By Steve & Tamami Laser
From the Crosstrek to the Forester and the Outback, Subaru offers wagon-based crossovers for a wide variety of customers. But what about families seeking seating for seven? The Tribeca may be gone from the U.S. market, yet in Japan and other countries Subaru has offered the seven-passenger Exiga.
At the last Tokyo Motor Show, we saw Subaru’s new Crossover 7 Concept debut. This styling exercise applied Outback-like cues to the previously plain-looking Exiga wagon (concept photos above and below courtesy of Tokyo Motor Show).
Subaru said the Crossover 7 Concept features “Sophisticated exterior styling that gives expression of all-around performance and a refined and free-spirited interior accentuated by tan leather seats that are sure to whet the appetite for some fun.”
It turns out that this was more than just a concept. Subaru was providing a sneak preview of the upcoming new model. And now, 18 months later, the Exiga Crossover 7 is ready to go on sale in Japan. These new photos from Subaru show that little has changed on the short road to production.
Even the interior looks remarkably similar to the concept including the choice of tan colors highlighted by piano black accents. Seating is arranged in theater style to assist outward visibility for those riding in the second and third rows.
Under the hood, the Exiga Crossover 7 is powered by Subaru’s horizontally opposed 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine also found in the Legacy and Outback, teamed with a Lineartronic CVT and Symmetrical all-wheel drive.
With its tall roofline and under-floor cargo box opened, the Crossover 7 can carry a potted plant in the upright position as we see in the video. Comfort features up front include a standard 8-way power driver’s seat and heated front seats.
The production target is 600 units per month, making this a low-volume model. While we think it would make a great addition to Subaru’s U.S. lineup, perhaps dubbed “Outback 7,” we don’t expect that to happen.
Product information applies to models sold in Japan. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Subaru Crossover 7 photos courtesy of Tokyo Motor Show
News source and other photos courtesy of Subaru Corp.
Story (commentary) © 2015 CarNichiWa.com