German Car Zone

Fitting in between a Forester and the Legacy in the Subaru line-up the Exiga is Subaru's first attempt at a pukka symmetrical all-wheel drive MPV. (The old Zafira-based horror doesn't count...)

One can see that the 7 seater has a raised roofline and rather upright windscreen carefully proportioned so as to avoid confusion with the Legacy wagon. [Speaking of which, we can see the next-gen Legacy moving more upmarket still, with a bigger body and Lexus LS-like styling.]

According to my sources the Exiga is Japanese domestic market faire for now only but I'm sure it'll create demand in other markets.

As with so many Subaru models it'll be a unique proposition: in this case an MPV with the versatility and people-moving connotations coupled with segment busting levels of traction and handling...

Turbocharging is guaranteed so bye-bye GTI... now that'll be something.

I find this model a bit confusing, does Subaru really need something like this? I can see demand for it in the Jap market, that is about it. I guess this will be a far more sporty drive than the Tribeca, but most families who needs 7 seats will go for the Tribeca.

I don't really like the styling, it looks like a Legacy wagon with a higher roof. I got a feeling this car will have the same interior as the Impreza and the Forester, is Subaru on a really tight budget?

I really hope Subaru does a great job with the next Legacy, and give the car the development it deserves, the car really needs a good auto gearbox, preferbly a 6 speed auto, and better factory brakes.

Subaru definitely needs an MPV - vile as they are - especially in Japan where most manufacturers have 7 seater competitors.

It will certainly have a similar if not identical facia to the Impreza / Forester - yes Subaru is definitely on a really tight budget. The strengthening of the Yen is not helping, especially seeing that Subaru is experiencing the highest growth in developing economies... More than 60% of Subaru revenue now comes from outside of Japan.

Edit: The Exiga is Forester priced vs the Tribeca's premium status

The styling isn't great but those large windows and airy cabin make it a terrific place for driver and passengers alike. Then again, I can't really recall an MPV that I think looks good so the Exiga is probably going to be one of the more appealing of its ilk.

Hmm, six speed auto for Legacy you say? I hope so but unlikely. Subaru are recalcitrant when it comes to improving their antiquated torque-convertor transmissions. Legacy's brakes aren't that bad... you'd only show them up on the track. But yes, they could do with some improvement, particularly in the feel department.

I did some late night driving yesterday, the brakes weren't bad, but the lack of feedback makes slowing the car a bit tricky. I should have been more specific when Í just said "better brakes". I prefer them to have a little bit more initial bite and definitely need more feedback.

The gearbox is average during normal driving, but during more enthusiastic driving it can be quite annoying, especially when it suddenly down shift in the middle of the corner, or when it refuse to kick down during full throttle acceleration. Even in tiptronic mode, the gearbox is slow, actually it is pretty much the same as normal auto mode, but without the random gear changing.

I haven't had a chance to test drive the facelift versions, were there any improvements made to the gearbox software?

Yes, your observations on brake feel are spot on as far as I'm concerned - the Legacy really could do with just a bit less sponginess on the first cm or so's travel.

The gearbox software for the facelifted generation was most certainly improved: it's less jerky than before and hunts far less. In manual mode the response is more obedient and immediate to driver responses. Still, it's not perfect but a huge improvement all the same.

I have asked the service department to reprogram the gearbox software, but apparently it is "impossible''. I will have to test drive the new one and see how much better it is compare to mine.


The new grill design is so generic and boring, the designers should bring back the octagon shaped grill !! What exactly is going on with Subaru design? The facelift Tribeca has it, but the Impreza and this Exiga don't.

Check that it does the "throttle-blip" upon downshifting. According to my sources this is a good indication that the transmission is using the latest shift logic. Apparently. Me personally, I don't recall the last LGT throttle-blipping on downshift but that was many months ago.


The last unique and interesting grill design ended with the head of design being fired!

Exactly what's been happening for the last ten years; Subaru do not have a successful corporate strategy in place to create a unique and cohesive brand identity across all of its models. They just can't seem to do it!

Looks way better than the R class!