Japanese giant Subaru is about to get a whole lot more pulling power! This is the company’s new Exiga MPV, caught undergoing testing in California ahead of its unveiling in June.
And Auto Express can exclusively reveal that it could land in showrooms in the UK as early as 2009.
The barely disguised right-hand- drive model has a distinctive sleek profile, with bosses hoping it will appeal to buyers keen to blend sporty looks with people carrier space.
Trading on its rallying heritage, Subaru has also given the Exiga a large bonnet scoop – lifted straight from the Impreza STi – plus a rear spoiler and split twin tailpipes.
Inside, the newcomer is all about space, boasting enough room for seven adults. If the production Exiga stays faithful to the concept, unveiled at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show, it will also sport a panoramic glass roof, flat-panel TV monitors and fold-out tables. And we can confirm that the car will form part of a model line-up for 2009 which includes a new Legacy saloon and Outback estate.
The trio will be powered by newly developed 2.0 and 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, although the 3.0-litre unit in the current Subaru stable will be dropped.
The recently launched boxer diesel will be used as a blueprint for maximising the performance and efficiency of the petrol units. The result will be an output of 200bhp from the naturally aspirated 2.0 engine and more than 300bhp from the turbo 2.5-litre.
Subaru is also planning a turbocharged 3.7-litre petrol engine, with close to 450bhp, for a Legacy STi.