Subdriven | The Subaru Enthuisast Website

A recent string of events had me thinking about the possibility of a Subaru minivan for the United States. You’ll recall I like the Tribeca, but what about something a tad smaller and more affordable, with sliding doors?

More fuel efficient, too, with gas prices at record levels. Our Tribeca managed 20.4mpg, and that’s with a steady diet of Amoco Ultimate. What about something reasonably sized, with a peppy 4 banger that sips the regular stuff?

Nissan Axxess, you might respond, instinctively. Fair enough, that ugly-duckling bombed quicker than a WRX STI reaches highway speeds.

But I’ll see your bid, and raise you one Mazda5, which has had no trouble selling so far. There’s a handsome, small people mover that has demand outstripping supply. They underestimated the market for this type of vehicle, not to mention the segment is being vacated by minivans that continue to grow bigger and bigger.

So yes, I’d like to see a minivan, emphasis on the “mini” part. Keep it well under two tons.

Those in the know might point out they already have one, the Subaru Traviq, a rebadged Opel Zafira that is sold in Japan. I say close, but no cigar. The Traviq has no sliding doors, a transverse mounted engine, and no AWD option. It doesn’t meet our definition of a true Subaru. Or a van, for that matter, with its 4 conventional doors.

We knew that Subaru was working on a replacement for the Traviq, and that they were considering doing it in-house this time. Boxer engine. AWD. Laid out longitudinally. I was salivating at the thought.

Salivating over a minivan? Yeah, I know, I’m strange that way.

Then comes great news from Automotive News, not only will there be a van, but it will be global, including a model for the USA! Priced below the B9 Tribeca, a tad smaller, but still based on the Legacy (earlier rumors had it based on the smaller Impreza platform). Boxer engine, AWD, a true Subaru van that is roomy and affordable? Too good to be true?

Indeed.

SoA burst the bubble, with an internal memo that talked about changed plans the fact that a minivan is not part of those plans.

My response: why not?

Subaru is the only Asian manufacturer that comes to mind that offers no 3-row vehicle for less than $30,000. Even Suzuki has one. Many have two. Toyota actually has a whopping four alternatives – Highlander, 4Runner, Sienna, and even the new RAV4 will offer the option.

Subaru has a loyal buyer base, but those with more than 2.3 kids (I believe that .3 refers to the family pet, by the way), that can’t afford a B9 Tribeca are being left out in the cold. They are forgetting the very core buyer that made them successful in the first place.


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