Subaru unveils Exiga MPV

This is the new Subaru Exiga people carrier, which uses Impreza underpinnings but gets a stretched wheelbase to accomodate seven seats.The Exiga is Zafira-like contender for Japanese domestic sales, and is aimed at the country's booming minivan market.Subaru sold a rebadged version of the first-generation Zafira in Japan when it was linked with GM but the exercise was not a commercial success. So now it's decided to do its own version and the Subaru Exiga is the result.At 4740 mm long and 1775 mm wide, the Subaru Exiga is closer to the size of a Forester than an Impreza. It also gets a stretched 2750 mm wheelbase to match.Engines are 1994cc flat-fours, either naturally aspirated (146bhp) or turbocharged (222bhp). The 2.0GT Turbo comes with standard symmetrical 4WD and a five-speed auto 'box. Naturally aspirated models have a four-speed auto and either front or four-wheel drive. Another key feature of the Subaru Exiga - its name is a mix of Exciting and Active - is the long, flat 1660mm roofline with optional panoramic roof. Big sunroofs are very much in vogue in Japan at the moment.As it stands, the Exiga is not headed for Europe although some local Subaru distributors have apparently expressed interest. If comes here, it would need Subaru's 2.0-litre diesel and the first shipments would be at least 18 months away.

Peter Nunn