2009 Subaru Exiga 7-Seater Touring revealed
Subaru today revealed the new Subaru Exiga, a seven-seater touring based on the concept we saw at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. The new Subaru Exiga is available in two different engine variants including a 2.0L DOHC and 2.0L DOHC Turbo.
Available in a choice of three different trim-levels (2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S), the 2.0L DOHC produces a total of 146-hp and 141 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0L DOHC Turbo, available in the 2.0GT trim-level, produces 221-hp with a peak torque of 240 lb-ft.
A 4-speed automatic with SPORTSHIFT is available for all 2.0L models. All 2.0L Turbo models get a 5-speed automatic with SPORTSHIFT as standard. Also available on the 2.0GT is SI-Drive which offers three different modes: Intelligent; Sport; and Sport Sharp. All models are equipped with four-wheel ABS disc brakes and EBD (Electric Brake-force Distribution).
Subaru will announce availability and pricing closer to launch.
Click through for the press release.
2009 Subaru Exiga:
Press Release:
FHI Unveils New Model Subaru EXIGA, a Seven-Seater for Panorama Touring
Tokyo, June 17, 2008 ““ Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the debut of its new Subaru.
Based on the concept of a seven-seater with panoramic visibility for the touring experience, the Subaru Exiga has been developed to provide a safe and pleasant journey for all occupants. Capitalizing on its accumulated know-how from building wagons and crossover SUVs, Subaru has succeeded in creating open and comfortable interior space for all the passengers to easily engage in conversation and share the experience of touring enhanced by dramatic wide-angle views through the windows.
The new model represents Subaru’s latest proposal for a new type of multi-passenger vehicle, built on Subaru’s strengths in vehicle stability, low noise, and quality ride – all realized by Subaru’s Horizontally-Opposed engine layout and the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3).
Seven passengers
Despite a body size that’s convenient for maneuvering, the Subaru Exiga comfortably accommodates up to seven occupants, ensuring ample space and a pleasant ride for each passenger. Excellent utility and comfort have been added through the adoption of new designs for better visibility, ingress/egress, and cargo space.
Panorama
A bright, open interior space has been created for passengers in any seat to enjoy the scenery outside. The vehicle’s low noise level allows all passengers to easily converse.
Touring
In addition to high levels of safety, both active and passive, the Subaru Exiga blends high performance and smooth handling with high-quality riding comfort. The vehicle also offers excellent environmental performance and fuel economy.
Exterior design
The Subaru Exiga exterior design expresses the integration of the utility of a seven-seater and elegant styling.
Two distinctively different front grille designs are available. The naturally aspirated models possess style that highlights refinement and simplicity with flowing chrome-plated contours. The design for the turbo model stresses a sporty and muscular impression by adopting a powerful wing-shape embellishment in dark plating on a metal mesh background.
Headlamps are designed to provide depth from the front view. With a blue-tinted lens placed in the middle of the lamp, the design accentuates boldness and presence.
Each of the four Exiga model types is equipped with distinctive wheels and individually designed spokes.
Eight exterior colors are available.
– Overall length: 4,740mm
– Overall width: 1,775mm
– Overall height: 1,660mm
– Wheelbase: 2,750mm
Interior design
Decorative insets with a horizontally flowing pattern from the center panel of the dashboard to the door trim add spaciousness and a quality look to the interior. Rich and refined interior design is further accentuated by the center panel, which combines wood and metal finishes, as well as by the indirect blue LED light installed on the overhead console, center tray and some foot areas.
Ivory tone that accentuates openness and light, and black tone, which highlights both sportiness and elegance, are available as interior colors.
The seats are newly designed to firmly support the occupants and reduce fatigue, even during a long drive, and the seat cushions are made thick to effectively absorb vibration and provide comfort.
The meter module on the instrument panel is distinctively designed with the meter background faces illuminated in blue to make the white dials clearly readable. The Sport Luminescent Meter, outlined with chrome-plated meter rings, is available on the 2.0GT, 2.0i-L, and 2.0i-S.
Powertrain
2.0-liter DOHC Engine (2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S)
The use of a redesigned DOHC cylinder head and the active valve control system (AVCS) promotes excellent environmental performance. Also better fuel economy is realized through adoption of the regular gasoline engine.
With the optimization of the diameter and length of the intake manifold, and the adoption of the equal length/constant pulsation independent exhaust system, the engine’s intake and exhaust performance has been elevated.
Two catalytic convertors have been placed in tandem. The layout enables the convertors to quickly heat up, which facilitates catalytic activation during engine startup and improves on emission reduction efficiency.
By expanding exhaust capacity with the twin mufflers, air flow resistance inside the mufflers is reduced, and excellent engine output characteristics and noise reduction are realized.
The electric control sensor system helps reduce engine load and further improve fuel economy by controlling electric generation according to driving conditions.
