| All-new model | Subaru Exiga |
The Subaru Exiga is the Japanese firm's contender for the MPV market, up against the likes of the Vauxhall Zafira and Ford S-Max. Based on a stretched version of the new Impreza chassis, the Exiga is intended only for the domestic Japanese market at present and there are no plans to bring it to the UK.
With seven seats arranged in a 2-3-2 layout, the Exiga's rear seats fold flat into the boot floor, though the car is more of a versatile estate than a full-blown MPV. Buyers can also order a panoramic glass roof.
Engine options for the all-wheel drive Exiga are 148bhp 2.0-litre or turbocharged 222bhp 'boxer' four-cylinder engines. There will be a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearboxes.
Subaru has not confirmed if the Exiga will be offered with the 2.0-litre Boxer Diesel engine as there is less demand for diesel in Japan. However, if the Exiga was fitted with this engine, the chances of the car being sold in Europe would improve.
Alisdair Suttie - 18 Jun 2008