2014 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited on 2040-cars

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New Subaru Impreza coming for 2017, previewed by this concept

There's a new Subaru Impreza coming in late 2016, as a 2017 model. And while we don't know any specifics about Fuji Heavy's new compact, we know it'll look something like the concept seen here. Simply called the Impreza 5-Door Concept, this slick hatch makes its debut at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, and we're crossing our fingers that the next-generation production car shares a lot of this hatchback's design. Subaru says this concept hints at "the design direction not only of the new Impreza but of Subaru's future models as a whole." That's easy to see – the fascia wears an more heavily sculpted version of the brand's current design language. Slim taillights accent a petite rump, though we'll of course be interested to see how this design language translates to a four-door Impreza sedan, as well. That said, Subaru sort of has a habit of letting us down in the transition from showcar to production model. This is one company that creates gorgeous concepts, but then the final designs often leave us feeling a little flat. We'll have to wait until next year to know if that's the case with this slick new Impreza. For now, fingers crossed. Subaru "Impreza 5-Door Concept" Makes World Debut at Tokyo Motor Show 2015 Tokyo, October 28, 2015 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today unveiled the "Impreza 5-Door Concept" at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015. The Impreza 5-Door Concept is a design concept car previewing the next-generation Impreza which is to be the first one of Subaru's next-generation strategic vehicles envisioned in FHI's Mid-Term Management Vision "Prominence 2020? announced in May 2014. While positioned as an entry model in the Subaru lineup, its compact body features a blend of bold expressions of Subaru's Dynamic & Solid design elements and a quality feel beyond its class – hinting at the design direction not only of the new Impreza but of Subaru's future models as a whole. Main Features of Impreza 5-Door Concept The front, sides, and rear are seamlessly joined in the Dynamic & Solid surface structure, creating a three-dimensional and solid body that is a feature of Subaru styling. The dynamism is enhanced by well-placed character lines on the 5-door style compact body shape. The design expression of "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind", the value that Subaru provides to its customers, is fully pursued within the limits of the C-segment body size.

2020 Subaru Ascent: An update in a minor key

With the Subaru Ascent, Volkswagen Atlas, and Kia Telluride recently joining the field, the three-row SUV segment is as competitive as ever, so value is key to attracting buyers. For 2020, Subaru is keeping the Ascent's pricing the same but is adding a few new tricks. Albeit minor tricks, but new tricks nonetheless. The most notable addition to the Ascent range is Rear Seat Reminder. Every 2020 Ascent will come standard with the increasingly common technology, which alerts the driver to check the rear seat for a pup, a child or both. The system operates not by sensors, but on the recognition of specific scenarios. If the SUV is started within 30 minutes of a rear door being opened and closed, it will go off. If the rear doors are opened and closed when the Ascent is running but stationary, it will go off. If the vehicle is turned off and on within 30 minutes and the rear doors stay closed, it will go off. If the Ascent registers any of these conditions, the driver will be notified with a noise and a warning message once the vehicle is turned off. Subaru offers the Ascent in four different trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited and Touring. For the 2020 model year, Premium, Limited and Touring trims will come equipped with "one-touch interior illumination on/off controls." The Touring trim also adds new power-folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Despite the minor upgrades, Subaru is maintaining the same pricing for the 2020 Ascent as the 2019 model. The Base trim starts at $33,005, the Premium trim starts at $35,405, the Limited trim starts at $40,355, and the loaded Touring trim starts at $46,055. As mentioned in our review, the Subaru Ascent is a solid, though not the best, option in the three-row game. It's offered in seven- or eight-passenger configurations, has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, is rated to tow 5,000 pounds, comes standard with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive, and is powered by a 260-horsepower turbocharged Boxer engine that makes 277 pound-feet of torque. The 2020 update makes it a tiny bit better.

Subaru mulls motorsports return, nixes small CUV plans

The Subaru WRX STI breaking the automotive lap record at the Isle of Man might be just the beginning of the headlines trumpeting a Subaru racecar. According to the latest rumors, the Japanese brand is looking at taking motorsports more seriously in the future. That could possibly even mean endurance racing at Le Mans.
According to Auto Express, the brand is mulling a greater participation in motorsport, but the big question is where. The World Rally Championship isn't a certainty because it now favors smaller cars like the Volkswagen Polo. Subaru still competes in series like Rally America and Global Rallycross, but there are bigger stages to play on.
What's interesting, is that this commitment to motorsports comes right as the automaker is denying plans to build a small CUV for its passenger car lineup. According to Auto Express, the company has no intention of developing a crossover smaller than the current XV Crosstrek. Even if the sales are there, it would just cost too much to develop. In the US, at least, the XV is doing great with sales up 42 percent in July.