Subaru Vortex Reviews

Packing the Forester for a weekend away, we brought rope to attach surfboards to the roof. We paused and looked at the boot. Could we actually travel the motorway without the irritating flap of board bags rattling overhead?A quick flip down of the back seats and the boards slid in beautifully, giving the Subaru Forester -- an instant win. And that's one of the keys to the Forester: it makes things easier than you imagine.PRICE AND EQUIPMENTDriving up at $35,990, the 2.5i-litre petrol comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, full size spare, Subaru Intelligent Drive system, X-mode, symmetrical AWD, privacy glass, roof rails, rear spoiler, dual zone climate control, LCD screen, wheel-mounted audio control, 12-volt power jacks, Bluetooth, cruise control, rear view reverse camera, paddle gear shift, Auto Stop Start, ESC, ABS, EBD, TCS, and TCS LSD which sounds like something you shouldn’t be given, but stands for a very legal Limited Slip Device.TECHNOLOGYThe 2.5-litre Lineartronic CVT Forester’s horizontally-opposed boxer engine produces 126kW@5,800 rpm and 235Nm@4,100 rpm. Official fuel combined is 8.1/100km. Our drive with a fully loaded vehicle on the motorway and in the city found 10.4 litres per/100km.Designed to suit active families, the Forester can handle plenty of baggage (of the physical kind), and can reach 0-100km/hr in 9.9 seconds. DESIGNInternally there is plenty of head and legroom, ample storage, and comfortable seating. Kids and adults have plenty of room in back and a good view of the road. The boot provides 422 litres of storage with seats raised, and a massive 1481 litres seats down - in which we were able to load two surfboards, snorkeling gear, body boards, and beach bags with room to spare. The dash is well organised with an LCD display, and wheel-mounted audio, Bluetooth, and cruise put plenty of control at your fingertips, including Subaru’s Intelligent Drive system.  SAFETYSeven SRS airbags, whiplash reduction seats, and Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control System that includes ESC, ABS, EBD, TCS, TCS limited slip device and Brake Assist, achieves a five-star ANCAP safety rating.If that’s not enough reassurance, or you’re just feeling neurotic, you can get the optional Subaru EyeSight, which acts as a driver assist system, using cameras to anticipate collisions, providing pre-collision braking and lane sway warnings.DRIVINGSymmetrical AWD will get you through most road conditions, and for tougher tracks you can engage X-Mode for increased off-road capability. Ground clearance is 220mm. McPherson strut suspension up front and double wishbone rear suspension handle well off-road, but are a bit rigid on bitumen.The driver seat sits high, giving a clear view of the road ahead. There are a few blind spots to the rear and sides, but the rear view reverse camera will help minimise those. The Forester has a lot going for it - it’s spacious, sturdy, capable, and did we mention spacious?For some reason we didn’t fall madly in love with it, but we couldn’t fault it either, except...for Auto Stop Start. While switching the engine off at a long light can save fuel, and we’re all for that, the Forester is way too sensitive in what it considers a suitable time to switch off.We paused at a roundabout - the engine switched off. We paused in traffic - the engine switched off. We stopped at a stop sign - you get the picture. The engine cut prematurely so often, that if it were a man it would book an appointment with its GP. Yes, it took the Forester just a fraction of a second to turn back on, but we couldn’t help but get annoyed at this overly sensitive feature, and wonder how fuel efficient it really is. Unfortunately the only saving grace of Auto Stop Start, is that it can be switched off.Despite our issues with Auto Start Stop, the Forester is a capable vehicle that handles well on a wide range of roads.VERDICTWith on and off-road capabilities, a stylish design, and plenty of space, the Subaru Forester is great for families, and the active individual.Subaru Forester 2.5i-LPrice: from $35,990Warranty: 3 yearsWeight: 1528kgEngine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder, 126kW/235NmTransmission: 6-speed CVT, 4WDThirst: 8.1L/100Km (10.4 on test), CO2 187g/km0-100Km/h: 9.9 seconds

