Subaru Vortex Reviews

Well that didn’t last long. Someone somewhere on the internet has leaked official photos of the new Subaru WRX Concept car two full days before it is due to be unveiled at the New York motor show. The photos show what we’ve suspected for some time: that the new model will be vastly different from the Impreza sedan on which it is based, with every body panel -- including the doors -- changed for the first time. Even the roof structure is completely redesigned to give the WRX a sleeker look and a lower centre of gravity, for better performance in tight corners. We don’t yet know the size of the engine under the bonnet but we’re hoping Subaru doesn’t back away from the tried and tested 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder that we’ve grown to love. The Subaru WRX Concept also shows that Fuji Heavy Industries has rediscovered its design mojo after a few forgettable design faux-pas. We only hope that the concept doesn’t lose too much of its aggressive looks. Fingers crossed. We’ll update this story as soon as we doorstop the people on the Subaru stand at the New York show on Thursday morning. Wish us luck. This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling  

The Subaru Tecnica International packs come with an STI front lip spoiler, short-shift gear lever assembly and a flexible tower bar. The parts are suited to the current generation turbocharged WRX. The sports packs will give Subaru WRX owners more performance to complement the 2.5-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, which can already go 0-100kms in 5.3 seconds. The front lip spoiler will add more of the STI look, and improves stability at high speeds. The short shift gear lever assembly has been fine tuned specifically for the WRX, and reduces the shifting distance by approximately 10 per cent. The flexible tower bar holds strongly against lateral forces, which improves the ride comfort and the handling. “The STI sports pack gives WRX owners the opportunity to customize their car with the peace-of-mind of Subaru factory production and warranty,” said Nick Senior from Subaru Australia. Only 100 kits will be made available, and can be found and ordered through the Subaru retail network.

It took too long but finally Subaru has a powertrain to almost match it with other players in the large SUV segment - a diesel auto which is far and away the most popular set-up with buyers.TECHNOLOGYStill, Subaru seems to be holding something in reserve because their diesel auto is a 2.0-litre with a Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT), a one-speed auto for want of a better description. Many competitors have larger capacity diesels with more power and torque and mostly conventional six-speed automatics. Not to worry, the Sooby set-up is fine though it could do with more kilowatts for top end acceleration and the torque peak dropped to around 1200rpm instead of 1800rpm and widened to about 3000rpm so it will get going harder, earlier and longer.As it stands, the horizontally opposed four pot diesel is good for 110kW at 3600rpm and 350Nm from 1800-2400rpm. Both engine and transmission are unique in the segment with the former being around for a few years in other Soobies and the transmission also in other models, albeit extensively reinforced for the diesel Outback.It's called a ‘Lineartronic’ CVT with seven steps (quasi gears) and paddle shift and in this case with altered internal ratios, a larger torque converter and lock up clutch, reduced noise, a short pitch chain, larger all wheel drive clutch capacity, an oil cooler, special CVT oil and other tweaks.They have equipped it with five mode adaptive control for more efficient uphill and downhill driving as well as cornering and braking control. Some local calibration was used for the steering, suspension and body reinforcements as well as more sound deadening materials such as “thinsulate” in behind the dash and roof liner.RANGE AND PRICETwo variants are available, the Outback 2.0d at $42,490 and the Premium model at $45,490. Both are value priced compared with similarly specced competitor vehicles. Both are identical under the skin and boast a five star crash rating. Fuel economy is a claimed 6.5-litres/100km.FEATURESThe desirable "Eyesight" safety system on other Soobies that helps avoid frontal impacts and lane drifting isn't available on the Outback. Auto stop/start is also missing. Safety kit includes a reverse camera, brake assist, and seven airbags but driver assist features are thin on the ground.Hopefully, Subaru and other Japanese manufacturers will catch up with the Europeans in this area soon.Features on both models include Bluetooth phone and audio, dual zone climate control, electric parking brake, satnav with voice control, multi-media connectivity, leather wheel with multiple control buttons, multi-function trip computer, rear seat auto fold function, alloy wheels, a full size spare and self levelling rear suspension.DRIVINGThe drive feel is good. We chalked up a few hundred kays in both variants on sealed and gravel roads as well as some freeway driving. The Outback diesel auto strikes us as the ideal car for Aussie conditions.It's a wagon, five seats, large load space and there's plenty of ground clearance (around 215mm). The ride is supple and comfortable. They've even been able to give the Outback diesel auto a sporty edge with nearly no body roll through corners and responsive steering.It can fall into a power/torque hole though, quickly redeemable by the excellent paddle shift system on the wheel. We like the interior, like the size of it, don't like the exterior styling.VERDICTIs it really a large SUV? Don't think so, medium more like. The Outback diesel has impressive fuel economy, decent performance, excellent ride/handling and is affordable with plenty of kit. And it's a Subaru which means reliable and strong resale.

