Subaru Vortex Reviews

It's almost inevitable. Once you two are no longer DINKS, an SUV appears in your driveway. The convertible lacks boot space, the V8 ute has no rear seat and the full-on 4WD is too big.The solution seems to be a compact or medium SUV. There are worthy station wagons to consider but new car buyers want to look like explorers, not breeders. Check the shopping centre or school car parks -- easily a third of vehicles have more than 150mm of ground clearance.Today's SUV is far from the 4WDs of yore -- it's easy to drive and load, child friendly, frugal with fuel and competitively priced.  The toughest surface these machines face is a wet speed bump so four of the five we've assessed have a 2WD variant.If you want to carry seven or more, that's the terrain of people-movers and large SUVs. Stay tuned for that. Weekly running costs include purchase, finance, registration, insurance, servicing; based on 15,000km a year, private ownership; costs vary between states and variants.Toyota RAV4 The new model brings with it a diesel -- it's unsuited to towing, so the 2.5 petrol is the option for versatility. Boot space is 506L (or 577L without a full-size spare). It has only 160mm of ground clearance and a low chin, so steer clear of serious obstacles. It scores for driver's knee airbag, spacious and quiet cabin with good storage but loses for a sharpish ride.Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmRunning costs: $199-$235 pwSafety: 5 starsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 107kW/187Nm; 2.5-litre 4-cyl, 132kW/233Nm; 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 110kW/340NmTransmission: 6-speed man, 6-speed auto, CVT; FWD/AWDThirst: 5.6L-8.6L/100km Tank 60LDimensions: 4.6m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Stuey's pick: GXL 2.5 auto AWD $35,490Price: from $28,490Subaru ForesterOne of the newer models here, the Soob still leans to the off-road side of the equation. There are diesel and turbo petrol options but most buyers won't need that amount of urge. Boot space isn't great at 422L but the Forester gives occupants ample room and a smooth drivetrain. The CVT is much better than previous versions.Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmRunning costs: $210-$230 pwSafety: 5 starsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl boxer, 110kW/198Nm; 2.5-litre 4-cyl boxer, 126kW/235Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl boxer turbo diesel, 108kW/350NmTransmission: 6-speed man, CVT; AWDThirst: 5.9L-8.1L/100kmTank: 60LDimensions: 4.6m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Stuey's pick: 2.5i-L $35,990Price: from $30,990Mazda CX-5If evidence was needed that SUVs are moving away from their off-road origins, the Mazda provides it. An A-grade unsealed surface is about as adventurous as you'd want to get with the little Mazda but it has few peers for on-road dynamics and nothing comes close to its Skyactiv turbo diesel powerplant. The absence of rear vents can be overlooked but at least the child seat anchor points are on the seat backs. It's got the longest wheelbase of this quintet, which suggests reasonable cabin space, but boot space is below par at 403 litres and ride quality isn't as supple as the Honda.Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmRunning costs: $203-$244 pwSafety: 5 starsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 114kW/200Nm; 2.5-litre 4cyl, 138kW/250Nm; 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 129kW/420NmTransmission: 6-speed man, 6-speed auto; FWD/AWDThirst: 5.7L-7.4L/100km Tank 58LDimensions: 4.5m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Stuey's pick: Maxx Sport 2.2Price: from $27,880Nissan X-TrailThis version has been around for nearly a decade, hence it rates four crash safety stars from ANCAP rather than the now standard five. It tops the braked towing capacity with 2000kg, adding to its versatility despite just 410L of boot space. It has off-road prowess, diesel variant (in AWD only) and a ``lite'' option, the 2.0-litre front-driver.Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmRunning costs: $219-$243 pwSafety: 4 starsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 102kW/198Nm; 2.5-litre 4-cyl, 125kW/226Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 127kW/360Nm (auto 110kW/320Nm)Transmission: 6-speed man, 6-speed auto, CVT; FWD/AWDThirst: 7.1L-9.1L/100kmTank: 65LDimensions: 4.6m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Stuey's pick: 2.5 ST $32,690Price: from $28,490Honda CR-VOnce dominant then long lost, the Honda is getting back where it belongs. Chief asset is cargo space of 556L, the best of the bunch despite a full-size spare, although marred by roof-mounted child seat anchors. Footprint is compact but Honda says there has been no change to passenger space. Compared with previous model, much quieter and easier on the backside. Pricing is canny, there are front and all-wheel drive variants and a diesel is imminent.Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmRunning costs: $189-$225 pwSafety: 5 starsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 114kW/190Nm; 2.4-litre 4-cyl, 140kW/222NmTransmission: 6-speed man, 5-speed auto; FWD/AWDThirst: 7.7L-8.7L/100kmTank: 58LDimensions: 4.5m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Stuey's pick: VTi-S AWDPrice: from $27,490

