Subaru Vortex Reviews

Subaru plans to take the wraps off the new WRX STI on January 14 at the Detroit motor show, but it's just been given an early unwrapping with images from just about every angle leaking onto the internet.Posted by a Mexican website, the photo set has the WRX STI in its WRC hero blue livery and shows the visual differences that set it apart from the standard WRX -- the signature STI cue being the massive rear wing.It also gets the gold-toned STI wheels -- behind which we expect will be upgraded brakes -- and more aggressive bodykit treatment, likely to be matched by a similarly firmer-dealing suspension set-up and vehicle dynamics technology.We'll have to wait until the show (or another leak) to find out what's under that World Rally Blue bonnet. But chances are it will either be a revised version of the carryover  turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder -- with outputs squeezed above the current 221kW of power and 407Nm of torque -- mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or a higher-tuned version of the new WRX's 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder.That possible four was seen in the Levorg concept at Tokyo show in November with outputs of 221kW and 400Nm, a rise of 21kW and 50Nm over the 2014 WRX revealed at LA show the same month and test-driven in December.As we've previously reported, the sedan body you're seeing here is the only one we'll get for the WRX and STI, with Subaru deciding to discontinue hatch versions as the buyer market dwindled against the sedan variants.

The Subaru Levorg was unveiled at the Tokyo motor show in November last year.The Levorg sports wagon offers a choice of two engines: 1.6-litre with 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque or 2.0-litre boxer with 221kW of power and 400Nm of torque. Both have four-cylinder engines mated to continuously variable transmissions.Watch the Subaru Levorg in action video here. 

We'll see the wraps come off the 2015 Subaru WRX STI on January 14 at Detroit motor show, and more importantly we'll also get to see what's under the bonnet -- and what it can do.The high-performance -- and high-winged -- version of the WRX will possibly carry on with the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder, but with outputs raised above the current model's 221kW of power and 407Nm of torque, and still delivered with a six-speed manual transmission.However, there's also a chance it could be powered by an uprated version of the 2014 WRX's 2.0-litre turbo four -- as seen in the Levorg concept at Tokyo show with outputs of 221kW and 400Nm. That's 21kW and 50Nm more than the 2014 WRX revealed at LA show in November, and which our test drive in December proves is itself a great engine.Expect to see more aggressive styling -- including likely the customary wing -- stiffer suspension set-up and possibly some weight-saving strategies, particularly if it's using the smaller engine.What we'd like to see, but won't, is a hatch body emerge from underneath the Detroit silk. But Subaru has said the WRX will continue only as a sedan -- cue the violins.  

