Subaru Exiga

Infobox Automobile
name = Subaru Exiga


manufacturer = Subaru
parent_company = Fuji Heavy Industries
production = 2008-
class = Compact MPV
body_style = 4-door SUV
layout = Front engine, four-wheel drive
related = Subaru Legacy
engine = 2.0L turbo convert|221|hp|abbr=on H4
2.0L H4 convert|146|hp|abbr=on
transmission = 4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic
wheelbase = Auto mm|2750|1
length = Auto mm|4740|1
width = Auto mm|1775|1
height = Auto mm|1660|1
assembly = Ōta, Gunma, Japan

The Subaru Exiga (pronounced x-shiga) is a new compact MPV that debuted as a concept car during the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. The vehicle boasts a supersize panoramic glass roof and theater-style seating, with rear passengers sitting a little higher than those in front. Seats are 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 offers displays from eight monitors, providing excellent visibility around the vehicle, and also houses a clear blue multi-display zone. There is indirect lighting in the side doors and ceiling, 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 [ [http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/subaru-releases-exiga-teaser/ Subaru releases Exiga teaser - Autoblog ] ] , Subaru is planning to introduce a seven seat wagon in the Japanese market June 18, 2008. [ [http://www.subaru.jp/exiga/exiga_pre/ SUBARU : 車種紹介 > レガシィ ] ]

Production version

The Exiga was released for sale in Japan only on June 17, 2008, and no plans currently exist to offer the vehicle outside of Japan. [http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/official-subaru-exiga-photos-info-released/ JDM Subaru Exiga] [http://www.leftlanenews.com/subaru-exiga.html Photos of Subaru Exiga] The Exiga was built to replace the Subaru Traviq, which could also hold 7 passengers in the Japanese market.

The Exiga is available in four trim options: the 2.0i is the entry level version, followed by the 2.0i-L, the 2.0i-S, all with a non-turbocharged engine, and the turbocharged 2.0GT with intercooler. The front grille and hoodscoop denotes if the engine is turbocharged; the chrome plated version is attached to vehicles without a turbo, and a metal mesh with dark plating is for the turbo. Two catalytic converters have been installed in a tandem configuration for effective emissions control. Active Torque Split transmission is used on engines without a turbo, and VTD is used with the turbo. Wheel sizes are either 16" or 17" for the turbo.

The Exiga can seat seven passengers, utilizing a gradual elevation of the seats, placing the first and second rows slightly lower than the third row. An optional, fixed position, panoramic glass roof covers the first and second rows of seats. Large rear door openings open to almost 90 degrees for easy access to the third row. The rear suspension uses double-wishbone architecture to make room for the third row and a wide luggage compartment when the second and third row seats are folded down. The second row seats can be individually slid back and forth convert|180|mm|in|1|abbr=on as needed, with a one touch folding mechanism to allow access to the third row. The cargo area offers a covered stacking approach, allowing items to be placed under the floor. Two airbags are used for front passengers, supplemented with first row side impact and additional side curtain airbags protect first and second row passengers. The seats utilize anti-whiplash, impact-absorbing technology. A collapsible brake pedal is included to reduce the chance of foot injury in a severe collision. There are no air conditioning outlets for the second and third rows but the front outlet is designed to channel the air further along the ceiling of the vehicle. [ [http://paultan.org/archives/2008/09/27/subaru-exiga-7-seater-mpv-test-drive-review/ Subaru Exiga 7-seater MPV Test Drive Review] ]

Indirect blue LED lighting is installed in the overhead console, center tray and foot wells.

References

* http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071009.004/first-look-subaru-exiga-concept
* http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/tokyo-2007-preview-subaru-exiga-concept
* http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=123101
* http://www.autoblog.com/photos/subaru-exiga-concept/456696/

External links

* [http://www.subaru.jp/exiga/exiga/index.html Subaru Exiga Homepage]