1998 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.5 Gt on 2040-cars

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Subaru's first hybrid drawing close

In 2011 Subaru parent company Fuji Heavy Industries confirmed that a hybrid Subaru would debut this year. Ever since, there's been speculation about what kind of technology the gasoline-electric hybrid would use - Subaru's own or some version of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, which car would debut the new system - Forester, Legacy, or Outback - and whether it would come to America or be a Japan-only model.
A report in The Detroit Bureau says that whatever that first model is, it could be shown as soon as the New York Auto Show, and while the company feels it's a must-have offering for the Japanese market it will also come to the US. It will have a Subaru-developed mild hybrid system that could have been previewed by the Hybrid Tourer concept shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, and is not expected to be able to drive on electric power alone. The Hybrid Tourer used a direct-injected, 2.0-liter boxer engine connected to a CVT and assisted by an electric motor rated at 13 horsepower. Subaru has yet to give anything away about the details of its hybrid plans, so we'll look to New York for the long-awaited unveil.

2014 Subaru BRZ gets exceedingly modest price increase

Subaru has announced pricing for the 2014 BRZ, and with a $25,595 MSRP, it starts at just $100 more than the 2013 model. The destination charge adds $795 - a $25 increase over 2013 - bringing the total to $26,390.
Aside from the very modest price increase, the 2014 BRZ is essentially the same as its 2013 predecessor. The one notable change for 2014 is that Aha infotainment smartphone integration now comes with the standard navigation system. Subaru is one of the first automakers to include this feature, which delivers smartphone activity such as live news, podcasts and social media news feeds to drivers through the radio.
The rear-wheel-drive BRZ's other features remain the same, and we certainly don't have any complaints about that. It still comes with a 200-horsepower boxer engine, manufacturer-estimated fuel economy of 34 miles per gallon on the highway, 2+2 seating, and options such as dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats. Scroll down to get all the 2014 model year details in Subaru's press release.

Subaru Forester Luggage Test | Packing up our long-term family crossover

Our 2019 Subaru Forester long-term test car has been a pack rat for many of us on staff at Autoblog. We’ve stuffed in camping gear, tires, landscaping supplies and much more over a number of months. However, we havenÂ’t given it a proper luggage test until now. West Coast Editor James Riswick has tested a number of compact crossovers that the Forester competes against with his own set of luggage: Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. But since our long-term Forester lives in Michigan, weÂ’ll be using the same set of luggage that weÂ’ve used for all other midwest luggage tests. HereÂ’s what weÂ’re working with: Two carry-on suitcases sized (24 inches long, 15.5 wide, 10 deep); one carry-on suitcase (21.7L x 13.7W x 9 D); one medium-size suitcase you have to check (24.5L x 16.8W x 11.5D) and two larger, full-size suitcases (33.8L x 21.5W x 13D) and (28.1L x 18W x 10.5D). This generation of Forester and its more traditional crossover shape means it has a great deal of luggage capacity for its overall footprint. Sunroof-equipped models (like our Touring) come in at 33.0 cubic-feet of space behind the back seat. If you skip the sunroof, you gain 2.4 cubes, but the space at the top of the ceiling is generally pointless unless youÂ’re chill with zero rearward visibility. Our Touring model comes with a nice powered hatch that can be opened via the fob, interior button, exterior lid button or a kick motion under the bumper. The kicking is generally reliable, but has frustrated on occasion with a refusal to accept our kicks. The cargo cover that comes standard is a little tricky to operate and feels a little flimsy. Strangely, there are two pieces of fabric that must be pulled taut. The more standard, larger piece that covers most of the cargo area can be yanked forward and slot into a neat groove, but the piece on the other side of the roller must be delicately placed in a couple slots right near the rear seats. If youÂ’re too short, you might be forced to climb into the cargo hold to get it right. For the record, this piece exists because of the back seat's reclining functionality and ensure there isn't a gap between the upright seat and the cover. Now, letÂ’s chuck some suitcases in it. All three carry-on suitcases and the medium suitcase fit neatly tucked under the cargo cover. ThereÂ’s oodles of room in front of them, which ended up being plenty for the fancy bag (22L x 8.8W x 12D).