VW Passat Alltrack and Subaru Outback Premium go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Subaru Liberty has been a popular seller in Australia for more than 20 years and has attracted loyal buyers partly because it’s just that little bit different from the mainstream. Not only with its boxer engine and all-wheel drive but also because of its well-earned reputation for toughness and reliability.The latest, fifth generation, Liberty was launched in 2010 with annual tweaks to keep it up to date ahead of the next generation model which is still a couple of years away. The model year 2013 Liberty arrived here late last year with some minor styling changes, handling improvements and extra equipment.TECHNOLOGYAs before Subaru Liberty comes with a large choice of variants in either sedan or wagon bodies starting with the 2.5i then 2.5i Premium and 2.5i GT Premium. For 2013 there’s a new model called Liberty X with extra ground clearance which sits in between the standard Liberty and the more rugged Outback. There’s also a seven-seat people mover called Liberty Exiga.As before, two petrol engines are offered with capacities of 2.5 and 3.6 litres although the latter, a six-cylinder unit, is now only available in the Liberty X. The upgraded four-cylinder 2.5-litre has managed the now-common combination of increased power and torque with reduced fuel consumption and emissions.Each of the changes is marginal, power up 4 kW, torque up 6 Nm, fuel consumption down 0.4 L/100 km and CO2 emissions down 11 g/km to make for more efficient vehicles.The Liberty 2.5i GT Premium gets a turbocharged version of the 2.5-litre engine with 195 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque between 2400 and 5200 rpm.Manual transmission (six-speed) is now only available with the 2.5 GT Premium which also has the option of five-speed automatic. The 3.6X only gets the five-speed auto while the lower-specced models all have CVT with paddle shifts.VALUEAnother big selling point for the 2013 Liberty is its price. With help from the high value of the Australian dollar against the drop in the cost of the Japanese yen, Subaru has been able to trim prices with the new entry-level Liberty 2.5i automatic sedan $1000 cheaper than its previous manual equivalent and so $3000 cheaper than the comparable automatic.DESIGNExternally the new Liberty gets a new grille, front fog light surrounds and re-designed alloy wheels. Inside there is a revised steering wheel design, one-touch lane-change indicator and electro-luminescent gauges with an integrated 3.5-inch colour monitor.SAFETYSubaru's EyeSight safety system has now been extended further into the Liberty range. Originally only available in the flagship Liberty 3.6R Premium it now comes as standard in the Premium, GT Premium and Liberty X models.Using stereo cameras mounted inside the windscreen on either side of the interior rear vision mirror EyeSight scans the road ahead and uses triangulation to estimate distances and angles of objects in front of the car. This information is sent to a computer that calculates which objects merely have to be monitored in case things change and those that require immediate action.Where EyeSight anticipates a potential collision with an object in front of the car the computer can activate the brakes. If the speed difference between your car and the one it's approaching is less than 30 km/h it can prevent a collision, above that speed a collision will take place, but the consequences will be less severe.Other standard safety features include seven airbags and Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control system incorporating ABS brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, stability and traction control, hill hold and reversing camera.Also standard are alloy wheels, leather-trimmed steering wheel, Bluetooth telephone and audio streaming, auxiliary and USB jacks, and voice activiation. All models above the entry level 2.5i and the manual GT Premium get Eyesight and satellite navigation.DRIVINGOn the road Subaru Liberty has a real luxury feel to it enhanced by improvements in Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels. Even in the standard 2.5i it really does feel like the kind of car that you could cruise in all day with confidence and emerge fresh and comfortable at journey’s end.VERDICTWhile it’s not what you call a driving enthusiast’s car (have a look around the Subaru showroom and check out the WRX and BRZ if that’s what you want) but nevertheless the underlying driving experience is one of confidence in the key areas of handling and safety.

