► Two Subaru concepts at Tokyo 2015
► Viziv hybrid previews future SUV tech
► Impreza 5dr is our first look at the new hatch
While the 2015 Tokyo show promises to be packed with a healthy quota of pleasingly wacky concept cars (see the Toyota Kikai, Nissan Teatro for Dayz and Suzuki Mighty Deck for details), Subaru will be displaying a pair of altogether more sensible show cars.
Subaru’s bringing two concept cars to Tokyo, one a straightforward SUV study and one a direct preview of the next-gen Impreza.
Subaru Viziv concept
The Viziv (a contraction of ‘Vision for Innovation’, obviously) acts as a showcase for current and near-market telematics and hybrid powertrain tech, and its altogether rather nicely proportioned styling gives us a few clues as to how the next-gen Forester, Outback or any other of Subaru’s various interchangeable 4wd off-roader-ish estate models will look.
It’s powered by a development of the current production hybrid powertrain in the XV Hybrid, using the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the new Levorg. Being a Subaru, it’s four-wheel-drive, but the rear axle is powered purely by the electric motor – there’s no propshaft, allowing for a flat floor and roomier packaging.
As SUVs (and Subarus) go, it’s not such a bad looker, with a vast glass roof and the kind of bracket-shaped LED treatment at the front that’s becoming all the rage (see also the new Renault Megane for details). Ticking the ‘lifestyle’ box in ink, the concept also sports an integrated cycle rack with a brace of futuristic mountain bikes.
Viziv also showcases the latest development of Subaru’s ‘EyeSight’ stereo camera and radar system, which multitasks adaptive cruise control, autonomous parking and automatic emergency braking, able to identify cyclists and pedestrians.
Subaru Impreza 5dr preview concept
The moody sketch in the gallery above is our first look at the next-generation Subaru Impreza, previewed as a five-door hatchback concept at Tokyo 2015. Expect a similar light graphic treatment to the Viziv and moderately sporty cues, with broad wheelarches and intricate vents at the front to excite before the inevitable dilution for production.
Stay tuned for more details soon.
Click here for CAR’s A-Z guide of the new cars at Tokyo 2015.