The wagon has come a long way since it was a scorned model in a manufacturer’s line up – once upon a time the boring one, the one which meant you had bought a car for purpose rather than looks or style.
Well Subaru are about to give the wagon world another shake up with the proposed release of their newest model, the multipurpose Exiga minivan. The Subaru Australia Managin Director Nick Senior is close to signing off on the new model, with a decision expected to be reached next month.
Subaru have commenced testing the Exiga but require more discussions before the new addition is confirmed. If the Exiga is signed off on in January, it can then be expected to be released late next year. The Exiga is also expected to be available in just one model, most likely a naturally aspirated 2.0 litre four cylinder – not a turbo engine however.
In the Japanese vehicle market the Exiga would have to take on the Mazda CX-7 and the Toyota Kluger, the Kluger starting at $45,000 (£20,900). Compared to its other Subarus, the Exiga wagon is slightly wider, longer – with an 80 mm longer wheelbase – and taller than the Outback, while still being able to share its key hardware with the models. For example, the front suspension has been taken from the Forester and the rear multi-link system is from the Impreza. The extra height also ensures plenty of room for the passengers seated in the third row.
The release of the Exiga would not put it in direct competition with Subaru’s existing seven seater the Tribeca, Senior believes, as they appeal to very different groups and demographics. This ensures that the newest release Subaru will have something to offer to the right passenger, with of course the consummate class and comfort Subaru is already famous for.