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $20,000-$40,000New cars for 2014 | $59,000-$100,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSMini Cooper: Mini will bring the all-new third-generation ‘new Mini’ Cooper to our shores from May, with the entry models using a new 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo petrol or diesel engine, and the hot Cooper S to step up to a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol from the same family. The three-door hatch will be the only bodystyle to lob in 2014, with convertible and a new five-door hatch (at least) to follow later. (Approximately $31,000-$46,000)SMALL CARSAudi A3 sedan: Audi will add a sedan version of its A3 small car to the existing Sportback hatch lineup from January, with the hot S3 version to follow in April, and the drop-top A3 Cabriolet (from about $57k) to complete the lineup in about September. (Approximately $65,000)BMW 2 Series: The discontinued 1 Series coupe will be replaced by the new 2 Series coupe in around May, and will likely mirror the petrol and diesel drivetrains of the existing 1 Series hatch. A soft-top convertible is also in the works, but its launch date is still up in the air. (Approximately $45,000-$85,000)Lexus CT 200h: Lexus will complete the spindle grill-ification of its Australian lineup when it launches the mid-cycle refresh of the CT 200h hybrid hatch before July. Along with the stylistic alignment with the rest of the range, the new CT will feature revised suspension tuning and interior trim, with the possibility of sharpened pricing in the pursuit of sales volume. (Approximately $40,000-$58,000)Renault Megane: Also due around June is a mid-cycle refresh for the Megane coupe, cabriolet, and wagon models. (Approximately $20,000-$50,000)Subaru Impreza WRX: Underwhelming or otherwise, Subaru’s new WRX performance sedan is due in late March, ahead of a hotter-again STI version by mid-year. (Approximately $40,000)Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance: The upgraded Golf GTI Performance pack will complete the GTI lineup during 2014, with an extra 7kW, bigger brakes, tricky diff, plus xenon headlights, LED taillights, 19 inch wheels, and alcantara added to the tartan cloth interior trim. (Approximately $47,990)Volkswagen Golf R: The all-wheel drive Golf R performance flagship is also expected in 2014, with 206kW and 380Nm promising performance to trump all before it. (Approximately $50,000)FAMILY CARSFord Falcon: The once-mighty Falcon range is set to undergo its final facelift in the fourth quarter of 2014, ahead of it’s now certain doom in 2016. Minor styling revisions are expected, but the addition of Ford’s SYNC multimedia system and the return of the XR8 V8 model (as FPV is wound up) are likely to be the biggest changes. Approximately 37,000-56,000Infiniti Q50: Infiniti models are set to become a more common sight on Australian roads before June, with the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series-rivalling Q50’s arrival, boasting fresh styling, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of diesel or hybrid drivetrains. (Approximately $51,900-$73,900)Skoda Octavia RS: The Czech brand will launch the hot Octavia RS in the second quarter, with the petrol version matching the new Volkswagen Golf GTI mechanically, and the diesel version is expected to continue with the same spec as the Golf GTD available overseas. (Approximately from $40,000)Volvo S60 and V60: Volvo will introduce the first of its new Drive-E engines to the S60 sedan and V60 wagon range in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $49,000-$78,000)PEOPLE MOVERSHonda Odyssey: An all-new Odyssey eight-seat people mover will follow in February, with fresh styling, improved features and safety and a more efficient drivetrain. (Approximately $35,000-$43,000)Kia Grand Carnival: Later in the year, Kia will replace the segment-champion but ageing Grand Carnival model. Improvements to safety, features, and efficiency are expected, and should be a winner if the smaller new Rondo is anything to go by. (Approximately $39,000-56,000)SUV/4WDBMW X1: The baby bimmer SUV is also in line for a refreshing in March, with styling and interior tweaks expected. (Approximately 46,000-63,000)Ford Territory: The Territory SUV will also score similar SYNC-inclusive revisions at around the same time, ahead of the same 2016 fate. (Approximately $40,000-$63,000)Honda CR-V diesel: Honda will kick off 2014 by adding the first-ever diesel variant to the local CR-V SUV lineup in January. The 2.2 litre unit produces 110kW/350Nm, and will be available in six-speed manual or five-speed auto with all-wheel drive only. Official fuel consumption is as low as 5.8L/100km. (Approximately $35,000-$45,000)Isuzu MU-X: Isuzu will introduce the seven-seat MU-X in January, with the company’s first SUV sharing much of its design with the D-Max ute and Holden Colorado and Colorado 7 models. The MU-X will be equipped with the same 3.0-litre diesel engine as the D-Max, and offer family 4WD toughness for a lot less than Toyota’s Prado. (Approximately $40,500-$53,500)Kia Sorento: The final Kia model for 2014 is likely to be a significantly revamped Sorento seven-seat SUV, with a comprehensive design update inside and out to bring it in line with the fresher styling of its Hyundai Santa Fe mechanical twin. (Approximately $38,000-$51,000)Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: The stylish Range Rover Evoque is due for an update before June, with a new nine-speed auto delivering fuel economy gains of about 10 per cent, plus styling tweaks to bring it in line with the new full-size Range Rover and Sport models. (Approximately $50,000-$91,000)Mercedes-Benz GLA: Mercedes will bring the new A-Class-based GLA SUV to our shores in May, with the all-new model taking the fight to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 in the premium compact SUV segment. Priced from about $45,000, the GLA will be available in front or 4MATIC all-wheel drive and engines from launch will include the 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre GLA200 and 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre GLA250 petrols, and 100kW/300Nm 2.2-litre GLA200 CDI and 125kW/350Nm 2.2-litre GLA220 CDI turbodiesel options. (Approximately from $45,000)Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Mitsubishi will introduce its first hybrid model in April, in the form of the plug-in hybrid Outlander SUV. Priced from about $50,000, the Outlander PHEV promises Holden Volt-rivalling efficiency for about $10,000 less, and wrapped within a more practical SUV body. (Approximately from $50,000)Nissan Pathfinder hybrid: Nissan will complete its new Pathfinder SUV lineup in the second quarter, with the addition of a new petrol-electric hybrid variant to help silence the naysayers lamenting the lack of a diesel option in the new model. The 187kW/329Nm hybrid drivetrain uses a 15kW electric motor paired with a supercharged 2.5 litre four cylinder petrol engine, resulting in a claimed 25 per cent fuel efficiency gain. (Approximately $55,000-$60,000)Nissan X-Trail: Nissan will replace its hugely successful X-Trail medium SUV in about July, with the bigger design offering seating for seven for the first time, and improved refinement to go with its softened exterior design. (Approximately $30,000-$47,000)Skoda Octavia Scout: The Octavia RS will be followed by the jacked-up Scout AWD variant in about mid-year. (Approximately $40,000-$45,000)Toyota Kluger: Toyota will introduce the third-generation of its Kluger large SUV in the first quarter, with the all-new larger model promising improved seating for seven and fresh styling, but its continued reliance on a petrol V6 might threaten its sales success next to the diesel and hybrid options offered by most rivals. (Approximately $40,000-$60,000)Volvo XC60: Volvo’s new Drive-E engines will also appear in the XC60 SUV in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $57,000-79,000)COMMERCIAL VEHICLESFord Transit: Ford’s commercial lineup will receive a boost in January with the arrival of an all-new Transit van model, with the light-duty Transit Custom touching down ahead of the heavy-duty Transit Cargo range in April. (Approximately $36,000-$52,000) 

