Suggestions to SOA: Ref. Future Models

[aaykay]

If the WRX wagon came with a 5EAT and the SI-Drive, I would be in hog-heaven. I would even pay the "limited" surcharge to get it equipped in this manner. I am certain that here in the US of A, such an EAT model will sell very well.

The current WRX version that is eqiupped with a 4EAT and no sportshift, has been crippled by Subaru and they are surprised that it does not sell. The product planner who made that decision, should be sent into early forced retirement with all post-retirement benefits denied.

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[sential]

Originally Posted by chaddeus

if I am a designer for Subaru, I will take a quick look at these kind of websites but will not put heavy emphasis on the comments to the next car that I am designing.

Simply because most people do not understand what it takes to design a car. The difficulty in working with the marketing people, the engineers, the accounting department etc... People say they want this and that. Some say if they build a super car, they will buy it. Yah but that super car will only serve to that extremely specific customers who they end up paying maybe $100,000 for a Subaru branded car; which they end up not buying it since its too expensive....

Designers do research everywhere... If they are into cars, and their brand they should be looking everywhere. BUT the designers aren't usually the ones that decide what the brand line-up will be. Usually a director of sorts will be like "hey, I got this great idea, lets make a 4 door sports sedan!" and the designers with a dumbfounded look on their faces will think "uh... everyone and their mother have been designing 4 door sports sedans for the past decade, but okay... I'm just the designer" and viola you end up with another 4 door sports sedan. Designers are the ones that always want to do new, crazy stuff, but people in charge, tone it down and dumb it down and water it down until it's bland enough and cheap enough for everyone. What usually happens with a lot of brands is it gets to a point where no one really likes it, but no one really hates it. It's kinda like the "beige syndrome." Every damn PC in the 80's and 90's was beige, no one really liked it but no one really hated it. Then Apple came out with red, and blue, and turquoise and orange computers. People loved them or hated them. It's just a different way of thinking. You can make something safe and maybe 5 out of 10 people will choose it. Or you can make something crazy, and love it or hate it, you still get your 5 out of 10.

Anyway, point being, there needs to be a change of thought at subaru towards coupes... Subaru is pretty good about taking chances and they change quite a bit, but they seem damn defiant in staying away from coupes. The people telling the designers what to design need to take chances. Usually you just have to show these people that there are profits available with something new and different (like a coupe). Alot of these people also like to follow and not lead. They like to see that it was a success for another company, then they do the same... But that's also a bad way of doing business, because if you're late on the trend you could miss the bandwagon if market is already oversaturated.

[rsholland]

The new Euro 1.5R model has a 105 HP DOHC H-4 with a 5-speed dual-range tranny. The stroke is the same as the 2.5, but with a much smaller bore. This is the first Subie under-square boxer that I'm aware of. 0-60 is reported at 13.5 seconds. Not sure if it will be offered with an automatic in Europe, but here in the States it should be offered with the 5EAT/sportshift.

It gets 44.1 mpg on Extra Urban Cycle (European rating) which is pretty darn good considering it's AWD. I think this would be very attractive to many old-school Subie owners who have fond memories of Subies from the 1980s and early '90s.

It would also be a quick and easy way for SOA to tap into the 1.5L market, which is "hot" here.

Bob

[darknightohio]

With rumors of a Prius inspired verision of the Impreza, I think Subaru has a good handle on the mpg battle.

[Catsmeow]

Originally Posted by rsholland

The new Euro 1.5R model has a 105 HP DOHC H-4 with a 5-speed dual-range tranny. The stroke is the same as the 2.5, but with a much smaller bore. This is the first Subie under-square boxer that I'm aware of. 0-60 is reported at 13.5 seconds. Not sure if it will be offered with an automatic in Europe, but here in the States it should be offered with the 5EAT/sportshift.

It gets 44.1 mpg on Extra Urban Cycle (European rating) which is pretty darn good considering it's AWD. I think this would be very attractive to many old-school Subie owners who have fond memories of Subies from the 1980s and early '90s.

It would also be a quick and easy way for SOA to tap into the 1.5L market, which is "hot" here.

