Exiga Touring Concept from Subaru

Posted on Tuesday 9 October 2007


Subaru may not be as large as the likes of Honda or Toyota but that hasn’t stopped it from preparing an equally strong showcase for the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. In addition to the all-new Impreza WRX STI Subaru will be displaying two concept cars, the G4e electric minicar and Exiga seven-seater wagon concept.

The new Exiga sits on a 2750mm wheelbase and is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder boxer engine mated to a five-speed auto and rides on Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system. This would make it a good candidate for a new Forrester wagon but there’s no word from Subaru whether the Exiga hints at an actual production model.

Powertrain technology isn’t the Exiga’s forte; instead interior packaging and cabin ambiance was the focus of the concept’s creators. That’s why the Exiga can seat up to seven passengers in body that’s not much bigger than the current Forrester and also offers a lofty “360-degree” panorama view for all the occupants.

We received word from a little birdie last week that Subaru was gearing up to release its brand-new Exiga into journalist's hands in Japan. Coincidentally (or not), a teaser shot of Subaru's new pseudo-CUV popped up on the NASIOC forum over the weekend and it's clear from the darkened profile that many of the elements from the show car have migrated over to the production model.

The Exiga, which appeared at last year's Tokyo Motor Show as a lightly veiled concept, will likely form the basis for the new Outback, slotting in between the Legacy and the Tribeca CUV. However, it's doubtful that when the Exiga (or Outback) makes the trek across the Pacific it will be sporting seven full seats. Its closest competitor here in the States is the forthcoming Toyota Venza, which aims to define a new segment between wagon and crossover, but in reality, both vehicles own their inspiration to the AMC Eagle, the original wagon on stilts.