Just don't ask about the price. The all-new WRX promises everything from more punch to better economy and quality, all wrapped in a body that is creating worldwide headlines following its unveiling at the New York motor show.The first cars will be delivered by June next year and company boss Nick Senior tells Carsguide there has already been a big reaction in Australia."There has been a huge amount of interest. There are blogs and forums, but people are still going to wait to see the final car. We don't get involved with pre-orders but there is a lot of interest.'' Senior says the show car from the Big Apple is almost identical to the production car, although the four-door WRX is expected to gain some extra headroom at the expense of the coupe-style roofline."The excitement and the elements of design are all there. There are some obvious things that will be missing, like the small mirrors and carbon fibre roof, but the factory has always produced a sporty replacement for the existing model,'' Senior says.But push him for details of the fourth-generation WRX, especially on a pricetag that needs to fall below $40,000, and Senior retreats to re-group. "To give you more, I'd probably be misleading you. There is still a long time to go before we even get to specifications and pricing.''There is talk about all sorts of WRX developments, from downsized turbo engines to the end of the two-door and wagon versions of what - from now - will be a unique body that's not shared with the Impreza. But, again, Senior is giving nothing away."I know there is a lot of interest in this. I'm not being evasive, but there are some things I cannot discuss,'' he says. So what, then, does the managing director of Subaru Australia want in his new WRX? "From a performance point of view, it's still got to be true to the core appeal. And broadening the appeal,'' Senior says."We'd like to see changes to the interior, particularly for the STI model.'' Senior says the new WRX is a cornerstone for a range that runs from the BRZ sports car across to the Forester, and also sees plenty of showroom potential. "We are seeing a bit of a renaissance in sporty and performance cars. That's the direction I very much want them to take."We have a unique opportunity and unique position in Australia. The SUV category is growing stronger and the sports categories are also growing stronger. "We see that increasing in the next 5-10 years. We'd like to have those sporty models available."And what about talk of a WRX with a 1.6-litre hybrid drive package? "Definitely not. I have heard nothing along those lines.'' Senior also says there will be ample supplies of the new WRX, and the STI to follow, unlike the BRZ which became the focus of an internet sales plan to prevent waiting lists and squabbles in showrooms. "We have no plans to adopt the BRZ strategy with this car. It will be a regular model, the same as it is today.''This reporter is on Twitter: @paulwardgover 

Twenty years from now, the carscape will be vastly different. Electric cars will be commonplace, hybrids will be universal and the Aussie V8 muscle car will be a page in history.But a handful of 2013 cars will have survived the turmoil to attain classic status just as the Ford Falcon GTHO from the 1960s is considered even more desirable today than it was when it first hit the road. Classic cars are not necessarily about horsepower or price.We know a collector who loves the humble, bumbling Morris 1100 in his multi-car garage. The first Toyota Prius is a car to keep because of its place in history. The original Mazda MX-5 from 1989 is just as “classic'' as certain Porsche 911s. The key to classic status is simple: Emotion.A car does a job in the same way as a fridge but it's much more than a machine, from the shape of its bodywork to the touch-and-feel pieces in the cabin and the way it makes you feel when you're driving. The attachment could take the form of the love you feel for a first car, even a humble '50s Beetle, or the satisfaction of finally parking a dream machine -- even a Leyland P76 -- in the garage.Classic cars don't have to be affordable on day one, because depreciation hits everything. Not enough, perhaps, to make the LaFerrari more than a dream but it could help with a Porsche 911 or an Audi R8 that's definitely desirable despite the showroom sticker.Which current cars will achieve classic status? If we really knew, the Carsguide crew would be putting them up on blocks today as investments for the future. But here are some likely suspects:Abarth 695 TributoPrice: from $69,990Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder, 132kW/230NmTransmission: 5-speed sequential auto, FWDThirst: 6.5L/100Km, CO2 151g/kmThe Italian baby is outrageously expensive but this humble Fiat 500 has been touched with the Ferrari wand, which makes it special. It looks wicked and is a hoot to drive. Just plain fun.Holden Commodore SS-VPrice: about $50,000Engine: 6.0-litre 8-cylinder, 270kW/ 530NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, RWDThirst: 12.2L/100Km, CO2 288g/kmThe last in the long line of truly home grown Holdens will soon be one to enjoy, thanks to improved efficiency and an Audi-style luxury cabin. The SS-V and HSV's coming F Series cars will be historic and performance icons.Range Rover EvoquePrice: from $51,495Engine: 2.2-litre 4-cylinder, 110kW/380NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, FWD or 4WDThirst: 4.9L/100Km, CO2 129g/kmThis one is a fashion item, not an SUV. The Evoque is all about the looks, a lot like a Mini, but it is also a great drive and we know the all-paw drive examples will go almost anywhere.Nissan GT-RPrice: from $172,000Engine: 3.8-litre 6-cylinder, 404kW/628NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, 4WDThirst: 11.7L/100Km, CO2 278g/kmGodzilla is already a collector's car, thanks to earlier models tied to the GT-R that won the Bathurst 1000. The new model is a better car, and still great value, but collectors will need to find one that hasn't been battered and abused.Volkswagen Golf GTIPrice: from $40,490Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 155kW/280NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, FWDThirst: 7.7L/100Km, CO2 180g/kmThe German pocket rocket is a top drive and the coming model, using the Golf Mk7 body, promises to be even better. The GTI has been a cult car since the '70s and truly great since the 2005 Mark 5.Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86Price: from $37,150/$29,990Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 147kW/205NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, RWDThirst: 7.8L/100Km, CO2 181g/kmPeople who love cars have fallen for the Twins, the sports cars that won Carsguide's 2012 Car of the Year. There is a waiting list for both and the keen are paying more than the showroom sticker, because they deliver exactly what they promise at a great price. Pushed, we'd go for the BRZ in Subaru's signature blue.

