Updated at 9 AM PDT -- More Photos
We don't spend a lot of time talking about the Subaru Exiga, because this Japanese-style minivan probably won't ever come to the U.S. It's roomy enough all right (we sat in all three rows today) since it's based on the current Impreza/Legacy architecture, but the rear doors are all hinged and Subaru would rather sell us Tribecas.
Still, there are a couple of interesting specialty Exigas in its booth at the Tokyo auto show. The more eye-catching of the two is the Subaru Exiga 2.0GT tuned by STI. You'll hear people call this the Exiga STI, but it's far less of an STI than the Forester XTI concept shown at last year's SEMA show.
It has zero engine modifications and uses the same 221-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer-4 as the standard Exiga 2.0GT (the top trim in the range). It also has a five-speed automatic with shift paddles and downshift rev-matching like the U.S.-spec Legacy 3.6R.
The STI part of it comes from the fact that Subaru Tecnica International put on its own springs and dampers, along with a strut tower brace. The wheels are different, too, but still just 17s like the stock alloys. And obviously, there's a body kit and flashier exhaust tips. Although the showcar concept is done up by STI for Tokyo, Subaru plans to put this Exiga into production -- no surprise at all considering there's already a very similar version of the Japanese-spec Legacy 2.5GT wagon.
More worthy of your attention is the Exiga EyeSight technology exhibit, as it has an interesting new safety system that will eventually make it to U.S.-market Subarus. More on this Exiga after the jump.
This Exiga's EyeSight system uses a pair of cameras mounted on either side of its rearview mirror in conjunction with a 3D image processor and radar-based adaptive cruise control.
It detects both pedestrians and vehicles that might potentially interfere with your intended trajectory -- if you crash into them, you know. Not only can it warn you well in advance, it can automatically take corrective brake action to avert a collision if you're slow on the draw.
Lane departure warning will also be part of EyeSight.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor
arumage says:
06:37 AM, 10/22/09
Why can't we get the Exiga in the US? I'd love to put this in my garage. It's just the size I'd like, a little bigger than a Mazda5.
rsholland says:
08:13 AM, 10/22/09
All Exiga's are RHD. There are no LHD versions. Australia is getting this car, but as a 6-passenger version, not the 7-passenger sold in Japan; and again, RHD.
moparbad says:
09:07 AM, 10/22/09
Legacy Wagon diesel or Impreza five door diesel in US please. After seeing the Exiga I am reminded of how good a wagon style is.
And Outback just won't suffice.
cino_iconic says:
09:14 AM, 10/22/09
I love that name, Exiga. Its name is similar to a Gundam in Double 0. Exia.
trackwrex says:
11:04 AM, 10/22/09
I love the Exiga. I was hoping the brass at Subaru would bring it over to the USA. Although I'd rather have the Toyobaru... :)
cino_iconic: Gundam Virtue all the way! ;) Esp since it also has Nadleeh that's more maneuverable than Exia. :)
arumage says:
11:04 AM, 10/22/09
@rsholland:
Poor planning in the engineering department is no excuse!!
dalaw says:
04:02 PM, 10/22/09
The Exiga looks much better than the new Legacy
jdmjunky says:
01:46 PM, 10/23/09
subaru thinks the tribeca would sell, but that POS is slow, ugly and not what your customer base wants. Why do you think subaru sells more foresters then tribecas??? Subaru corporate idiots....