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Subaru XV concept: Just more wishful thinking?

Subaru has long been criticized as being rather weak-kneed when it comes to styling. That's not entirely true. In recent years they have displayed some really attractive-to-stunning concepts. The last-generation Impreza concept was very attractive, as was the most recent Legacy concept. The WRX concept shown a couple of years ago was a visual knockout, and the same can be said for the most recent Impreza concepts—as well as this new XV (Crosstrek) concept. The problem has been much of the visual excitement of those concepts got lost in the translation from concept to production. So we know that Subaru has great design talent; the concepts have proven that. The problem, as I see it, is those in a position to approve design for production don't seem to understand design. Now I'm sure it's a lot more complicated than just that. It involves marketing folks, engineers, as well as those suits that call the shots at FHI. Many of those in decision-making positions just don't seem to get it. However I do have to say that each succeeding generation of Subaru has got better looking. So slowly (very slowly) they are making progress. The problem is, the competition has gotten better too — much better. Hyundai, Kia, Honda and Mazda have been hitting it out of the park when it comes to styling; all the while Subaru has been hitting solid singles along with a few walks. That said I do have a good feeling about this new XV concept. It really does look close to being production-ready. The proportions are right, there is nothing outrageous or impractical here. There are even small non-roll-down (visually distracting, but absolutely necessary) side windows, which I rarely if ever see on concepts. The proof will be in the pudding when the new Impreza debuts at the New York Auto Show later this month. Fingers crossed.

Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ successor canceled?

Rumors indicate that the Toyota 86 is done for. Japanese Nostalgic Car is quoting Japanese sources as saying Toyota and Subaru have parted ways regarding the 86 and that the current car's replacement is off the table. According to JNC, the Japanese magazine Best Car is readying a report that the 86/BRZ successor has been canceled. JNC also considers the fact that in Japan, there will be a four-cylinder, 197-horsepower version of the new Supra, ready to continue where the 86 will leave the market. Back in 2016 the automaker seemingly confirmed that a replacement for the rear-drive car was under development, but plans can change and with a cheaper Supra version for sale in markets outside the U.S., we have to wonder if the 86 replacement has been shelved. The 86, while balanced, has only received mild enhancements and not a lot of extra power during its near-decade long time on the market, and it isn't such a strong seller that it would necessarily merit the effort of Toyota developing a successor on its own, particularly without the help of a partner like Subaru or BMW. At the same time, Autocar quotes Toyota boss Akio Toyoda on the Supra: "At the end of the day, is there anything better than a tight rear-wheel-drive sports car? I hope this won't be the last Toyota sports car you see from us in the future." While that is far from a solid statement of Toyota's future intent, it paves the way to offerings below the Supra, and shows how much the company boss cares about driver involvement. There is a distinct possibility that the company will re-introduce the MR2 as an electrified, rear-drive sports car – which could still be a joint venture with Subaru, as Japanese Nostalgic Car theorizes. Whatever's in the pipeline – and we hope there is something in the pipeline – it seems Toyota's heart is in the right place: driving the rear wheels. Related Video:

2020 Subaru Crosstrek gains more equipment and a slightly higher price tag

Subaru gave us a brand-new Crosstrek for the 2018 model year, and we liked it. Last year was the year of the plug-in hybrid Crosstrek, and in general, we liked that one too. Those players in the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek lineup remain the same as last year, but Subaru released some notable changes today. The base price goes up collectively by $285 due to a $250 increase in MSRP and $35 increase in the destination charge. That leaves the base Crosstrek with the six-speed manual at $23,155 this year. If you want the automatic it’ll cost you $1,350 more, running the total to $24,505. However, the price increase comes with more equipment added as standard. Automatic transmission models gain the most. If you opt for the CVT, Subaru tacks on its EyeSight driver assistance tech, automatic climate control, auto stop/start, the SI-Drive powertrain management system and door locks that automatically engage when put into drive. If you get the manual, though, everything but the automatic door locks go away. Lame. If you want a more luxurious experience with the three-pedal car, you have to opt for the slightly more expensive Premium trim starting at $24,205. We think itÂ’s worth the extra coin, though. Pricing for the Crosstrek Hybrid only goes up by $185, leaving that carÂ’s base price at $36,155 for 2020. Nothing new is coming to that model for the new year. However, there is one new feature coming to every trim of Crosstrek we havenÂ’t mentioned yet. A rear seat reminder will be standard on all 2020 models, a safety feature Subaru has been adding to some of its other models for the new year. Availability for the 2020 Crosstrek is somewhat vague, as Subaru says theyÂ’ll arrive in dealers “later this year.” WeÂ’ll suggest you watch out for them come late November or December if youÂ’re in the market for a new Crosstrek.