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Subaru Viziv Performance STI Concept has us dreaming of a future WRX STI

Subaru has revealed the Viziv Performance STI Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon, and it's pretty much what you would expect. It's very closely related to the Viziv Performance Concept from the Tokyo Auto Show last year, but it's been given a bevy of flashy STI parts to make it aggressive. Up front, a deep lip spoiler complements a redesigned front bumper that does away with the two outboard air intakes and opens up the center one. According to a Subaru designer, it improves the cooling and aerodynamics. Having the blocked-off intakes on each side with STI logos is also a nice throwback to old Impreza STI models that often had blank panels with the logo over the foglight openings. Around the side are side skirts, and at the back are small extensions to the same diffuser from the earlier Viziv concept. And of course, there's a massive wing at the back. What's interesting is how much of the normal Viziv remains under the STI logos, decals and wings. The fenders look nearly untouched, and the hood scoop is the same size and shape as the standard concept. Even the exhaust, taillights and headlights are all the same. Then again, between the production WRX and WRX STI, the only real visible differences are the rear wing, wheels and front spoiler. And, if the Viziv Performance concepts preview future WRX and STI models, following that model makes sense. Of course the big differences between WRX and STI models are under the skin. Unfortunately, Subaru doesn't reveal a thing about what hypothetical powertrain is under this STI. Maybe we shouldn't be so surprised though, since the company didn't say anything about the regular one either. Only the use of a flat-four and all-wheel drive are certain. For that matter, even the styling isn't truly certain. While we can hope that the next WRX and WRX STI have the muscular look of these concepts, we have reason to be skeptical. But instead of getting cynical and sad, let's just enjoy this for what it is: a cool STI concept. Related Video:

2019 Subaru Ascent pricing announced, starting at $32,970

Pricing for the 2019 Subaru Ascent three-row crossover SUV has been announced. Including destination, the base trim carries an MSRP of $32,970. That's with standard eight-passenger seating, and like every Ascent, a 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer-4, a CVT and all-wheel drive. As a refresher, here are 15 fast facts about the 2019 Ascent. You can also see how it compares to the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Standard equipment on the base Ascent includes 18-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone climate control, EyeSight accident avoidance tech, four USB ports, and Subaru's 6.5-inch Starlink touchscreen that brings with it Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Ascent Premium starts at $35,170 and can be had with either 7- or 8-passenger seating (the latter includes second-row bench seating). It adds blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, privacy glass, heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, a power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, stain-resistant upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear climate controls, and an upgraded 8-inch version of StarLink. Towing capacity is also raised to 5,000 pounds. There are two optional packages available on the Premium that adds some of the upper trim levels' features. View 14 Photos The Ascent Limited starts at $39,970 with either 8- or 7-passenger seating. It adds 20-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, LED foglights, a power liftgate, leather seating, proximity entry and push-button start, second-row sunshades and two additional USB ports. An optional package including a panoramic sunroof, a cargo cover, integrated navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system can be added for $2,950. The top Ascent Touring costs $45,670. It includes the Limited's options plus chrome exterior trim, automatic wipers, unique Java Brown leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, wood trim, ventilated front seats, even more USB ports (up to eight), a Cadillac-like rearview camera mirror and a 180-degree front view camera. The 2019 Subaru Ascent will arrive in dealers this summer. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2020 Subaru Outback Review & Buying Guide | All hail the mighty wagon!

It may not look it, but the 2020 Subaru Outback is a completely redesigned model. Eager to keep its snowball of success rolling, Subaru chose to evolve and refine its popular, genre-bending utility vehicle rather than re-inventing the wheel. The key improvements can be found inside, where swaths of padded simulated leather are pretty much everything, creating an overall environment that's more pleasant for your eyes and fingers. Even the armrests are pleasantly squishier than before. Ultimately, though, the cabin's show-stopper is the massive vertically oriented touchscreen found on most trim levels. Mechanically, the 2020 Outback sees the welcome return of a turbocharged engine upgrade – good news for those living at higher elevations – but the overall driving experience remains familiarly comfortable yet drably uninvolving. The near-constant beeping and flashing of the car's over-eager standard safety nannies will at least keep you awake. The Outback's overall packaging also remains on par, boasting a more spacious and comfortable back seat than compact SUVs can manage along with a cargo area that's basically an unending void for your stuff. And if that's not enough, it has the most useful roof rails in the industry. Basically, if you need your utility vehicle for actual utility, the Outback remains a superior choice. The changes for 2020 just make it a more pleasant place for repeat customers and a more appealing alternative for those otherwise considering SUVs. What's new for 2020? The Outback was completely redesigned for 2020. What's the Outback's interior and in-car technology like? It's all about the screen. Nearly every 2020 Outback comes with a vertically oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen (and even that lone exception comes with a pair of 7-inch units, pictured above right). Its functionality isn't flawless, as the audio controls when using Apple CarPlay are compromised, and the colorful cartoonish graphics have an aftermarket look to them. Still, it's generally easy to use, read and reach. Feature content is excellent as well (see pricing and features section below). Unfortunately, typical for Subaru, stereo sound quality is poor in the standard four- and six-speaker systems. In terms of design, we can't say the new Outback is especially attractive, but at least an influx of better materials elevates the overall ambiance.