To wet our appetite for the upcoming new generation WRX, due here in March 2014, we've just spent a week in the limited edition RS40 version of Subaru's iconic pocket rocket.

Fans of the long-gone and much-mourned Toyota Supra -- and those hoping to see a successor after its 11-year absence -- can perhaps take heart in news today that Toyota and BMW have confirmed a deal to jointly produce a new sports car platform.BMW development chief Herbert Diess told Germany's Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper the architecture would spawn two new cars. "We have agreed on a joint architecture for a sports car," Diess said, however declining to reveal more details about the platform.Toyota has previously partnered with Subaru to produce the wildly successful Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, but while they are near-clones, it seems the Toyota/BMW collaboration will focus on ensuring the two resultant cars are strongly differentiated. "What is important is that there will be two different vehicles that are authentic to the two brands," Diess said.Watch our video review of the tweaked Toyota 86The announcement is not unexpected, following the two brands making an agreement in mid-2012 to collaborate on a range of technology -- including weight-saving strategies and  lithium-air batteries -- and also consider the potential for a medium-sized sports car platform.Toyota is tipped to be unveiling a sports concept that could point to a Supra successor at the Detroit motor show in a couple of weeks, so it's possible that a production vehicle seeded from the show car could include the BMW collaboration. However the Toyota end of the joint development could also end up wearing a Lexus badge.And Toyota is not the only Japanese carmaker partnering with a European brand for a sports car. As we've reported previously, Mazda is collaborating with Italy's Alfa Romeo on a platform that will be the basis for both the next Mazda MX-5 and Alfa Spider.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

