• New All-Wheel Drive Subaru VIZIV-2 concept revealed at Geneva Motor Show
• 1.6-litre Boxer diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain with three electric motors
• Hybrid SI-DRIVE, EyeSight and Eco-Cruise deliver remarkable fuel economy
• Rear wheels powered by independent electric motors

One year after unveiling the original concept, Subaru has today revealed a new version of its two-door, four-seater future technology and design showcase vehicle – the Subaru VIZIV-2 Concept – at the 84^th Geneva International Motor Show.

The VIZIV-2 is a next generation crossover concept inspired by the phrase ‘Vision for Innovation’ and has been created to show how advanced technology can further improve the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Subaru driving experience, while indicating at a possible future design direction for Subaru’s production vehicles.

The 4.4-metre long VIZIV-2 concept has been designed asthe ideal vehicle to support urban families with active lifestyles, powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel ‘DIT’ (Direct-Injection Turbo) Boxer engine, plus three electric motors.

Design

With its large stretched ‘C’ shaped headlamps and prominent round LED fog lights, the VIZIV-2 presents the image of an active crossover with a solid body form, polished surfaces and an impression of rigidity that expresses Subaru’s legendary safety and security.

The core hexagonal shape of the body is present in the front grille and is repeated at the rear where the combination lamps are styled to make the car appear wider. In profile, the powerful flanks pose in a dynamic stance, coupled with robust bumpers that feature Subaru’s characteristic cladding and vectoring lamps to highlight the car’s stability and Subaru’s AWD system. The concept car is finished in Magnetite Silver Metallic.

Inside, VIZIV-2 features a cabin which inspires a dynamic, enjoyable driving experience. The interior space encapsulates function, safety and enjoyment with an authenticity that is uniquely Subaru. Viewed from the driver’s seat, the instrument cluster design stresses drivability and ease-of-use, showing the operating status for EyeSight, Subaru’s advanced driver assistance system, and the vehicle’s multi-directional sensing systems.

Powertrain

Building on more than 40 years’ experience of its hallmark AWD technology, Subaru’s new independent rear motor-driven Symmetrical AWD system developed for VIZIV-2 points to a future generation of Subaru AWD technology.

While the diesel engine and front electric motor power the front wheels, at the rear two independent motors allow the same or different levels of torque to be applied to the left and right rear wheels, depending on driving conditions. A third motor powers the front wheels, with power provided by a lithium-ion battery pack. Completing the plug-in hybrid powertrain, the four-cylinder 1.6-litre DIT diesel engine is coupled with a Lineartronic (CVT) automatic transmission.

Besides helping acceleration and performance in all conditions, this ground-breaking AWD system employs torque vectoring to improve stability and agility – minimising understeer by reducing power to the inside wheel and increasing power to the outside wheel. It ensures ease and confidence on the road and provides a new level of driving enjoyment, while increasing the active safety performance typical of every AWD Subaru model.

This unique system automatically selects the best time to use each power unit according to its strengths and the driving conditions, achieving greater fuel efficiency and maximum stability and safety. The generous torque generated by the diesel engine and the electric motors ensures strong, linear acceleration and responsive performance in the best traditions of a Subaru.

During low-speed or city driving, the front and rear motors supply much of the vehicle’s propulsion, while the diesel engine and high-efficiency Lineartronic take over at higher speeds. The VIZIV-2’s auto start/stop system and its multiple charging methods – engine power generation, regenerative braking and plug-in charging – further improve efficiency.

VIZIV-2 features a new variation of Subaru’s SI-DRIVE driving control system, Hybrid SI-DRIVE, which allows the driver to select different profiles for the engine and transmission. To the original system’s ‘Intelligent’ and ‘Sports’ modes, this adds an ‘Eco-Cruise’ mode which works in conjunction with the EyeSight driver assist system. Travel conditions, monitored by the EyeSight’s stereo camera, are continuously assessed and the data is used to fine-tune the engine and motor outputs in order to reduce fuel consumption and minimise emissions, while ensuring a safe and rewarding driving experience.

 

SUBARU WRX STI MAKES EUROPEAN DEBUT AT GENEVA

• Strong early demand for iconic sports saloon
• Price confirmed at £4,000 lower than previous-generation WRX STI
• Race-ready version of WRX STI also shown

The eagerly awaited Subaru WRX STI sports saloon has made its European debut at the 84^th Geneva International Motor Show, bringing it one step closer to reaching UK showrooms in spring.

Official on sale date in the UK for the new model is May 1.

Early demand for the new WRX STI has been strong with the first allocation of cars already reserved. Subaru UK is advising interested customers to register early if they wish to secure a car for September.

The latest-generation of Subaru’s All-Wheel Drive performance flagship will return to the UK one year after its predecessor was withdrawn from the market. Thanks to changes in currency exchange rates, the new WRX STI is priced at just £28,995.

A significant range of modifications and enhancements has been made to the body, chassis, interior and packaging of the new STI. Sporting an all new exterior, the body and chassis have been significantly stiffened to improve torsional rigidity, while the latest iteration of Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with Active Torque Vectoring allows for maximum control and driver engagement.

The suspension is performance-tuned for a flat but comfortable ride and a great deal of attention of has been given the new hydraulic steering system, which uses a quicker ratio and stiffer steering rack.

Inside, the new WRX STI is a quantum leap over its predecessor. Soft touch materials are used in key areas, new STI dials and carbon-effect and metal trim are employed for a sporty feel and higher quality ambience and there’s a new, smaller-diameter D-shaped steering wheel for better feel.

The new model is more spacious all round too. Rear seat passengers have more leg room due a 25mm increase in wheelbase and there’s also more shoulder and elbow room inside the cabin. Cargo volume in the boot is increased by 40 litres.

Helping drivers to get the best from the STI’s engine, the six-speed manual gearbox has been revised to provide an even shorter, quicker shift between gears. The new WRX STI is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged version of Subaru’s iconic, horizontally-opposed four-cylinder Boxer engine which produces 300PS at 6,000rpm and 407Nm toque at 4,000rpm, delivering keen throttle response and vigorous acceleration.

The race-bred version of the WRX STI, being developed to contest the annual Nürburging 24-Hour Race in June, also appeared on Subaru’s stand at Geneva. This modified version of the showroom car will be seeking its third successive class win at the notoriously demanding race circuit in Germany’s Eifel Mountains.