"Bring over the Impreza 1.5R with the all-new '08 model."
- R.S. Holland

I think this is a geat idea Bob, and I enthusiastically concur! Right off the bat I can think of several family members and friends with whom such an offering would resonate. Of course my small group alone won't nudge FHI/Subaru/SOA in that direction, but I believe there are literally thousands of potential future Subaru owners out there to whom just such a model would be appealing enough to take the ownership plunge. Properly promoted, a USDM spec Impreza 1.5R could attract people to the fold who've never before owned a Subaru and allow long time Subaru enthusiasts whose incomes are relatively modest to remain part of the family. It likely also would attract those who've been thinking Subaru for a while (perhaps a very long while) but held back because they desired a car with even better fuel economy numbers than currently available. If done right, it seems to me the end result would be a win-win situation for everyone involved, all the while expanding Subaru's nameplate recognition in the marketplace and building the number of core base owners who will be repeat buyers down the road.

Though I don't follow what's happening at Volkswagen AG and VW of North America closely enough to be familiar with all their marketing aspirations, I do think VW is planning something akin to what you've suggested for the North American market by releasing a lightly revised, perhaps slightly decontented version of their Golf IV car (the Rabbit's predecessor) at a Scion xA/Yaris-like entry level price point that they hope will appeal to first time new car buyers and those thinking of trying out the VW brand.

\\\=^..^=///

[SoDealer]

Originally Posted by Catsmeow

"Bring over the Impreza 1.5R with the all-new '08 model."
- R.S. Holland

I think this is a geat idea Bob, and I enthusiastically concur! Right off the bat I can think of several family members and friends with whom such an offering would resonate. Of course my small group alone won't nudge FHI/Subaru/SOA in that direction, but I believe there are literally thousands of potential future Subaru owners out there to whom just such a model would be appealing enough to take the ownership plunge. Properly promoted, a USDM spec Impreza 1.5R could attract people to the fold who've never before owned a Subaru and allow long time Subaru enthusiasts whose incomes are relatively modest to remain part of the family. It likely also would attract those who've been thinking Subaru for a while (perhaps a very long while) but held back because they desired a car with even better fuel economy numbers than currently available. If done right, it seems to me the end result would be a win-win situation for everyone involved, all the while expanding Subaru's nameplate recognition in the marketplace and building the number of core base owners who will be repeat buyers down the road.

Though I don't follow what's happening at Volkswagen AG and VW of North America closely enough to be familiar with all their marketing aspirations, I do think VW is planning something akin to what you've suggested for the North American market by releasing a lightly revised, perhaps slightly decontented version of their Golf IV car (the Rabbit's predecessor) at a Scion xA/Yaris-like entry level price point that they hope will appeal to first time new car buyers and those thinking of trying out the VW brand.

\\\=^..^=///

my eyes grow tired of reading your daily theses... anywho... that engine would need to go in a much smaller & lighter vehicle. a 1.5r would not be fit for US Soil. Fuji will need to make a vehicle that's inbetween the Impreza and the Stella in size.

[rsholland]

Originally Posted by Catsmeow

"Bring over the Impreza 1.5R with the all-new '08 model."
- R.S. Holland

I think this is a geat idea Bob, and I enthusiastically concur! Right off the bat I can think of several family members and friends with whom such an offering would resonate. Of course my small group alone won't nudge FHI/Subaru/SOA in that direction, but I believe there are literally thousands of potential future Subaru owners out there to whom just such a model would be appealing enough to take the ownership plunge. Properly promoted, a USDM spec Impreza 1.5R could attract people to the fold who've never before owned a Subaru and allow long time Subaru enthusiasts whose incomes are relatively modest to remain part of the family. It likely also would attract those who've been thinking Subaru for a while (perhaps a very long while) but held back because they desired a car with even better fuel economy numbers than currently available. If done right, it seems to me the end result would be a win-win situation for everyone involved, all the while expanding Subaru's nameplate recognition in the marketplace and building the number of core base owners who will be repeat buyers down the road.

Though I don't follow what's happening at Volkswagen AG and VW of North America closely enough to be familiar with all their marketing aspirations, I do think VW is planning something akin to what you've suggested for the North American market by releasing a lightly revised, perhaps slightly decontented version of their Golf IV car (the Rabbit's predecessor) at a Scion xA/Yaris-like entry level price point that they hope will appeal to first time new car buyers and those thinking of trying out the VW brand.

