Taking over the reins from the discontinued Traviq, the new Exiga promises to be a much more exciting proposition.
Since sales of the Traviq (rebadged Opel Zafira) ended in Japan in 2004, Subaru customers who wanted a proper 7-seater wagon had to look elsewhere. Now just prior to its release next month, firm details of the new Exiga wagon have come out and it looks to be one of the more desirable family wagons for those after a little performance.
The design has changed very little from its Tokyo Motor Show concept guise, the front and rear bumpers getting subtle changes but otherwise faithful to the 2007 concept. The interior on the other hand has (unsurprisingly) been toned down, the array of monitors that occupied most of the dashboard are now gone and replaced with simple plastic trim. Overall dimensions are 4780mm (length), 1770mm (width) and 1630mm (height), with the wheelbase being 2750mm which puts in right in line with the Honda Odyssey. It has been noted though that the 2+3+2 seating arrangement leaves the third row passengers with only adequate room.
The 2.0L four cylinder boxer turbo engine from the Forester will feature prominently in the Exiga, giving it a performance edge over its more family orientated rivals that will be instantly recognizable with its hood scoop. The EJ20 turbo will match the Forester XT’s output with 230ps and 32.5kg/m. A naturally aspirated version is will also be available producing 145ps and 19.8kg/m, which will be mated to the Foresters 4-speed automatic transmission with the turbo version getting an auto transmission with SI Drive similar to that available in the 2007 Legacy. Power will of course be put to the ground via a symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
The NA version of the Exiga will sell for 2,400,000 yen while the turbo is expected to sell for 2,800,000 yen.