Subaru has spiced up its Outback range – and increased the number of potential buyers – by linking a sporty new CVT transmission to its AWD turbo-charged diesel models.The addition comes as part of an Outback facelift with external changes kept to a minimum, but a raft of mechanical improvements to enable the CVT-diesel link. This is the first time a Subaru CVT transmission has been hooked up to a high-torque boxer turbo-diesel.The long-overdue diesel/auto combination could not come at a better time for the Japanese maker. Last year SUVs accounted for 27 percent of all vehicle sales in Australia and this year that figure is running at 30.4 percent meaning that almost one in every three vehicles sold in Australia is SUV, a significant change in Australian buying patterns.The lack of a diesel boxer engine until 2012 held back Subaru Outback sales and then the lack of a diesel/auto combination meant it was not competing against rivals that had the sought-after pairing. Almost 95 percent of all SUV sales have auto transmissions.VALUEThe new Subaru Outback 2.0D CVT comes in two equipment grades, with the upper grade being called the Premium. The base model is $42,490, $2500 more than the manual 2.0D and the Premium $45,490. Premium gets an electric sunroof, leather trim, eight-way power driver's seat with memory function and electroluminescent gauges with colour information display.Both Outback 2.0D CVT models include satellite navigation, reversing camera, dual zone air conditioning and steering wheel mounted gear change paddles.TECHNOLOGYTransmission improvements include a larger torque converter with twin dampers, increased case thickness, changed primary reduction rate of 4.111 in the final gear and an added control plate to reduce noise from the oil pump. The 2.0D boxer engine has been upgraded from the 2012 model with no less than nine improvements to suit the CVT. These changes include elimination of piston spring bushes, changed valve springs, changed oil seals, changed sound proofing on the engine collector cover, changed starter motor and alternator, changed engine control unit to suit the CVT, addition of an air-cooled air cooler and turbo cover.The 1998 cc engine produces a modest 110 kW of power at 3600 rpm, but where it counts it has 350 Nm of torque between 1800 and 2400 rpm. DESIGNChanges to Outback styling include a revised grille, front bumper, foglight surrounds and wheel patterns.DRIVINGThe launch was really all about the transmission. It is no ordinary CVT (continuously variable transmission). Kick the right pedal hard and it jumps out of auto mode into one of the seven ‘steps’ that are the equivalent of gears in a traditional gearbox. In auto mode the CVT is seamlessly smooth even under hard acceleration to highway speeds. In manual mode, using the steering wheel paddles the steps have gear-like rapid changes, faster according to Subaru than conventional gearboxes. Not including we presume DSG transmissions.The real bonus in this new CVT is the lack of engine or transmission noise into the cabin. If you have a driven a CVT before and did not like the noise or sensation of a slipping clutch and/or over-revving engine you were not alone. Subaru engineers have overcome this type of issue with their CVT, a larger version of that used in the Forester XT. No doubt extra sound deadening and continual development of the transmission itself added to the improvement.Driven at normal speeds the Outback 2.0D CVT is possibly the smoothest and quietest car on the market under $50,000. Even driven hard noise intrusion into the cabin is minimal, even at high speeds on quiet country roads. The CVT has been designed to compensate for the narrow usable band of torque associated with diesel engines.Subaru Outback Diesel CVTPrice: from $42,490Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmSafety: 7 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, TCCrash rating: 5-starEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 110kW/350NmTransmission: CVT auto; constant 4WDThirst: 6.5L/100km; 172g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.8m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.6m (H)Weight: 1606-1628kgSpare: Full-size

The choices available to car buyers today can be bewildering. Where once you chose between a sedan and a wagon todays car buyers have a vast range of models to choose from, models that are specifically targeted at particular parts of the market. Families can now choose from sedans, wagons, SUVs and peoplemovers,