\\\=^..^=///

They could "package" it differently, and perhaps resurrect the "Brighton" name? I think to sell it as a bare-bones "striper" model would be a mistake. If they could find a way to make it special and attractive, that would be my recommendation.

Bob

[BigElm]

Originally Posted by SoDealer

my eyes grow tired of reading your daily theses...

I can only remember another person on this board who was like that... so analytically detailed

But hey, how about those suggestions to SOA..?!

[HB_Dad]

Originally Posted by darknightohio

With rumors of a Prius inspired verision of the Impreza, I think Subaru has a good handle on the mpg battle.

Egad! Don't say that! Prius is one of the ugliest cars EVER!!!

[rsholland]

Originally Posted by SoDealer

that engine would need to go in a much smaller & lighter vehicle. a 1.5r would not be fit for US Soil. Fuji will need to make a vehicle that's inbetween the Impreza and the Stella in size.

In a perfect world, yes, I agree with you. The problem is Subaru doesn't have that Fit-sized vehicle it so desperately needs. And from what I've read they're still debating as to whether it will be a re-badged Toyota or a "real" (meaning all new and 100%) Subaru. Regardless of which way they go, it will take time to get a new product to market; granted the re-badged Toyota could be done much quicker than the "pure" Subie version.

So in the interim, offering a 1.5L Impreza could at least get them in the market here, and they could do it with minimal investment costs—and do it quickly.

Bob

[BOY]

Originally Posted by rsholland

In a perfect world, yes, I agree with you. The problem is Subaru doesn't have that Fit-sized vehicle it so desperately needs. And from what I've read they're still debating as to whether it will be a re-badged Toyota or a "real" (meaning all new and 100%) Subaru. Regardless of which way they go, it will take time to get a new product to market; granted the re-badged Toyota could be done much quicker than the "pure" Subie version.

So in the interim, offering a 1.5L Impreza could at least get them in the market here, and they could do it with minimal investment costs—and do it quickly.

Bob

Forget the 1.5R, give us a 2.0R-2.2R that gets 35-40 rather than 40+ MPG and can get out of its own way.

[qtr_wrx]

Originally Posted by BOY

Forget the 1.5R, give us a 2.0R-2.2R that gets 35-40 rather than 40+ MPG and can get out of its own way.

well, here in my country we do have those 2.0R, and as I remeber they are rated at ~180 hp ..... (( I've got the old version Na ej20 in my 04 impreza which is rated at 120 hp ))
here are some pictures for my friend 2.0R impreza









*FIXED*

[Catsmeow]

Originally Posted by qtr_wrx

Well, here in my country we do have (a) 2.0R, and as I remeber they are rated at ~180 hp .....
Here('s a) pictures (of) my friend's 2.0R Impreza:

Qtr_wrx,
Many thanks for taking time to share this info about 2.0R Impreza model availability in Kuwait and for posting photos of your friend's 2.0R.
Are you perchance familiar with its performance specifications including fuel consumption figures? TIA my friend ...

[mpaone]

So I see from the pics above that even the lower Imprezas get better seats than our STi... wonderful.

-Mike.

[Catsmeow]

Originally Posted by Catsmeow

"Bring over the Impreza 1.5R with the all-new '08 model."
- R.S. Holland

I think this is a great idea Bob, and I enthusiastically concur!

Though I don't follow what's happening at Volkswagen AG and VW of North America closely enough to be familiar with all their marketing aspirations, I do think VW is planning something akin to what you've suggested for the North American market by releasing a lightly revised, perhaps slightly decontented version of their Golf IV car (the Rabbit's predecessor) at a Scion xA, Yaris-like entry level price point that they hope will appeal to first time new car buyers and those thinking of trying out the VW brand.
`

I still think this is a great idea Bob ...

Whilst reasonable people may disagree about how to implement such a a strategy, I believe the idea of introducing a basic entry-level Subaru could pay long term dividends for Subaru in North America by increasing nameplate recognition and growing the owner base. Badge engineering a Toyota Yaris into a Subaru as has been suggested for the European market isn't the answer. It must be a real Subaru with authentic Subaru engineering to be successful, and an Impreza 1.5R vehicle or suchlike would do just fine until FHI Subaru has a homegrown sub-Impreza model ready for our market.

