German Car Zone

^ Can't disagree with you really.

But my Forrie's pretty handsome in the metal. Sniff sniff...

Look quite handsome in this trim!

But the headlight annoy me...

So I made this!

I saw a truck full of brand new Subaru Liberty sedans and wagons today. The sedans are in metallic grey, it looks alright, the front is less ugly than the photos. The pearl white wagon looks exactly the same as the press release photos, and it still looks disappointing. The side profile is ruined by the awkward side window, and the rear end is still a bit messy.

Whatever happened to that new Subaru sports-wagon looking thing. It has a shape similar to the older Forrester (the model shown in Martin's avatar) ??

Nevermind, my lazy self did a quick Google-job.. it's called the Subaru Exiga. What's happened to it? Has it hit the market yet? and reasons why it ain't in USA yet (if ever)? I think it looks MUCH better than the Legacy wagon.

Exiga is Japanese Domestic Market for now only. KA (Australian) spec introductions to the Ozzie market were rumoured but as yet have not materialised. Supposedly the model is due for November launch. Basically, if Australia doesn't get it no one else does.

Exiga in Japan is fitted with 2.0 litre Boxer engines (NA and turbo'd) and this is in contrast with the ubiquitous application of the 2.5 litre Boxer in international markets.

Whether the Exiga will be offered in Aus with 2.0 or 2.5 litre engines remains to be seen but, clearly, the availability of Subaru's Lineartronic CVT transmission is a key constraint on the release date of the Exiga in markets outside Japan.

The Exiga is has limited appeal outside of the JDM because of its distinctly oriental MPV looks. Pictures don't convey the odd-proportions and high roofline. Exiga is a seven-seater built on a stretched Impreza / Forester platform and so fulfills a lower-tier role within the Subaru line-up in Japan.

Left hand drive models are not slated for the US, the Lafayette plant in Indiana will instead focus on core models like Impreza, Forester and Legacy.

The new Legacy is a much larger car than previous and it now firmly straddles the compact (3er) and mid-size (5er) saloon segments. It has a lower roofline and is said, wait for it, to look far better in the metal than in pictures. Never heard that of a Subaru before.

There isn't much info about the Exiga yet, all I know is it will be called the Liberty Exiga.

I was hoping that the Legacy wagon will look better in the metal, but so far that isn't the case.

Saw the Liberty Outback at the dealership today, this car is big, Volvo XC70 size, and it looks very bland. The front grill is still ugly.