One of the most interesting cars at the recent Tokyo motor show was the Subaru Levorg wagon concept, which is already on the radar for Australia when the production version is built -- expected to be later next year  and appear as a 2015 model.And it seems we might see other versions rolling off the line, with Subaru planning to unveil a performance-focused STI version at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January. The Levorg concept at the recent show will offer the choice of a 125kW/250Nm 1.6-litre or a 200kW/350Nm 2.0-litre boxer four-cylinder engines -- the latter borrowed from the new WRX sedan and Forester XT.However, as with the WRX STI that will be unveiled at Detroit show in January -- around the same time as the Tokyo Auto Salon on the other side of the Pacific -- the Levorg STI is likely to up the ante of the 2.0-litre's outputs, with power figures close to 230kW being mentioned. It also gets sportier underpinnings and helpers, including a tweaked suspension, unique flexible tower bar and rear roof spoiler.And it won't be alone on the Auto Salon stand, being just one of five Levorg concepts headed for the event. Its siblings include Subaru's Levorg Premium Sports, and three other cars that are showcases for aftermarket brands: the Levorg Syms, Levorg Prova and Levorg Corazon Sportier.Subaru Australia has put its hand up for regular versions of the oddly-named Levorg wagon, though there’s no word yet on whether it will be offered locally. If it is, the car would likely be seen as a wagon body version of the Impreza, filling the gap between the small hatchback and the larger Liberty models.They'll be accompanied by the BRZ tS that will be unveiled as an entrant for the Nurburgring 24 Hour race.

The popular Gran Turismo 6 game is spawning some fantastic concept cars, after the game's creators threw out a challenge to the world's car designers. We saw the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo debut at Los Angeles motor show in the metal as a 1:1 scale model - complete with a front mid-mounted handcrafted AMG V8 biturbo engine delivering 430kW of power and 800Nm of torque.Toyota has teased its Vision car, which looks enticingly like it could be a possible concept successor for the much-loved Supra. And now Subaru has tipped in with its own Gran Turismo Vision concept, like Toyota only teasing it in a single image so far.The profile angle suggests the car owes at least some of its inspiration to the BRZ sports coupe developed in tandem with Toyota (who badge it as the 86) but as with the Merc, it's possible we'll see some hints of future Subaru styling when the car is fully revealed.The Toyota is rumoured to be headed for a real-life reveal at the Detroit motor show in January, but both it and the Subaru will be available as 2014 downloads for Gran Turismo 6 on the Sony Playstation.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

The Levorg tourer prototype hits Japan's showroom floors late next year but no confirmation for other markets.The sports wagon comes with a choice of two flat-four engines: 1.6-litre 125kW/250Nm or 2.0-litre 221kW/400Nm drivetrains. Both matted to a CVT transmission. The Levorg gains Subaru's next generation 'Eyesight' safety technology with adaptive cruise control, emergency stop signal, brake light recognition, lane-keeping and pre-collision reverse throttle and braking system of speeds up to 50km/h.

Subaru has launched an online ordering process for the new 2014 WRX sedan, months away from its arrival on local soil, and even before nailing down Australian-market pricing. In the meantime, Subaru has put together this video of the new WRX being put through its paces over both gravel and tarmac surfaces. Watch the desktop version of the official 2014 Subaru WRX video here.  2014 Subaru WRXPrice: $39,990 (estimated)Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder boxer turbo; 200kW/250Nm Transmission: six-speed manual, CVT autoThirst: 9.8L/100km (manual, 11.2L/100km (auto)  RIVALS Price: from $38,290 Engine: 2.0L turbo four, 184kW/340NmTransmission: 6-speed manual (no auto), FWDThirst: 7.4L/100km, 172g/km CO2   Price: from $49,900Engine: 2.0L turbo four, 155kW/350NmTransmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto, FWDThirst: 6.6L/100km, 152g/km CO2   Price: from $41,490Engine: 2.0L turbo four, 162kW/350NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or DSG auto, FWDThirst: 6.2L/100km, 144g/km CO2