Subaru Exiga

The Subaru Exiga is a new large MPV that debuted as a concept car during the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. According to the Japanese Subaru press introduction materials, the name "Exiga" is a neologism combination of the words "exciting" and "active". The vehicle boasts a supersize panoramic glass roof and theater-style seating, with rear passengers sitting a little higher than those in front. Seats in the concept vehicle were upholstered in leather and trimmed in pearl white and blue. The rear seatbacks incorporate fold-down tray tables, similar to those on airplanes.

The instrument panel in the concept vehicle offered displays from eight monitors, providing excellent visibility around the vehicle, and also housed a clear blue multi-display zone. There continues to be indirect lighting in the side doors and ceiling in the production vehicle, providing soft ambient light at night. The engine is a 1994 cc turbocharged H4 based on the Subaru Impreza WRX coupled to Subaru's 5EAT automatic transmission used in the Subaru Legacy and Subaru Tribeca.

According to an article from Autoblog , Subaru is planning to introduce a seven seat wagon in the Japanese market June 18, 2008. The Subaru Exiga isn't sold in North America, opting to sell the similarly-sized Subaru Tribeca 7-seater instead. The Australian version will be powered by a revised version of Subaru’s naturally aspirated four-cylinder 2.5-litre Boxer engine. That engine will make its debut on the new Liberty/Outback range in September.

Subaru spokesman David Rowley says diesel and turbocharged versions of the people-mover are not on the cards at this stage, although the maker will “watch with interest” the sales performance of the diesel Outback due in November. The Exiga is available with a turbocharged four-cylinder in Japan. The Exiga will be available in two trim levels, with the base model getting a standard DVD entertainment system for its second and third row seats. Subaru is not revealing any more details at this stage, although the second row of seats will be “captain’s chairs” with individual armrests and a centre console with cup holders. The third row seats can be stowed away. Rowley says the six-seat layout provides a point of difference to other people-movers, which typically have seven or eight seats.

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