2009 Tokyo Show: Subaru Exiga 2.0GT Tuned by STI

Given that the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show opened its doors to the members of the press today, Subaru decided it was time to release a fresh batch of photos and further information on its new limited edition version of the Exiga 2.0GT that has been hotted-up by the firm's STI division. The part station-wagon, part MPV, part crossover (forgive us if we forgot something) model can seat up to seven passengers in three rows of seats and is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine with 221HP that's linked to a five-speed automatic transmission.

On the outside, STI dressed-up the Exiga 2.0GT with new aero accessories such as a front lip spoiler and side skirts as well as with 17-inch alloy wheels and sporty exhaust tips.

The people-carrier's interior has been fitted with STI sport seats in a combination of leather and alcantara with contrasting red stitching, carbon fiber trim, an STI-badged steering wheel and gear knob, aluminum pedals and STI gauges on the instrument panel.

STI also applied its expertise on the Exiga 2.0GT's chassis as the car benefits from the usual upgrades to the suspension, brake and steering systems.

Subaru said that the Japanese market-only Exiga 2.0GT STI will be produced in a strictly limited run of 300 units with pricing set at 3,591,000 Yen which comes to about $39,700 US.

Tokyo '09: Subaru Exiga 2.0GT Turbo 7-Seater MPV Tuned by STI

There are very few things one can do to make Subaru's crossover-MPV-station wagon-thingamajig more pleasing to the eye. It's not that it's horrifically ugly or anything, it's just that it's boring to the point of being annoying... Even Subaru's highly praised STI department seems to have had a difficult job in making the seven-passenger Exiga look more interesting. Then again, STI's cosmetic enhancements on the 2.0 GT Turbo model appear to be limited to a front lip spoiler, side skirts, the new alloy wheels and exhaust tips.

The Japanese automaker's Spartan press release notes that that the STI-prepped Exiga 2.0 GT Turbo has also received some minor interior upgrades while the under the skin, the vehicle's chassis has been "fine-tuned" to further improve handling. The 'Exiga Tuned by STI' is scheduled to go on sale in Japan after the Tokyo Motor Show.

Subaru Exiga 7-Seater Minivan Officially Unveiled

The Exiga is Subaru’s proposition in the (Japanese & European) mid-size minivan segment. In typical Subaru style, the Exiga looks more like a station-wagon with a higher roofline rather than a typical MPV. And as with many other products from the Japanese carmaker, the Exiga provides further proof to as why we beleive that Subaru seriously needs to reassess its design language or rather, the total lack of it...

Based on the Impreza’s underpinnings but with an extended wheelbase (2.750 mm) to accommodate seven passengers in three rows of seats, the Exiga measures in at 4,740mm in length, 1,775mm in width and 1,660mm in height.

The Exiga is offered with two powertrain options; a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer unit developing 146Hp / 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 19,5 kgm / 3,200 rpm combined with a 4-speed automatic transmission; and a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer with 221Hp / 5,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 33,2 kgm / 4,400 rpm matted to a 5-speed auto. Both models come with standard symmetrical AWD systems. -Continued

A key feature of the Exiga is the large panoramic glass roof that fully covers area above the second row of seats. Notably, the three rows of seats are laid out at three different heights, like gradually elevated theater seating, placing the first and second rows slightly lower than the third to allow all passengers better outside views.

For the time being, the Exiga is offered solely in the Japanese market with sales starting from today, June 16, 2008.