The Forester has always been a capable vehicle with well thought-out design and excellent build quality. The XT badge also tells you that it has performance. This Subaru AWD felt at home, chewing through kilometre after kilometre and providing passenger comfort on long-haul trips equal to or better than many luxury cars.Indeed, the Subaru Forester XT exhibits many traits of the highly renowned European marques: small engine with big performance, excellent handling and a solid feel. This is a vehicle that has been engineered for the driver and is extremely well suited to Australian conditions.VALUEThe Forester XT 2.0-litre is generously equipped with reverse camera, one touch folding rear seats, premium audio, full connectivity, dual zone climate control, roof rails, xenon headlights and more.The base model XT starts at $43,990 for the manualor automatic, while the XT Premium automatic variant rises to $50,490.TECHNOLOGYWe initially had doubts about Subaru's decision to make CVT the standard transmission (there's no manual shifter) in the high-performance XT Forester. Our opinions changed at the launch of the vehicle in northern Victoria in January.Those who want a sporty drive can use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel to access the eight ‘steps’ in the transmission. We found the CVT seamless in auto and exhilarating using the paddles.The CVT is linked to a new 2.0-litre Boxer engine that has Direct Injection Turbo-charging technology that Subaru claim significantly improves acceleration, fuel and environmental efficiency. The engine belts out 177 kW of power, with 350 Nm of torque between 2400 and 3600 rpm.DESIGNThe Forester XT is nothing really special to look at. It's what you can't see that makes a difference from the previous XT. The aerodynamics have improved by 11 per cent thanks to, among other things, a turbo guard under the engine bay and a rear spoiler. The lower body is also flared and the bonnet is now aluminium. The rear bumper corners have been designed with aerodynamics in mind.Subaru has not tried to re-invent the new Forester, but has made subtle changes throughout the vehicle to improve every aspect of the car. The cab is wider and has slightly more passenger space, the A-pillar has been moved forward by 200 mm which opens out the cab to feel more spacious and improve visibility.The front seats are all new and give more support, something which we found to our advantage on our long-haul trips around the WA wheat belt country. The interior is practical more than princely, but with the use of quality materials is has an all-class feel. Sound intrusion into the cabin is minimal and virtually none of it is engine/transmission generated.What we do like is the overall comfort level that meets the needs of passengers. For instance the doors have water bottle holders that mean even the driver can find the bottle and then replace is easily without taking their eyes off the road. The steering wheel controls are particularly easy to use including the cruise control, a handy feature for long distance travel.The cargo area has four metal tie-down points as well as grocery bag hooks on either side, stopping the dreaded spill of bottles and cans. Auxiliary and USB port and power sockets are all conveniently located. We also like the sun visor extensions – a small but important feature for early morning or afternoon driving in the bush. We used them often during this road test.This is really an SUV with dual personalities. By deleting the bonnet scoop that formerly adorned Forester XT models Subaru has located the new XT in the mainstream.SAFETYAll Subarus imported to Australia have a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.DRIVINGIn two weeks we have just racked up almost 2000 km in a new Subaru Forester XT in Western Australia. On long, straight outback roads with a sprinkling of city driving, gravel roads and a few windy bits thrown in this was our big test in the west. Our conclusion: the new Forester XT sets new standards for the medium SUV segment in performance, comfort and handling.The XT’s 2.0-litre is a terrific engine that is at its best when it is needed most: accelerating for high speed overtaking, particularly the B-doubles on WA's Great Eastern Highway. At times we were surprised at just how fast we were going when passing slower vehicles and the stability of the vehicle when making the manoeuvre.VERDICTWhen you combine Forester XTs long-leg performance with superb handling, along with the practical benefits of being a nicely proportioned wagon and AWD for safety and reasonable off-road ability, the Forester XT has just about created it's own niche. At 110 km/h Forester XT's engine is idling over at just 2000 rpm. We like it, a lot.MODEL RANGEForester 2.0i: $30,990 (manual)Forester 2.5i: $32,990 (automatic)Forester 2.0i-L: $33,490 (manual), $35,990 (automatic)Forester 2.5i-S: $43,990 (automatic)Forester 2.0D: $35,490 (manual)Forester 2.0D-L: $37,490 (manual)Forester 2.0D-S: $43,990 (manual)Forester 2.0XT: $43,490 (automatic)Forester 2.0XT Premium $50,490 (automatic)Subaru XT 2.0Price: from $43,490Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 177kW/350NmTransmission: CVT, AWDThirst: 8.1L/100km, 187g/km CO2Crash rating: 5-star ANCAPDimensions: 4595mm (L), 1795mm (W), 1735mm (H)Warranty: Three years/unlimited km

