WHEN it comes to seating the family, Subaru has more bragging rights than most car makers.
You can have five, six or seven seats - five in the Liberty, seven in the Tribeca and now six in the new Exiga.
- IN A WORD
- MAKE: Subaru
- MODEL: Exiga
- PRICE: from $37,490
- ROAD TEST: JOHN PARRY
Why six? Well, basically, it's because the Exiga is relatively narrow in the body and squeezing three across the middle row would have compromised comfort, flexibility and rear-row access.
Seating is arranged 2-2-2 with a 60-40 split in the sliding middle row and a 50-50 split in the third row.
The layout is fine for six, but it poses a dilemma for families with three children, with No. 3 relegated to one of the rear-row seats, which halves load space.
Each row is tiered theatre-like, which gives clearer forward vision and an unimpaired view of the roof-mounted DVD-TV, a standard fitting that's sure to impress the kids.
Styling is a mix of the old and new Liberty.
It's a boxy, upright shape that looks a little old fashioned compared with the latest Liberty wagon, with which it shares the same wheelbase.
The body is a little shorter and narrower than the Liberty but 125mm taller to provide extra headroom in the second and third tiers.
Power comes from the Liberty's latest 2.5-litre boxer engine driving all wheels through a six-step CVT transmission.
It produces 123kW and 229Nm and is smooth, quiet and refined and delivers respectable performance.
Step-off response and mid-range pick-up are brisk and it cruises at a relaxed 1750rpm at 100km.
The engine is complemented by the chain-driven CVT, which not only offers a broad spread of ratio but has less of the slipping-clutch feel of rival CVTs. Most of the time it is difficult to pick from a conventional automatic.
Fuel economy on the combined cycle is 8.6 litres/100km, a little more than the 60kg lighter Liberty.
Ride and handling are secure for a people mover and is bolstered by all-wheel drive.
The steering is accurate and the brakes confident.
The interior is functional and well equipped but a little dated in its styling.
It also has a foot-operated park brake, but it is not the latest electronic version.
The front seats are comfortable with enough width and length to suit large frames.
So too are the middle seats, which slide and recline individually and are separated by an open console and arm rest.
Mandatory cup holders are plentiful and there are side bins for the rear seats.
Rear seat access is easy for kids but a squeeze for adults on entry and tight on head and leg room. Load space is best for soft bags with the rear seats engaged but generous when folded.
There are two versions.
The entry level 2.5i is $37,490, which is $1000 less than the slightly better specified Liberty wagon, a move necessary to match the sub-$40,000 competition led by the Kia Carnival and undercut the seven-seat Honda Odyssey.
The 2.5i Premium is $41,990, the same as the equivalent Liberty.
The Premium adds leather trim, satellite navigation, reversing camera, Bluetooth compatibility, eight-way power driver and front passenger seats, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
