer it as an after-market product for cars already on the road.The Ultra-Ever Dry finish, created by UltraTech International, is said to allow the development of a layer of air between the surface and the elements, and be both hydrophobic (water-repelling) and oleophobic (oil-repelling), which means that oily grime, dirt and mud simply slide off.The video shows the finish applied to a Nissan Note, which then has all kinds of muck poured onto it -- none of which sticks on the treated side. There's no confirmation yet of when they're bringing it to market, or what the price range will be. However they have confirmed that rather than being offered as a special finish on new models, it will be available as an aftermarket one for all models.The upside is that you can expect this technology to spread to other brands. The downside? None, unless you're in the car wash business.Watch the self cleaning car finish video on our desktop site. 

For some people, fast just isn’t fast enough. That’s why there are several levels of Ferraris and Porsches from which to choose.The formula has not been lost on the mainstream brands, which use highly profitable and highly desirable performance cars to subsidise more affordable models in the range, while boosting their brand image.For example, Volkswagen is currently cutting the guts out of the base model Golf at $22,990 drive-away, including metallic paint, and dealers can’t even afford to throw in floor mats apparently.But, in the same breath, Volkswagen increased the price of its Golf GTI by $500, because it’s an in-demand model (with up to a four-month wait) and VW figures buyers in this price range can comfortably cough up another $500, to $41,490. The top-line Volkswagen Golf R stretches the friendship further, costing in excess of $50,000 (although, as we discovered, as a cut-price BMW M5, it’s worth every cent).Which brings us neatly to the Subaru WRX STI released this week. It’s the more potent version of the regular WRX, cooked up with the customary ingredients: bigger brakes, bigger wheels, a bigger engine and a bigger turbo. Oh, and how could we forget, a bigger rear wing.But there is one critical element missing: the epic price gap. Since the very first STI was released locally in 1999, Subaru has gotten away with whacking a massive $20,000 premium on top of the regular WRX for the STI version. Not any more.VALUESanity has prevailed and the new Subaru WRX STI is $10,000 cheaper than before, to a starting price of $49,990. That’s still $11,000 dearer than the standard WRX, so Subaru executives won’t be turning up to soup kitchens with an empty cup anytime soon.The new price point is aided in no small part to an artificially devalued Japanese Yen, a strong Australian dollar, and the realisation that Subaru couldn’t possibly justify such a ridiculous premium amid the current competition: the Volkswagen Golf R, etal.But Subaru shouldn’t pat itself on the back too firmly. All of the STI add-ons equate to only about a $5000 premium (brakes, wheels, tyres, and more robust drivetrain hardware). Subaru has even saved money in the engine department. It’s the same turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder that’s been used in the STI for the past seven years.The engine has barely been touched; power is unchanged. Furthermore, the STI’s engine is likely cheaper to build than the one in the regular WRX, which is a fancy new direct injection unit. But Subaru can get away with charging more than the sum of the STI’s parts because enthusiast buyers will pay.As before, there are two models in the range. Standard fare on the $49,990 version includes cloth-covered sports seats, navigation, a rear view camera, a sensor key, a premium sound system, dual zone air-conditioning, and a liberal application of STI badges, one of which is tastefully illuminated in the centre console (albeit in pink). The STI gets the bigger brakes that the regular WRX also deserves: Brembo four-piston calipers up front and two-piston rears, and 18-inch alloy wheels.The luxury version, priced from $54,990, gains leather seats, a sunroof, bespoke BBS 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors and front seats, and electric adjustment for the driver’s seat. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. As before, automatic transmission is not available. Subaru has increased the number of dealers the STI is available through nationally (up from 12 to 20).But Subaru still lacks fixed price servicing (maintenance intervals are 12,500km or six months, whichever comes first) whereas Volkswagen and others give buyers transparency and peace of mind. Resale values of the WRX STI take a bigger hit than the regular WRX because you’re starting from a higher price, although this may improve with the new model. Time will tell.Used examples in original condition (resist the urge to modify the exhaust, engine and suspension; apart from potentially voiding the warranty, it’ll dent resale value) with a perfect service history and low kilometres (45,000km) can fetch 50 per cent of their RRP after three years (average).TECHNOLOGYThere is a tricky boost pressure and G-force display in the digital screen on the top of the dash. Meanwhile Subaru uses its “Si Drive” dial to adjust the sharpness of the throttle response, although it doesn’t deliver any extra power.DESIGNThe canyon between the stunning Subaru WRX concept car and the showroom reality has been well documented. Sadly, the STI does little to bridge the gap and may have even committed a bigger sin: an over-reaction to the sedan’s blandness.The main visual difference between the regular WRX and the STI is the plastic picnic table mounted on the boot-lid that doubles as a wing and can been seen on Google Earth satellite view. The big wing wasn’t cool in the 1990s and looks even more ridiculous now. Fortunately, Subaru has decided to make the STI’s wing a “delete option” for the first time.If you buy the car with a wing and then change your mind, be warned. The wing is tapered at each end to handle airflow over the car, so you can’t use it as a table. The coffee mugs would slide off. Check the magnet on your fridge for the local council’s next hard rubbish collection date.SAFETYSeven airbags and a five-star safety rating carry over from the WRX and the rest of the Impreza range. Stability control has two settings -- standard mode and a racetrack mode -- as well as ‘off’, which should be only used on a track and only by the brave. A rear view camera is standard (the same as that found in the WRX) but the screen is small and there are no parking sensors front or rear (even though they are standard on the cheapest VW Golf GTI).DRIVINGLet’s cut to the chase. The new Subaru WRX STI has exhilarating performance and goes a considerable way towards redeeming the underdone WRX’s reputation. In fact, with its power, grip and brakes, it’s what the WRX should have been. If only Subaru could find a way to create a step above this car it would have a truly compelling line-up.The STI’s aging 2.5-litre engine may have redefined turbo lag in the modern era, but once revs rise above 3500rpm and pull all the way to 6500rpm, the car thrusts with such force that your body is obliged to release a shot of adrenaline to give your brain sufficient power to keep up with what’s going on. The turbo engines on European rivals deliver better overall performance over a broader power band. The STI’s narrow power delivery defines its character -- and makes it feel faster than it really is.Subaru says the WRX STI can do the 0 to 100km/h dash in 4.9 seconds but, using satellite-based timing equipment, the best we could achieve (without melting the clutch) was a time of 5.7 seconds after numerous gallant attempts.The STI’s weight gain and the lack of a slick-shifting twin-clutch transmission blunt acceleration. It means the STI is now not as quick as the Europeans which can achieve the same feat in a real-world, neck-breaking, 5.0 seconds. Nevertheless, the WRX STI is still a blast. The six-speed manual gearshift is smoother than before, which is a good thing as you row through the cogs to keep the revs in the engine’s sweet spot.The STI’s steering is heavier than the regular WRX but more communicative. You can really feel the front wheels clambering over the contours in the road under hard acceleration. It delights the senses. Grip from the Dunlop 18-inch tyres is impressive -- in the wet or dry -- and the ride comfort over bumps is excellent by performance-car standards.The only caveat is that, at suburban speeds, the STI’s suspension can feel a little “busy”, although not firm. It’s not a deal-breaker, but nor is it an amazing feat: the STI’s rivals ride on 19-inch or 20-inch wheels and tyres these days and still deliver comfort.The STI’s four-piston front brake calipers and large discs ensure there is ample stopping power, time and time again. The brake pedal also has a much more precise feel than the regular WRX. The sooner the base model WRX gets these brakes, the better.Downsides? The interior is all but identical to the regular WRX but for some STI logos and, although the appearance and quality seem better than before, they’re still not a match for the Europeans.Nor does the over-sized rear wing suddenly transform this fairly bland sedan into a visual heart-starter. The very fact that there’s not much to differentiate the STI from the regular WRX highlights just how much extra profit margin there is in the STI. But as long as performance cars delight the senses, buyers will open their wallets and sign on the dotted line.VERDICTThe new Subaru WRX STI may not win any style awards, or attract buyers of European cars due to its gruffness, but its many loyal disciples will continue to appreciate its exhilaration and eccentricity -- even if it’s not quite as quick as its rivals.

