Subaru's new compact MPV

[Giannis]

From Autocar.co.uk

Subaru's new compact MPV

Subaru has launched this new compact MPV in Japan, a re-badged version of the recently launched Toyota Verso S.

The Subaru Trezia gets the nose of the Impreza, new trim on the tailgate and Subaru badging. But apart from that it’s styling is identical to that of the five-seat Verso S, known as Ractis in Japan, revealed at the recent Paris motor show.

Buyers will get a choice of 1.3 and 1.5-litre petrol engine and the option of front and all-wheel drive.

Subaru is keen to be able to offer smaller models in Japan, where its sales have been stalling after the government withdrew incentives for new car buyers. It is also keen to lower its fleet CO2 average.

It is the latest model to be launched under the partnership between Toyota and Subaru’s parent firm Fuji Heavy Industries. The two firms are also co-developing the small rear-drive coupé, first seen as the Toyota FT-86 concept at last year’s Tokyo motor show.

Subaru has no plans to bring the Trezia to the UK, however, although this decision is subject to constant review.

 

[martinbo]

[Shudders]

 

[Centurion]

This underscores my previous statements about Subaru looking to up their volumes to high levels, but I never thought that would be achieved using kindergarten rebadging.

 

[martinbo]

^It's not the first time Luw, because of the boxer engine / AWD layout being wholly unsuitable for MPV, compact and micro city runabouts Subaru has on a number of occassions badge engineered partner companies' cars such as the Daihatsu Sirion (Subaru Justy) and Opel Zafira (Traviq). Now Toyota provides the Verso-S as the brand dilution solvent.

 

[Centurion]

So I see, this isn't the first Cygnet Subaru has produced. Japan is off course an ocean of small cars and sourcing 10-12 different model from one platform isn't uncommon, so I suppose there won't be too much angry looks being thrown at this car which is likely to go unnoticed.