In Subaru’s own admission, this is the most important and significant car of its past decade. This, the diesel automatic version of its large-SUV category player, the Outback, is the first time the company has had a gun big and suitable enough to fight on equal terms with some powerful rivals.“It’s the missing piece in the engine-transmission puzzle that we have longed to bring to the market," says Subaru Australia’s managing director Nick Senior. He says the biggest SUV sector is the "large" class, comprising players such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Territory, Holden Captiva, Toyota Prado and Volkswagen Alltrack.The petrol-diesel split is 45/55 and of the diesel models, a whopping 94 per cent sold have automatic gearboxes. Subaru’s Outback diesel has only a manual gearbox. Until this week. “It’s held us back," says Senior as an understatement. “But we predict the diesel auto model will lift monthly sales from 220 to 350." So though outwardly a variation of the existing Outback, this is a model carrying big expectations.VALUEKeenly priced and with strong 55 per cent resale value, the Outback is almost always on the shopping list for five-seater SUV wagons. This new automatic model improves the odds. It costs $42,490 as the 2.0D version - with standard 17-inch alloys, paddle shift auto, sat-nav and cruise control - with the second model Premium adding leather, a sunroof, electric driver’s seat and larger colour monitor for $45,490. The CVT adds $2500 to the price of the manual.The Premium is the best value here. Metallic paint is a no-cost option.  Subaru has no capped-service program but Senior hints it may soon bow to the program that is now used by the majority of its rivals.DESIGNThe US-origins of the styling don’t go unnoticed. The Outback is functional and bold but not particularly pretty. But that doesn’t matter to the pragmatist that buys a Subaru.The cabin room is vast, functional with the flat folding rear seats, impressive in its quality of trim joints and subtle textures and fabrics, while neatly combining the presumption of durability with the sense of comfort. The bonnet scoop is the best giveaway to the diesel.Space for five adults with excellent head and legroom in the rear and deep windows for great visibility. The tailgate lifts up high and the cargo bed is low and wide, helped by its flat floorwhen the rear seats are dropped. Rear vents help airflow while extra sound proofing diminishes any diesel noise.Leather is standard on the Premium and though the cloth is more durable, the value in the Premium may be too great to ignore. Lots of personal storage zones - helped by the electric park brake button - make it an easy car to fit the family’s needs.TECHNOLOGYThe continuously-variable transmission (CVT) is a stronger version of that fitted to the petrol-fuelled Forester (which doesn’t get a diesel-auto combo until late 2014). This auto has been heavily modified and enhanced (including an oil cooler) so it offers a seven-speed stepped mode (like a conventional auto) with functions that assist downhill and engine braking.The 110kW/350Nm 2-litre turbo-diesel - similar to the one fitted to the manual-transmission Outback and Forester - and claims an impressive 6.5 litres/100km. It can tow up to 1700kg. The extra weight of the diesel mill means the Aussie-tuned suspension and steering have been beefed up.SAFETYSubaru is consistently setting the standard in affordable car safety. It features a five-star crash rating, seven airbags, reverse camera, DataDot security, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, electronic stability and traction control, constant all-wheel drive and a full-size spare. The brilliant EyeSight forward camera monitoring and autonomous braking system is not yet available on this car, though will come some time later.DRIVINGNo hiding that diesel clatter at idle, though it softens once underway and becomes almost inaudible while cruising. The Outback is a relative lightweight at 1606kg dry but the engine feels wanting insome conditions, particularly off-the-mark acceleration. But the CVT is quick to maximise the power flow. It’s also pretty good at masking any slippery or vague manners.Press the pedal more than 65 per cent and the CVT box sets up stepped gears, just like a normal automatic. Here it will run to 4000rpm in each gear before changing up. The best of both worlds. Handling and steering rate well, especially against some larger SUVs, while offroad users will appreciate the exceptional 213mm ground clearance. Fuel use on test was 7.2 L/100km.VERDICTTypical Subaru quality and driving feel. Love more power - but 2-litres is capped by European tax laws - yet few owners will complain. Shop against the Santa Fe and Kia Sorento while VW’sAlltrack should also be considered. 

Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior says “it's the way of the future” and says within a few years, the company's six-cylinder models will also be fitted with continuously-variable transmissions (CVTs).“We have only one automatic left - the five-speed automatic in the six-cylinder cars - but within a few years they'll also move to CVT,” he says at the launch of the CVT automatic diesel Outback in Wagga Wagga.Senior says that Subaru Australia “pushed and pushed to get this (Outback diesel auto) car. We've had it for 14 months in Australia for tuning and testing and even Europe used us as the test bed.”But it also led to Subaru fixing the engine at 2-litres. “The 2-litre size is governed by issues including the tax benefits of sub-2 litre cars in Europe,” Senior says.“So that's the size that was chosen for the engine and I don't know of any changes to that.” Not all models will get the combination of a CVT gearbox and the sole 2-litre turbo-diesel engine.Senior says that a Forester diesel automatic “is not a priority”. “Buyers of smaller cars don't have a priority for a diesel like the medium and larger vehicles,” he says.“The demand for a diesel Forester isn't huge and introducing an automatic version isn't seen as making a big difference to sales. “So we'll concentrate on segments where there is demand, such as the Outback segment.”He says that the diesel engine-auto combination will also not be offered in the Liberty. “We see the volume in the Outback, not the Liberty,” Senior says.“CVT is important because it's able to give big improvements in fuel economy. Of the Forester's 25 per cent improvement in petrol economy compared with the previous model, 15 per cent of that is due to the CVT.”Subaru's move to CVTs has nothing to do with a similar move by its major shareholder, Toyota that recently introduced CVT in the new Corolla and one RAV4 model. “Toyota's involvement was nonexistent in our decision,” Senior says.“CVT was signed, sealed and locked away before Subaru's tie-up with Toyota. CVT for us goes back to the 1980s in our Justy small car.” 

The wraps will come off the new Subaru WRX on Friday week at New York motor show as Subaru also reveals plans for its first showroom hybrid. The WRX is a cult-car classic but the story is about to take a new twist as Subaru spins it away from the Impreza that has always provided the car's basic body. This time around, Subaru says the WRX will have a unique body - most people are expecting a two-door coupe - as it gives the car a more unique personality. The change to the Subaru WRX is also part of the plan for a three-pronged small-car drive that's already given the world the latest Impreza sedan and hatch, as well as the compact XV. Subaru is hoping to keep the WRX under wraps until the opening of the New York Auto Show on March 29. "We have absolutely no details on the show car. We are not expecting anything from Japan until late on the night before," the spokesman for Subaru Australia, Dave Rowley, tells Carsguide. He also emphasises that the Big Apple baby is only "an all-new performance concept car" and not a firm production model. The preview of the Subaru WRX comes exactly two years after Subaru went public in New York with the latest Impreza, reflecting the importance of the American show. The next Subaru WRX will be the fifth-generation model. Subaru is also using the event to unveil its XV Hybrid, the company's first move into the field. But unlike the WRX, which will be rushed to Australia as soon as production begins, hybrid fans should not get too excited about the XV. "There are no hybrid XV plans for Australia," says Rowley. On the WRX front, apart from the new-look body there has been considerable speculation about the car's mechanical package. It is certain to continue with a turbocharged boxer motor and Subaru's signature 'symmetrical all-wheel drive', but it could also get a hybrid boost in the same way that the latest LaFerrari and McLaren P1 supercars - and, probably, the renewal of the Mitsubishi Evo - use a petrol-electric package to combine economy with extra power on demand. The WRX has been Subaru's star car since it joined the lineup in 1992, but it really hit the bigtime in Australia off the back of World Rally Championship wins and the late Possum Bourne's domination of the Australian Rally Championship. This reporter is on Twitter: @paulwardgover  