The recall is for a defect that means the engine wiring harness has been incorrectly positioned, and can run against parts of the engine – which in the worst cases can cause the vehicle to stall and not restart.Subaru says if the vehicle stalls, it will still have steering and braking ability until it comes to a stop, but can pose a hazard to the occupants and other traffic. The defect can also lead to rough idling of the vehicle and malfunction of the indicators.The recall affects certain Impreza, XV and Forester vehicles built between 20 January and 9 April 2012. Subaru Australia spokesman Dave Rowley says there have been incidents caused by the defect in Australian vehicles.“We’ve had three reports of incidents locally, but none have resulted in accidents,” he says. He says the Australian recall is part of a global recall affecting all right-hand drive markets, including New Zealand, the UK, most of Asia and several countries in the Caribbean and African regions.The wiring harness recall follows Subaru recalling 200,000 vehicles overseas for a brake defect. Subaru is sending a letter to owners of the affected vehicles, who can also contact their local dealer to arrange for an inspection and rectification if required.For further information, owners should call Subaru Customer Relations on 1800 22 66 43. 

The Subaru BRZ is the type of car we haven't really had for almost 30 years. Back in the 70s and early 80s, you could buy several two-door rear-drive coupes from Europe and Japan and set about getting cheap thrills.But 15 years ago, the only coupe option left open to you was an over-priced Celica or trying-very-hard-but-not-quite-getting-there Hyundai Coupe, neither of which were rear-wheel drive. The coupe got fatter then disappeared, the Celica simply died.And so the BRZ, along with its Toyota 86 twin, has become one of the most hyped cars on the planet.VALUEThe Subaru BRZ comes in a single spec 2.0 litre boxer engine to which you can add trim and transmission options. The starting price for a basic, cloth trim BRZ is $37,150 drive away -- and you can only buy the car online via Subaru's website. The automatic transmission adds $2000 taking the price to $39,150.Standard fare includes dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker stereo -- from a Corolla -- with USB input, dodgy windscreen-mounted Bluetooth unit and the genuine admiration of other road users who will photograph your car while you're driving it. A big hello to the fellow with the camera phone in the R34 Skyline who nearly killed me trying to do just that.On the outside is a handsome set of 17-in alloys that look bigger than they really are because the BRZ is so low-slung. The headlights are Xenon and there's a set of daytime running lights set low in the bumper. All paint colours are included in the price, including the surprisingly fetching WR Blue Mica of our test car.The Premium Pack is a $1500 option and adds leather to the bolsters of the seats and Alcantara inserts. The Alcantara is marginally more grippy and is nicer than the better-breathing cloth, but we're talking small percentages here. The seats also gain heating via two toggle switches on the centre console.Among the short options list is an $1800 (!) sat-nav with 7-inch touch screen, a $220 fake carbon finish for the dashboard to replace the matt silver plastic (recommended), front and rear park assist and camera at $306, $612 and $470 respectively (the camera requires the sat-nav) and some less-than-tasteful exterior styling add-ons.RIVALSAs for the competition, there isn't really anything apart from the Toyota GT 86. The 86 range kicks off with the $29,990 manual GT. The automatic GT loses the manual's limited slip diff, which is madness unless you are just interested in looks.The base GT has solid rear brakes, skinnier 205 section tyres on 16-inch rims, halogen headlamps, and air-con and a more basic instrument set. The GTS betters the BRZ's specification adding sat-nav but also weighs slightly more owing to the better