Subaru Australia has brought the BRZ S pack Down Under to further enhance its stunningly successful new sports coupe. As soon as the announcement of the local availability of the pack was known we put up our hands to spend a week road testing one.It arrived in Subaru WRX Blue and has spent a lot of time being fanged around some of the special roads in our local area. All the BRZ S pack components are made by Subaru Tecnica International (STI), Subaru’s performance arm.STYLINGThe Subaru BRZ S has lowered suspension that’s visually enhanced with a body kit consisting of a front spoiler, a rear diffuser and side skirts. The 17-inch black alloy wheels are an STI design and tie in neatly with the lower-body add-ons. A boot mounted spoiler adds to the tough look.Inside, the cabin is enhanced by a gear lever with a Duracon knob on manual boxes; the engine gains a push-button start with the large button done in brilliant red.The BRZ S pack isn’t only available to new-car buyers, owners of existing BRZs can have a sports pack retrofitted. Subaru Australia says the installation should be done by an authorised Subaru dealer.VALUEDriveaway prices for the Subaru BRZ S are $45,145 (manual) and $46,925 (automatic). The extra price over the non-s models is $7195, including fitment, for the automatic BRZ, and $7995 for the manual, meaning the S pack is pretty well priced when you consider the serious engineering effort put in by STI and the high quality of materials in a very Subaru manner.Subaru BRZ S pack models that are ordered online at the same time as a new BRZ and fitted prior to delivery to the customer are covered by the normal three-year/unlimited kilometre factory warranty. Items bought after the car’s delivery come with a two-year factory warranty if fitted by an authorised Subaru retailer.ENGINEPower for the BRZ comes from an all-new 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-four engine that puts out 147kW of power at 7000 rpm, and 205Nm of torque at 6600 revs. Though 147kW is nothing to be sneezed at in a car like this, the engine feels much stronger than the numbers suggest. That’s partly due to the highly responsive nature of the engine and the fact that it’s willing to nudge the redline without the slightest of fuss.The great throaty sound of the Subaru boxer engine when you get stuck into the pedal on the right - something that we did at every opportunity during our review period - is a joy to the ears of those who like their cars to sound exciting.DRIVINGHandling is even sharper than in the standard BRZ, not only due to the lowered suspension and centre of gravity, but also because extra stiffness is added to the body by way of a tower-strut brace.The steering is nicely weighted and sends just the right amount of feedback to the driver. Road grip is excellent and the modified BRZ is more than happy to change direction mid corner. The low centre of gravity and fore-and-aft balance certainly make this a true sports coupe.The ride of the standard BRZ is quite firm in a true sporting manner. Interestingly, it doesn’t really seem to have deteriorated in the S pack car. This is a real tribute to the guys at STI and means the S can be used as an everyday driver even if your commuting trips do take in some rough and ready Aussie backroads.VERDICTIn a couple of words - we love it.Subaru BRZ S 2.0-litre two-door coupePrice: from $45,145 (manual), $46,925 (automatic)Engine: 2.0 litre four cylinder, 147kW/205NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or automatic, RWDKerb weight: 1256 kg (manual), 1278 kg (automatic)Turning circle: 10.8 m kerb to kerbFuel tank capacity: 50 litres0-100 km/h: 7.6 seconds (manual) 8.2 seconds (automatic)Thirst: 7.8L/100km CO2 181g/km (manual), 7.1L/100km 164g/km (automatic)Wheels: 17-inch alloys