Memo to Subaru. Please stop trying to remove the character from your cars. The Forester XT is a case in point. It's the go-fast version with the new turbocharged engine.  It looks and goes well enough, but why oh why remove the bonnet scoop --  it's always been such a defining and 'exciting' feature of Subarus.

A new Subaru WRX is big news to a lot of people because the car has almost iconic status. Motor heads know what a "Rex" is and its reputation as a potent, safe, affordable, all-wheel-drive rocketship.

Following the debut of the new Subaru Liberty sedan at Chicago motor show in February, the Outback is headed for unwrapping at the New York motor show on April 16.Subaru's teaser image shows us the expected face with headlight and grille cues familiar from the Liberty, but we're yet to get a look at the lines -- and importantly the profile -- of the wagon body.The Levorg Concept that starred at Tokyo motor show in November last year gives a few clues to what we might see when the silk comes off the Outback, and at this stage it's not known whether any of that will also morph into a Liberty wagon.Subaru is also yet to confirm engine and transmission details for the Outback, but the closely-related Liberty was unveiled with the carryover options of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder and 3.6-litre six-cylinder, both mated to CVT (continuously variable) automatics.Both have been tweaked to offer better drivability and economy, with the 2.5-litre developing 130kW/236Nm (up 3kW/1Nm) but the 3.6-litre now 190kW/335Nm (down 1kW/15Nm) with claims of improved fuel efficiency and better mid-range torque. It's possible we'll also see the continuation of a diesel under the bonnet, with similar enhancements for the current 2.0-litre.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Twenty years ago if you wore your cap backwards and fancied yourself a bit of a lad

On Valentines Day 1994 Subaru announced the release of an all-new model called WRX.