equipment level.In contrast to the BRZ, you'll need to add a cheeky $400 for metallic paint – a bit sly as there's just one non-metallic colour, the lurid Fuji Red.Further afield and the price shoots skyward - Mazda's MX-5, the closest philosophical competitor, now costs a sobering $47,280 plus on roads and is even less practical than the 2+2 BRZ. The Nissan 370Z, which is really in another league with a raucous six-cylinder, nudges $70,000.Below the BRZ's price range is the front-wheel drive Kia Koup, but it is quite obviously based on a hatchback and can't get anywhere near the BRZ's driving appeal. Also from Korea is the Hyundai Veloster, but front-wheel drive also rules it out if you're after rear-borne propulsion.DESIGNThe BRZ is low, sleek and is hard to pick from a distance from the Toyota. On closer inspection, the exterior trim pieces are more restrained, with a simple chromed blade where the door meets the front quarter panel, a gaping air intake at the front and a less shouty colour palette. The BRZ looks a little more grown-up, in keeping with Subaru's overall brand character. It is refreshingly devoid of the aggressive plastic cladding Subarus are sprouting at an alarming rate.Inside is very basic. The plastics are mostly of good quality but the two-piece trim panel that spans the dash doesn't quite fit together and the steering column cowl is scratchy.The standard silver dash is annoying in sunlight as it flashes back in your eyes a bit when the sun is low. The black panel option will cure that, but isn't particularly stylish.The seats are fantastically grippy but not so uncomfortable for slightly larger folk. You sit very low in the BRZ, so low you can easily reach the ground with your hand when seated, which bodes well for the handling but less so for access.Entry and exit requires a little planning if you are to maintain decorum and a couple of female passengers complained of the process being a little unladylike at their first attempt.While it's easy to reach the ground, it's a long reach back to the pillar-mounted seat belt. There's a thoughtful snap-fastened strap on the shoulder of the seat that is meant to keep the belt from returning all the way, but as soon as you grab the belt it comes undone and is about as useful as your appendix.The instrument cluster is dominated by the tachometer which is redlined at 7000rpm and has a digital screen set into it. Which is just as well, because the small analogue speedometer is comically crowded -- numbered to 260, rendering it unreadable.  Happily, the tacho's digital screen displays your speed in large orange numbers, saving you from many, many speeding fines.A secondary LCD strip screen displays basic trip computer functions and also which gear you're in. You can watch that display for handy hints on when to shift up when you're on an economy drive.For when you're really going for it, there's a red shift light in the centre of the speedo, but it's out of your eyeline when you're watching where you're going.The Premium Pack's leather and Alcantara is nice enough and is complemented by red stitching. There's even a leather covered pad on the central tunnel right where you brace yourself with your knee while driving.There's plenty of cost-cutting in there, though. The steering column has a blank plug for an ignition barrel, the seat release to get in and out of the back is a flimsy cloth strap and the seats don't slide forward or return to their starting position.In the car's defence, putting people in the back seat of the BRZ is tantamount to a war crime, so it's probably just as well.The stereo is an obviously cheap unit from a Corolla and, while this is nit-picking, has a green backlight while the rest of the dash is orange.Supremely irritating is the Bluetooth, a black barnacle with three buttons in the upper right-hand corner of the windscreen. The larger button is to answer the incoming call and the only concession to convenience is that the stereo is muted when the call comes in.No screen, no caller ID, nothing. The cheap stereo can be easily replaced, however, so while you're at it, change the Bluetooth.TECHNOLOGYThe BRZ is powered by Subaru's fabled flat-four "boxer" engine. With direct injection, the engine produces 147kW and 205Nm of torque. The horizontal layout of the cylinders means the moving mass is kept low, resulting in the bonnet being barely higher than your knees.Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic and is apportioned by a torque-sensing, or Torsen, limited-slip differential. Internet chatterers will tell you this is a calamity of hideous proportions and the makers should have used another type of LSD. But don't listen -- they're being utterly ridiculous.SAFETYThe BRZ's safety features run to the usual pair of front and side airbags, with curtain airbags down either side and a driver's knee airbag. Vehicle dynamic and stability control is also standard, as is ABS. The BRZ also has slightly larger brakes than the 86. The Subaru scored five ANCAP stars for crash safety.DRIVINGDriving is what this car is all about. While it's quite happy doing the daily duties as a commuter car, there's nothing the BRZ likes more than a seriously bendy road. The driver will think the same, too.Given its comparatively low output of 147kW and a more meagre-than-usual 205Nm of torque, the boxer has to be mercilessly revved to wring out straight line performance. You'll quickly realise this is a waste of time.What Subaru has achieved with the BRZ is an almost perfect balance of attributes - the 215 tyres are neither too big or too small, meaning the grip level is just right.The engine's relative meekness means that you will never light the rear tyres up unless you really, really mean to. The torque means you won't slingshot out of one corner and have to stand on the brakes for the next one.The steering is beautifully weighted and communicative, achieving an almost unassisted, uncorrupted feel, letting you know where the tyres are on the road and what the surface is like.It's a trick many other manufacturers have completely failed to master and one only Mazda has been doing -- with the MX-5 -- for any prolonged period of time.You’ll hear the BRZ is a poor man’s sports car, but that’s wrong... it’s not a poor man’s anything. It’s a proper sports car. And unlike many other cars on the road today, there's no slack, you're in charge. The clutch bites strongly rather than somewhere during the travel you'll never quite master. You steering changes the direction of the car straight away and there's almost no play.It's all about the braking, the change in direction, the response from the throttle. You drive with the balls of your feet and your wrists, and it's quite delicate. It's what Gordon Murray, the fabled F1 and McLaren F1 road car designer calls "transient performance."In a way, it's like the original Mini Cooper S or Peugeot 205 GTi - you don't have to brake hard for corners, you just brush the pedal to shift the weight forward.You can build up the lateral Gs and enjoy that boy-racer feeling without fearing for your licence between the bends. Making the most of what you've got rather than letting technology dictate the parameters of your experience.The engine responds almost instantly to a flex of the toe rather than a Microsoft-style "are you sure you want more revs?"Even more incredibly, the ride is exceptionally good for a car of this type - taut, but never hard, it also manages never to bottom out.The best thing is, you don't need a track to enjoy it, because you're having fun on normal roads at perfectly safe speeds. This is the sort of car that teaches you the basics - braking, turn-in, acceleration. You can experiment, find better ways to drive your favourite road.VERDICTThe BRZ is obviously not for everybody. Many will buy it because of the hype and not get what they expected. Some might be disappointed by the lowly spec level and skip it altogether. But you don't have to care about low centre of gravity, limited slip differential or transient performance to like it. The Subaru BRZ is just a terrific car, even if you never take it for a back road thrash.This is pure 70s sports car fun without all the mechanical dramas those cars came with -- and without all the complexity and high running and purchasing costs of a contemporary one.Subaru BRZPrice: $37,150 (man) $39,730 (auto)Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol 147kW/205NmTransmission: 6-speed man or auto; RWDWarranty: 3 years/unlimited kmSafety: 5 star ANCAPDimensions: 4.2m (l); 1.8M (w); 1.2M (h)Weight: 1216kg (man); 1238KG (auto)Thirst: 7.8L/100km 181g/co2 km (man); 7.1Ll, 164g (auto)Spare: 17-inch