Subaru's Forester is the marque's biggest seller and the latest is best. Sales are already up with a healthy 27.4 per cent rise last month and 41 per cent for the year.The third generation is third on the sales charts behind the Nissan X-Trail and the Mazda CX-5 and offers a mix of petrol and turbo petrol and diesel powerplants.There are six levels of trim. Prices start at $34,700 drive away for the 2.0i manual entry model and rise to a hefty $54,800 for the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol XT Premium range-topper. Of course, it is all-wheel drive like all Subarus, except the rear drive BRZ sports car.DETAILINGIt's packed full of gear with a Harman Kardon entertainment system and eight speakers, a cargo security blind, remote controlled central locking and keyless entry, cruise control, dual zone climate-control airconditioning, height and reach adjustable steering column, height adjustable driver's seat, an engine immobiliser, power steering, mirrors and windows.There's also 18-inch alloy wheels, a full size spare, DataDot security technology, automatic and powered rear door, automatic headlights and wipers, satellite-navigation, radar cruise control (EyeSight), front wipers with de-icers, heated door mirrors and front seats, push-button start, eight-way adjustable power front seats, leather trim and a sun roof.On the safety front there are ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, three child seat anchor points, seven airbags, a reversing camera, stability and traction controls.The XT is more mature, grown up, and less of a hoon. It's more refined and subdued with chunky looks. All models come with an "Si drive" mode enabling the driver to switch between "eco", "normal" or "sport" settings.The first slows throttle response for wet off roading, the second acts normally for the daily drive and the third reacts sharply and unlocks a manual gear selection mode for a bit of mischievous fun, unleashing all available power with a dab of the right foot.For the adventurous type a crawl function called "X-mode'' helps negotiate steep climbs or descents off-road below 20km/h. The top-line XT model as driven comes with a second pair of eyes, tiny cameras either side of the rear view mirror to detect cars, pedestrians and cyclists. If it thinks you're about to hit someone or something, it will hit the sticks.Radar cruise control is standard too. It has three pre-determined distance settings from the car in front which can be disabled if the gaps are too big. The automatic tailgate can be programmed to open to a certain height so it doesn't bang on the garage roof.The Forester XT has grown up and out. It has a bigger boot than the last one with 405 litres for the Premium (with the auto rear door), expanding to 1457 with seats down. There is plenty of room for heads, shoulders, knees and feet. The quality of interior materials has stepped up a notch, although the dash is softer than the elbow pad area on the doors.DRIVINGI love the throbby note of the boxer flat four engine which seems to be enhanced in the Forester turbo. It also has the best Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) I have driven and marries well to the engine.I'm not a fan of CVTs, mainly because of that awful drony constant revvy sound when you floor the accelerator. The system is better now but the turbo flat four is ideally suited to this gearbox. There's a smoothness and an eagerness to the combination and it doesn't get sewing machine-like as the revs rise.Subaru appears to have addressed most concerns with the previous model. The new Forester XT is quieter, more refined, better balanced and smoother to drive. Performance is about the same even though the car has put on 104kg. It now weighs up to 1647kg.The old model with manual transmission reached 100km/h in 7.1 seconds, or 7.9 with the archaic four-speed auto. With its new eight-speed CVT, the XT splits the difference with a claimed 7.5 seconds. It still feels brisk enough and the small levers behind the steering wheel add to the fun.The XT was sure-footed up and down the twisting Kuranda and Rex range roads north west of Cairns but pushed hard it will run wide at the front or understeer. On a slippery roundabout it did slide a fair bit at the front end in the wet.The gravel, slippery and hilly Black Mountain Rd run between Kuranda and Julatten on the Atherton Tableland was a piece of cake. It took about an hour but despite a couple of steepish climbs and some badly jagged sections the XT was far from wanting.The Si Drive, which adjusts throttle sensitivity, may seem a bit gimmicky, but served its purpose, especially in overtaking. The radar cruise control was too sensitive, applying the brakes too severely.DECIDINGI really liked the new Forester XT. My only beef is the price, which