As I reported in a previous post, Volkswagen's already moving with the idea and has just introduced revised Golf IV platform vehicles into the Canadian market for the 2007 model year to compete in the growing entry-level segment. Please note that the prices shown below and in the CanadianDriver article are in Canadian Dollars, not U.S. Dollars ($14,900 CAD = $13,326 USD at today's exchange rate).


Preview: 2007 Volkswagen City Golf & City Jetta
September 20, 2006
CanadianDriver - Canada's Online Auto Magazine

They're back! The previous generation Volkswagen Golf hatchback and Jetta sedan have returned for the 2007 model year with new, lower price-tags. Starting at just $14,900, the four-door 2007 City Golf is more than the $3,600 cheaper than the 2006 Golf CL, and more than $6,000 cheaper than new four-door Rabbit. Starting at $16,700, the 2007 City Jetta is more than $8,000 cheaper than the 2005 Jetta and the redesigned 2006 Jetta. Basically compact cars at a subcompact price, the new City Golf and City Jetta will compete with entry-level subcompacts like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit on price, and help fill a gap left by the absence of diesel Rabbits and Jettas in 2007. (Read full article...)

[06_Aspen_STI]

RED STI's

[Silhouette_WRX]

5EAT with SI Drive and Sport Shift for WRX/Limited models.
Stop teasing and give us a Spec C, or at least a TR STi.
Also, please, give us a STi wagon.
Oh, and please, please, please! Please give us a 2Dr Impreza again. (22B, anyone?)

[Ghosthound]

all i would really want is:
6 speed on the wrx and up (even the versa has a 6 speedd!!)
better gas mileage
hid option (if not STANDARD!!)
and those headlight squirters with Hids
better tires.

[leafs fan]

Armrests that are actually high enough for the average person. In other words just give us the damn armrest extension. Also enough with the RS sport and the 2.5i special edition, we only need one RS and for the sake of all the subaru drivers every impreza should come with prodrive springs. Stupid ugly wheel gap.

[sugar]

2008 STI FORESTER

[mpaone]

Originally Posted by sugar

2008 STI FORESTER

It's funny Lisa, I thought of you when I read this and didn't even realize you posted it.

-Mike.

[SUBE555]

Originally Posted by leafs fan

Armrests that are actually high enough for the average person. In other words just give us the damn armrest extension. Also enough with the RS sport and the 2.5i special edition, we only need one RS and for the sake of all the subaru drivers every impreza should come with prodrive springs. Stupid ugly wheel gap.

I for one don't like the armrest extension, so please don't make this standard.

And I would definitely have to say the standard springs on nearly all models aren't very splendid, like the STI 'Pinks' may be more stiff, but better matched to the suspension. The car handles better and still rides better because they are properly designed to work WITH the dampers. Please use better matched suspension components in the future. When the springs are drummed down or so it seems for our market, the really don't turn out softer.

[Mike Wevrick]

Originally Posted by rsholland

The new Euro 1.5R model has a 105 HP DOHC H-4 with a 5-speed dual-range tranny. The stroke is the same as the 2.5, but with a much smaller bore. This is the first Subie under-square boxer that I'm aware of. 0-60 is reported at 13.5 seconds. Not sure if it will be offered with an automatic in Europe, but here in the States it should be offered with the 5EAT/sportshift.

It gets 44.1 mpg on Extra Urban Cycle (European rating) which is pretty darn good considering it's AWD. I think this would be very attractive to many old-school Subie owners who have fond memories of Subies from the 1980s and early '90s.

It would also be a quick and easy way for SOA to tap into the 1.5L market, which is "hot" here.

Bob

The only way a car with such a small engine will sell in North America is if the car is very light and cheap. There is no way to get the weight and price of an Impreza down far enough to be competitive with other 1.5L cars. Even a 2.0 would be pushing it. I rented a 2.0 Impreza in Iceland; it was OK but would not be competitive here.

[Blitzkrieg]

i just want a freaking steering wheel that is dead in the center after a all wheel alignment.

[kevin2.5rs]

Legacy STI






If you build it they will buy it