It may be wearing STI badges, but the car featured here isn’t the fabled BRZ STI we were all hoping for when teaser images of an STI-badged BRZ appeared on Subaru’s website over the weekend. This car is actually a concept that previews some mild performance upgrades developed by STI for the BRZ.The upgrades are a mixture of new and old items and are expected to be offered for sale later in the year. They are grouped under the lesser tS moniker, which is short for “tuned by STI,” and thus don’t represent the upgrades one might expect on a fully-fledged STI model.Subaru has previously launched tS versions of the Legacy and Forester, though none of these have been offered in the Australia and it’s possible the BRZ tS won’t be coming either. To make matters worse, it looks like the previous BRZ prototype testing at the Nürburgring, thought to be a BRZ STI, is simply this BRZ tS. So what upgrades does the BRZ tS bring to the table? Some of them have been previously launched for the BRZ overseas. These include a sporty body kit consisting of a front spoiler, side sills, rear diffuser and trunk lid spoiler. Other items previously shown include 17-inch light alloy wheels, a coil spring set, a sports muffler, adjustable strut tower bar for the front suspension, and a few interior bits and pieces. As enthusiast site 7tune points out, the production version of the BRZ tS will be offered in two different grades: a standard grade and a more upmarket GT grade. The standard grade gets most of the upgrades already mentioned. Opting for the GT grade adds items like the oversized carbon fiber rear wing, the light alloy wheels, Recaro seats, grille inserts, an uprated driveshaft, Bilstein suspension and Brembo  brakes. Production will be limited to 500 units, split evenly between the standard and GT grades. Unfortunately, power from the car’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine remains capped at 149 kilowatts. As previously reported, Subaru is considering more extreme performance upgrades for the BRZ but is likely to reserve these for a later in the car’s product cycle.www.motorauthority.com 

In its 40th anniversary year and 20 years since the original turbocharged "pocket rocket" WRX went on sale in Japan, Subaru Australia has launched the last of its current generation WRX special editions, the RS40. Priced at $44,490 the all-wheel drive WRX RS40 adds more than $7000 of value-packed features that pay tribute to Subaru's motorsport heritage. The Subaru WRX RS40 will be in showrooms from the end of August, with a host of extra kit. The list includes Recaro seats with blue coloured Alcantara inserts, STI rear spoiler, STI front lip spoiler, STI short shift gear assembly, STI flexible tower strut brace, Gold-coloured 17" WRX alloy wheels, exclusive RS40 decals, and numbered RS40 internal badge. It's only available in sedan and is strictly limited to 300 units, all in WR Blue Mica paint.  

Subaru’s performance arm STI has published the first images of its highly-anticipated BRZ tuning effort, and in the process has sent the rumour mill into overdrive. Though none of the all-important specs were released, we do have some clues as to what to expect.The STI badges on the front grille and fender vent confirm we’re looking at the latest creation from the men and women at Subaru Technica International.However, the two teasers published were each named “BRZ tS teaser,” suggesting we’re not looking at a fully-fledged STI model but simply an enhanced version. The tS moniker is short for “tuned by STI” and has previously been applied to regular Subaru models fitted with STI upgrades.Along with the images, Subaru published the tagline “Purity of Handling.” This ties in with previous reports that claimed STI’s upgrades for the BRZ in this initial round of tuning will be minimal, consisting mainly of aerodynamic mods, lowered suspension and a new wheel and tire package.Our own spy shots of an alleged BRZ STI model testing at the Nürburgring showed just this, a prototype fitted with STI enhancements already offered for the BRZ in select markets.Hopefully we’ll see some power mods, as the 149 kilowatt output of the stock BRZ is definitely in need of an upgrade. A high-flow exhaust system on the spied prototype suggests some breathing mods, but forget about any form of forced induction. Subaru is considering a turbocharger for the BRZ but is likely to reserve this for a later version.Subaru plans to reveal its BRZ STI soon, suggesting we’ll see the car at an upcoming major international auto show. The Japanese automaker has confirmed a world premiere for the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, the site of the debut of the original BRZ STI concept car back in 2011, though we could see the automaker hold out for a debut at its home event, the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, taking place that same month. Stay tuned for an update.www.motorauthority.com 