is too high, and the cruise control, which is too sensitive and finicky to operate. The airconditioning also cut in and out a lot, presumably as it tries to save fuel.There was an annoying rattle in the rear which I could not isolate. I achieved 10.4L/100km over the weekend mix of suburban running, highway cruising and mountain climbs on and off the bitumen. Subaru's official figure is 8.5.Unless you must have the latest gadgets I'd forget about the Premium and opt for the standard XT to save $7000. If you don't need a turbo then the 2.5 is cheaper again and there's a smaller 2.0 too. The diesel is only a manual at this stage.Subaru Forester XT PremiumBody: Five-door wagonPrice: $54,800 drive awayEngine: 2.0-litre turbocharged boxer fourPower: 177kW at 5600 rpmTorque: 350Nm at 2400-3600 rpmTransmission: Eight-speed CVT automatic, all-wheel driveFuel consumption: 8.5L/100km, (10.4L on test) premium unleaded, 60 litresCO2 emissions: 197g/kmDimensions: Length 4595mm, width 1795mm, height 1735mm, wheelbase 2640mm, tracks 1545/1550mm front/rear, weight 1647kgWarranty: Three years/100,000 km

NEW - There has never been any doubt about the performance of the WRX, it's always been brutally fast, but there have been times when it's been felt that its looks fell short of the mark.Any complaints about its looks were answered in 2010 with the release of a mean looking new model that should have silenced the critics. One look at the bulging front and rear guards filled with big alloy wheels was enough to tell you the WRX was back in form after the rather soft-looking previous model.There was also a sedan version of the STi and it featured a large rear wing that added to its menacing image. The standard WRX packed a pretty mean punch with 195 kW and 343 Nm thundering from its 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four engine.If that wasn't enough there was the even hotter STi, which delivered 221 kW and a massive 407 Nm. Among the differences that boosted the output of the STi was variable valve timing on both the inlet and exhaust cams, whereas the base WRX only had variable timing on the inlet cam.If you ticked the regular WRX box you got a five-speed manual gearbox, but had you have checked the STi box you had the choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed sport-shifting auto. The catch was that if you went the auto route you got an engine with 57 Nm less torque.All WRXs had all-wheel drive. All but the auto had an electronically controlled centre diff, the auto was mechanical, and all had a front limited-slip diff. Along with the pumped-up guards the wheels were moved out to give the WRX a larger footprint, which aided its and handling.In STi guise the suspension was lower and boasted different spring and shocks rates, a heavier roll bar along with bigger brakes that all add up to more fun at the wheel. It also got lighter alloy 18-inch wheels compared to the 17-inch wheels on the standard car.Safety was covered by six airbags and electronic stability control; enough to have it rated five stars by ANCAP.NOWBuying a used WRX demands caution, not because it's plagued with problems, but simply that it's a high performance car and usually bought by people who like to drive it hard and fast.Look for signs, not of use as such, but of abuse. Brakes, clutches, suspensions, wheels and tyres can all take a hammering when driven by an uncaring owner.Certainly look closely for modifications that might have been made to mount roll cages etc., also look for modifications to engines in search of even more performance.If you find any, and they appear dodgy, walk away and keep shopping. Only consider a modified car if you can verify the bona fides of the person who did the work.It's also critical that a high performance car like the WRX is fastidiously maintained, so thoroughly check the service history of any car under consideration.Given a mechanically sympathetic owner and regular servicing the WRX is pretty much bulletproof was the overall report we got from the trade.SMITHY SAYSEven more bang for your buck, the WRX is back in town.Subaru WRX 2010-2011Price new: $39,990 to $59,990Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo, 195 kW/343 kW; 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo, 221 kW/407 Nm (STi)Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual (STi), 5-speed auto (STi), AWDEconomy: 10.4 L/100 km (WRX), 10.6 L/100 km (STi)Body: 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchVariants: WRX, STiSafety: 5-star ANCAPExpect to pay: $30,500 to $32,000 for the WRX and $46,000 to $48,000 for the WRX STi