– Max. power: 109 kW (148PS) @ 6,000 rpm
– Max. torque: 191 Nm @ 3,200 rpm
2.0-liter DOHC Turbo Engine (2.0GT)
A lightweight, resin-based intake manifold is used. The inner walls of the manifold are smooth and less resistant to the intake flow, elevating intake efficiency.
The turbo charger was exclusively developed for the Subaru Exiga. Optimization of its A/R and compressor, as well as a redesign of its turbine vane, have distinctively improved low-end torque and made powerful and responsive acceleration possible.
Also adopted is a secondary air system that forces air into the exhaust port to burn out any gasoline remaining in it. The system helps eliminate harmful substances when the powertrain is still cool, and it promotes early activation of a catalytic converter.
Through optimization of the construction of the intercooler, the pressure loss is kept at a minimum to improve cooling efficiency.
The electric control sensor system helps reduce engine load and further improve fuel economy.
– Max. power: 165kW (225PS) @ 5,600 rpm
– Max. torque: 326 Nm @ 4,400 rpm
Drivetrain and Chassis
Lightweight and compact 4-speed AT with the SPORTSHIFT gear selection is standard on all 2.0 liter naturally aspirated models. By optimizing the final gear ratio, as well as through reducing friction among part assemblies, driving performance has been enhanced and fuel economy improved.
5-speed AT with the SPORTSHIFT gear selection is standard on 2.0 liter turbo models. The down-shift blipping control is added to enhance smooth gear change response when shifting down in manual mode.
The SI-Dive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) system on the 2.0GT model offers three different modes of driving for the driver to enjoy: Intelligent; Sport; and Sport Sharp.
The Active Torque Split AWD system is mounted on all naturally aspirated engine models. The turbo model comes with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) system. Both systems distribute optimal torque to the wheels with the firm grip and traction, providing unrivalled vehicle stability.
Integrating robust body structure with finely tuned chassis elements, all models feature Subaru DC3, which ensures outstanding handling and vehicle stability as well as superb riding comfort.
The vehicle is equipped with a strut-type front suspension, which is made lightweight and resilient. Newly designed cross-members and stabilizers yield excellent steering response.
A double-wishbone rear suspension with optimized suspension geometry settings provides exceptional traction and vehicle stability, as well as riding comfort, even at full occupancy.
All models employ four-wheel ABS disc brakes with EBD (Electric Brake-force Distribution) for superb braking performance. The Brake Assist system and a brake booster with unique tie-rod design appropriately maximize braking control.
Two types of tires, 205/60R16 and 215/50R17, are available. Both are capable of balancing various vehicle elements, including stability, braking, comfort, and mileage.
Body Construction and Safety
The Subaru Exiga uses an advanced form of Subaru’s proprietary Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame Body Structure. Through streamlined body construction and the extensive use of high-tensile steel, the new model has achieved high body rigidity and light weight.
A cowl stay enhancement is used to connect the front side frame and A pillar, and supportive cross-members have been adopted to further improve steering response and increase vehicle stability.
The Subaru Exiga, with its advanced frame construction, has realized high levels of safety and crash-worthiness through effectively absorbing and dispersing crash impact in frontal, side-, or rear-impact crashes.
By enhancing impact absorption in the front bumper and incorporating structural changes to the hood, the new model addresses safety features for pedestrians and other vehicles in collisions.
The front wiper system features a new uniform-pressure, fin-shaped design that creates downforce to prevent blade lift-off during high-speed driving.
Dual SRS (supplemental restraint system) air bags are standard on all models. SRS side air bags and curtain air bags that protect the third-row occupants are manufacturer’s options.
All pillar trim adopts impact-absorbing structures. To reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in a rear collision, the seatbacks employ new impact-absorbing designs.
A collapsible brake pedal is available on all models to reduce the risk of foot injuries in frontal collisions.
Environmental Considerations
The EXIGA utilizes interior materials and adhesives that release much smaller amounts of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Such VOCs as formaldehyde and toluene, which are believed to cause irritation in the nose and throat, have been largely reduced.
Highly recyclable, integrated PP (polypropylene) materials are used in the dashboard, door trim, and other parts. Recycled materials from PET bottles are also used.
The Info-Eco mode prompts the Info-Eco Indicator on the instrumentation to light up when running on low fuel consumption, encouraging mileage-conscious driving. In addition, The Eco Gauge, which promotes driving in an energy-saving manner is available on the 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S, and the 2.0GT.
Others
Ventilation for the rear seats is placed on top of the dashboard, effectively circulating air to the third row of seats. Standard on all models, the ventilation system is extremely quiet with greatly reduced operating and airflow noise, yet it efficiently cools the entire cabin.
The air conditioning system on the 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S and 2.0GT models offers a function to allow temperature adjustments independently on the left and right sides of the seats.
The combined audio system of CD player and AM/FM tuner, compatible with MP3 and WMA* formats, and an HDD navigation system with audio capability and a rearview camera (compatible with Subaru G-Book Alpha telematics service) are optional on all models.
*WMA is the registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
A keyless entry system with a push-start button is a manufacturer”s option.