Opel Insignia OPC and Subaru Liberty GT go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86, the twin coupes that created huge cries of approval worldwide when launched are still selling at rates that make makers of competing coupes green with envy. Though most people think of the Toyota as being the leading model in the terrific twosome, it’s actually the Subaru that should get number one listing. After all, Subaru builds the twins in its factory in Ota, Japan, and the engine has the very distinctive flat-four ‘boxer’ layout used in other Subarus. Yet, thanks to Toyota’s astonishing marketing capability it’s the 86 that leads the image race. Subaru Australia is about to change that situation with a special sports pack for the BRZ, giving it the title of Subaru BRZ S. STYLING The Subaru BRZ S has lowered suspension with a tower bar to further stiffen it up. The 17-inch black alloy wheels have been sourced from the STI parts bin. Complementing the lower look are visual enhancements to make it look even lower; front, side and rear under skirts, a boot-lip spoiler, finished in crystal black mica, and a rear diffuser. Inside, the cabin is enhanced by a gear lever with a Duracon knob on manual boxes; the engine gains a push-button start. It will come as no surprise to those who know Japanese car tuners that the BRZ S pack components are made by Subaru Tecnica International (STI), Subaru’s performance arm. Rest assured that all components in this pack are tested to the same rigorous standards as Subaru’s entire vehicle range. Cleverly, the S pack isn’t only available to new BRZ buyers, owners of existing BRZs can have the sports pack retrofitted, provided the installation is done by an authorised Subaru dealers. VALUE At $7195 including fitment for the automatic BRZ, and $7995 for the manual the sports pack isn’t cheap, but it does offer decent value for money. All Subaru BRZ parts and accessories, not just those in this new pack, that are ordered online at the same time as a new BRZ and fitted prior to delivery to the customer are covered by the three-year/unlimited kilometre factory warranty that comes with the car. Items bought after the car’s delivery come with a two-year factory warranty if fitted by an authorised Subaru retailer. The BRZ S sports pack can be seen in detail at http://subaru.com.au/brz/subarubrz/option As well as being sold through Subaru dealers, the S pack can also be ordered online, with the components being installed before the BRZ is delivered. ENGINE Power for the BRZ comes from an all-new 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine with 147kW at 7000 rpm, and 205Nm of torque at 6600 revs. We’ve always loved the throaty sound of the Subaru ‘boxer’ engine and it’s even more noticeable in this car than in the other Subarus. We do remember the ride of the standard BRZ as being quite firm, though it did remain reasonably comfortable on extended trips when we road tested it in late 2012. We haven’t yet been able to sample a new Subaru BRZ S with its even sportier suspension as yet, but will do so as soon as possible and report back to you. National driveaway prices for the Subaru BRZ S are $45,145 (manual) and $46,925 (automatic).  

Several brands like to think they invented the soft-roader, but Subaru probably has the best case. They've been making passenger-car-based 4WDs since the late 1970s, well before the RAV4 entered the fray in the mid-1990s; Suzuki was making little off-roaders in the early 1970s, but not based on a passenger car.So the Japanese brand that started off making aircraft components five decades ago has had plenty of time to get it right and the new Forester XT is a good example of that.VALUEThe turbocharged Forester are CVT-auto only and available in XT and XT Premium guise and are covered by a three-year unlimited kilometre warranty.The XT is priced from $43,490 and has a six-speaker sound system with USB and Bluetooth inputs, cloth trim, trip computer, dual-zone climate control, a slide-only sunroof, manual seat adjustments, cruise control, 18in alloys, split-fold reclining rear seats, a full-size spare, the SI-drive sport mode system and a reach'n'rake adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel.Stepping up the Premium means an extra $7000 but adds a powered tailgate, automatic headlights, satellite navigation, the "EyeSight" safety system, leather trim, a harman kardon eight-speaker sound system, heated seats and external mirrors, keyless entry and start, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and power-adjustment for both front seats.TECHNOLOGYThe drivetrain doesn't change between the pair - capacity for the forced-induction models has dropped to two litres but it has sprouted direct injection for the flat-four, producing 177kW and 350Nm, the latter spread from 2400 to 3600rpm.Despite the increases in power and torque over the out-going 2.5-turbo powerplant, the fuel use has been cut by almost 20 per cent, now claiming a combined cycle thirst of 8.5L/100km, although our time yielded around 11L/100km. The SI-Drive system is now controlled by two buttons on the steering wheel, although it could probably be done with one scroll-through set-up.The system changes the power delivery characteristics, as well as putting the clever CVT into a mode that mimics a sports-oriented traditional auto. The grunt goes to ground via a new-generation active torque split all-wheel drive system that defaults to a slight front-drive 60/40 bias - something of a departure from the breed's 50/50 mechanical system split in previous models.DESIGNA look less likely to cause offence than some of Subaru's recent efforts, the new Forester has a chunky, purposeful look from the front, minus the scoop that has long signalled forced-induction below. The body is longer thanks mostly to extra wheelbase, of which the rear passengers are the greater beneficiary - it easily accommodates four crew, but the boot depth is compromised by the raised floor covering the full-size spare.The rear compartment is, however, no longer impacted by roof-mounted child-seat tether anchor points - they've moved to the seatbacks.mountedSAFETYSubaru has long bragged about five stars across its range and the new Forester does plenty to keep that track record intact. The "EyeSight" driver assistance system brings adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and pre-collision warning and auto-braking systems to a features list that already has all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, stability control, seven airbags, a reversing cameras (sans sensors) and xenon headlights.DRIVINGI'm not always a big fan of the continuously-variable transmissions but the Subaru boffins have come up with a well-calibrated unit behind the turbo-four. It doesn't flare revs towards the redline unless the right foot truly demands it, making the most of the meaty midrange on offer - in Sport# mode the transmission takes on a sporting bent to good effect.Cargo space is adequate but some will prefer the possibility of a temporary spare and a flatter floor - a personal preference for a full-size spare, particularly if you are stretching the skillset of the Suby, means the reduced bootspace is not a deal-breaker.In commuting and cruising the Subaru is quiet and smooth, riding within the boundaries of backside comfort, although it's bias towards more enthusiastic cornering - where it was composed and would hold its line under duress - is evident.A bugbear was the infotainment's argument with the iPhone - despite displayed connections it didn't feel the need to play any songs through the USB connection, muting the music as if a call was inbound - switching to the Bluetooth input alleviated the problem.VERDICTThe Subaru has a strong bloodline in this segment and the new Forester has done it ancestors proud.As soft-roaders go, the little Subaru feels more than up to the task.Subaru Forester XT & XT PremiumPrice: from $43,490-$50,490Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmCapped servicing: noResale: 55% (Glass's Guide)Service interval: 6 months/12,500kmSafety: 5 starsEngine: 2-litre direct-injection flat-4-cyl, 177kW/350NmTransmission: CVT, AWDThirst: 8.51/100km, 95RON, on test 11 (xt p 10.8); tank 60 litres; 197g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.6m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.7m (h)Weight: 1589-1607kgSpare: full-size 