We now have to reassess our opinion of CVT autos because the new Subaru Forester XT is so good.Past experience with CVTs hasn't been good - sloppy `gear' changes, slurring engine revs - really disconcerting - but the Forester XT isn't like that at all.VALUEThe XT is the lower spec' model with a Premium variant above. Both are generously equipped with reverse camera, one touch folding rear seats, premium audio, full connectivity, dual zone climate control, roof rails, xenon headlights and more.The Premium adds leather, electric sunroof, auto wipers and lights, Eyesight crash avoidance system, button start and a Harman Kardon audio among its inventory. Pricing is $43,490 for the XT, seven more for the Premium.It places the XT base model a grand over the new Outback diesel auto creating something of a conundrum for potential buyers. But the Forester XT is a - much sportier customer compared with the pedestrian diesel Outback even though the former no longer has a bonnet scoop.TECHNOLOGYIt has an impressive eight step transmission that can be used in manual mode via the paddle shift or left in D where it seems to be connected directly to the engine - like direct drive.Added to this is Subaru's clever SI-drive system that offers Sport-sharp mode, Sport for normal driving and Intelligent for cruising and optimum fuel economy - All bases covered. There's also X-mode for off road work - selectable by dash dial.The 2.0-litre engine is new too, still a boxer four banger but this time with direct fuel injection along with variable valve control on inlet and exhaust sides and a twin scroll turbo.Truth be known, the engine is probably why the transmission works so well because it delivers a big hog of torque from a low 2400rpm (350Nm) and then backs it up higher in the range with a handy 177kW of power.The entire drive train has been friction optimised to aid economy and cut emissions and this engine passes Euro 5 regs. The drive system features an active torque split function that adapts to available traction.Aiding the impressive drivetrain is the sporty suspension calibration that allows drivers to fully engage with the car pretty well no matter what prevailing conditions are. It's a good thing on gravel, sand, snow, ice and on winding backroads and freeways. All bases covered again.DESIGNIn styling terms, we are not fans but that's subjective and some people like the current Subaru ugly stick. Reverse psychology or something.DRIVINGWe gave the Forester XT a good old punt over five days, ran a couple of tanks of fuel through it and really enjoyed the experience. It's an excellent car to drive, safe (five stars), powerful, well controlled, well specified and comfortable. It's also the right size making carpark manoeuvres easier coupled with a relatively high seating position for better visibility.VERDICTForester is a mainstay of the Subaru lineup and this car will take that to another level. It's practical, relatively economical, has impressive performance and handling at a tempting price.Subaru Forester XTPrice: from $43,490Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 177kW/350NmTransmission: CVT, AWDThirst: 8.1L/100km, 187g/lm CO2Crash rating: 5-star ANCAPDimensions: 4595mm (L), 1795mm (W), 1735mm (H)Warranty: Three years/unlimited km

Rev-heads rejoice! The new Subaru WRX promises to be the fastest ever. But the concept car unveiled at the New York motor show overnight still had to be pushed onto the stand as it didn't have an engine -- or an interior. Japan’s favourite performance car -- which has regained its styling mojo after the company brought in younger designers -- was unveiled ahead of a production car debut at the Tokyo motor show this October. The new Subaru WRX will be faster than before even though the new generation turbocharged 2.0-litre engine will be smaller and more fuel-efficient than the 2.5-litre turbo in the current model. For the first time in its 20-year history the WRX will have a completely unique body, rather than a modified version of the regular Impreza model. As a result, it will drop the Impreza name. The fourth-generation Subaru WRX will likely debut as a sleek four-door sedan, which could lead to a two-door coupe at a later date. The wagon and hatch are expected to be discontinued. Subaru says it investigated hybrid power for the new WRX (as Mitsubishi has done for the next version of its rival the Lancer Evolution) but insiders say this has been ruled out for now because the extra weight of the electric motor and battery pack would blunt performance. To that end Subaru will make the WRX available with a carbon-fibre roof on the top-end STI model, while all variants are expected to come with an aluminium bonnet, boot and front fenders -- which should lead to a weight reduction of about 100kg compared to the current model. Subaru insiders say a six-speed manual transmission will be standard as a dual-clutch auto has not yet been developed. Instead, a CVT auto will likely back the self-shifting model. Subaru executives at the show would not disclose details about the new WRX but did promise better performance. The production version of the new Subaru WRX is expected to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show this October. It should arrive in Australian showrooms early next year priced about $40,000. This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling