Subaru Ascent Concept
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: California
Subaru Ascent Concept
Called the Ascent concept, the show car had a turbocharged boxer 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and will be revealed in production trim next fall at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The Ascent will be built in Lafayette, Ind., and is exclusive to the North American market. It will have room for up to eight passengers, offer all-wheel drive, and will be based on a modified version of Subaru's latest global platform. A hybrid is possible on those underpinnings, but a Subaru spokesman wouldn't comment on that prospect. Subaru has not had a three-row ute since the Tribeca was killed off in 2014.
With Volkswagen adding the Atlas and existing SUV makers like Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and others all putting greater emphasis on the large utility segment, Subaru felt compelled to respond. The company also expects the Millennial generation to make up a significant portion of Ascent buyers.
"This is a product that allows that generation that grew up liking Subaru to stay with us," Subaru of America president Tom Doll said at the show.
The Ascent concept's styling cues have evolved from the previous Visiv-7 concept and offer a better look at what the production model will look like. The Ascent concept measures 198.8 inches long, 78.3 inches wide and 72.4 inches tall. The wheelbase is 117 inches - signaling Subaru is serious about competing with large SUV producers.
The Ascent will be built in Lafayette, Ind., and is exclusive to the North American market. It will have room for up to eight passengers, offer all-wheel drive, and will be based on a modified version of Subaru's latest global platform. A hybrid is possible on those underpinnings, but a Subaru spokesman wouldn't comment on that prospect. Subaru has not had a three-row ute since the Tribeca was killed off in 2014.
With Volkswagen adding the Atlas and existing SUV makers like Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and others all putting greater emphasis on the large utility segment, Subaru felt compelled to respond. The company also expects the Millennial generation to make up a significant portion of Ascent buyers.
"This is a product that allows that generation that grew up liking Subaru to stay with us," Subaru of America president Tom Doll said at the show.
The Ascent concept's styling cues have evolved from the previous Visiv-7 concept and offer a better look at what the production model will look like. The Ascent concept measures 198.8 inches long, 78.3 inches wide and 72.4 inches tall. The wheelbase is 117 inches - signaling Subaru is serious about competing with large SUV producers.
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 115
Likes: 6
From: CO
that center console def seems reasonable though although itll probably be less refined. starting with tesla, then to volvo and now even on buick lacrosse, that type of center console seems to be the next trend for vehicles.
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From: California
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Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 358
Likes: 11
From: CA
As long as the UI doesn't get confusing, I don't mind the center console pad. The window controls are a bit overkill and needless. Just something else to break too. Those most likely won't make it to production anyway.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,994
Likes: 248
From: California
Excellent. This is exactly what Subaru needs to be doing. Instead of the nerdy, half man/half woman jacked up station wagons, the need a vehicle that looks like what it's supposed to look like. Hope this spreads across the brand.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Virginia
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,592
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From: TN
Front clip looks like the new 2016+ Toyota Tacoma. Otherwise, I'd say it looks like a pretty generic SUV, which I guess is a good thing. I really like the interior design with the sweeping dash/console/door panels. Hopefully that(and the neat 2 tone treatment) make it to production with minimal changes.
Glad to see Subaru stepping up and offering their customers a larger SUV. I think that's one reason people don't buy another Subaru, their family grows and Subaru has nothing for them to buy.
Glad to see Subaru stepping up and offering their customers a larger SUV. I think that's one reason people don't buy another Subaru, their family grows and Subaru has nothing for them to buy.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,350
Likes: 6
From: California
It needs more power - but also needs to keep some of the Subaru "quirkiness". I know a few people who love their Subies but leave because they don't have a real hybrid option(especially with the "mild" system used in the Crosstrek that was like Honda's old system, when Subaru had access to Toyota's portfolio and could have adapted the LS600h/GS450h's system) or their dealers aren't that great. More so the latter with my parent's neighbor, she loves her Forester, but the local dealer is bad and she's going back to a Highlander or Pilot.
It seems to be worse for Subaru than any other company too. I get that things have to be toned down from concept to production, but they just bathe the final products in the most vanilla of vanillas
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Virginia