The in-dash push button engine start / stop is becoming an automotive affectation. Originally it was fitted to unique racing cars and their highly tuned road-going derivatives. These days it is increasingly finding its way into vehicles of all brands and price tags.Ironically, such a system will not work without the proximity of a computer controlled key fob, all of which requires more effort than simply slotting the key into the ignition and turning it to fire up the motor.Sundry stressful situations tracking down the key, from pocket to centre console, were put behind me with the new Subaru Liberty 2.5 sedan – keyless entry but buttonless start-up. How good is that?Not that there is anything yesterday about the car. For a start (or in this case stop) there’s an electric parking brake situated on a reworked centre console, a one-touch lane-change indicator, revised instrument panel, dashboard colour scheme and USB connection.And the one-time shrinking violet looks of the Liberty have made way for a more assertive character thanks to a new grille and front fog light surrounds, plus modern alloy wheel designs.VALUEOur test car carried an option pack which includes leather upholstery, satellite navigation and new colour info display adding $3000 to the price, the sat nav sporting a particularly clear on-screen street naming, which was most welcome for this gentleman of a certain age.Among the crop of changes to the MY13 range, the most pleasing economy for the newLiberty is a $2000 trim in price, putting the entry level model at just $32,990.ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONThe new generation horizontally-opposed boxer engine is linked to the latest Lineartronic continuously variable transmission and a revised Subaru symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. The CVT has a six-speed manual mode with steering wheel-mounted paddles. Subaru engineers have waved a magic wand over the 2.5-litre motor to gain major improvements – power is up by three per cent (127 kW), torque by 3.3 pc (235 Nm), while fuel economy is cut by 4.8 pc (7.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban/highway cycle) and carbon dioxide emissions are down 5.7 per cent (182 g per kilometre).DRIVINGIt’s no surprise that the Liberty test car took to local conditions admirably, Australia had input here with tests being conducted Down Under.Much attention was paid to the drivability of the vehicle in the mid-to-low speed torque range, while the new Lineartronic CVT is quieter, lighter and more compact.The CVT has taken the car to a new level of fuss-free driving. The paddle-shift manual mode is competent but adds little to the overall driving experience for those wanting a little more action.Handling and stability have been given a fillip through revision of the all-wheel-drive system, stiffening of the suspension and a sharpened steering response. Noise vibration and harshness also comes in for improvement with changes in the construction of suspension systems.VERDICTThe Subaru Liberty has always maintained a spot at the heart of middle-of-the-road motoring. The latest incarnation looks to be in no mood to relinquish its position.

Mazda CX-5 2.5 GT AWD and Subaru Forester XT go head-to-head in this comparative review.