Subaru looks to build on sales success

New Ascent three-row crossover to be followed by plug-in hybrid, EV

September 04, 2017 01:00 AM

JACK WALSWORTH

The Subaru Ascent concept previews the production version to debut this fall in Los Angeles.

Subaru of America will turn 50 in 2018 and is setting sales records every month. Subaru hopes to capitalize on its sales successes by rolling out a new vehicle architecture that emerged late last year with the redesigned 2017 Impreza. The Crosstrek joined the Subaru Global Platform this year, and the new Ascent three-row crossover due in spring will be based on a modified version of the platform.

Subaru's lineup, anchored by the Outback and Forester crossovers, will diversify in the coming years with the introduction of a plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle based on the platform's flexible design, which allows for gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric drivetrains.

BRZ: In recent years, Subaru executives in Japan have said the two-door will get a second generation but the timing is unclear. A second generation could appear in 2020. In the meantime, Subaru added a limited-edition tS variant for the 2018 model year, which features the company's STI-branded performance equipment, including a rear carbon fiber spoiler and 18-inch wheels. The BRZ tS also has Cherry Blossom Red accenting around the grille and rear bumper cover.

Impreza: Redesigned for 2017, the compact sedan and five-door are little changed for the 2018 model year, adding standard automatic headlight activation on Premium, Sport and Limited trims, which kicks in when the windshield wipers are on. A freshening is likely in 2020.

Future Product: Mazda timeline

Future Product: Mitsubishi timeline

Future Product: Subaru timeline

PDF: Mazda, Mitsubishi and Subaru Future Products

Future Product Pipeline

The redesigned 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is arriving in stores.

Crosstrek: The redesigned 2018 Crosstrek is starting to arrive at dealerships. Joining the global platform, the subcompact crossover will build on characteristics that made the first generation one of Subaru's most popular offerings: youth-oriented looks, high ground clearance and all-wheel-drive capability. Crosstrek brings in the youngest customers of any Subaru nameplate and is expected to continue as an important sales generator. New for 2018 is an available six-speed transmission, which replaces a five-speed. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across all trims.

WRX/WRX STI: Subaru freshened its performance duo for 2018 with a restyled front fascia, revised suspension and interior improvements. Both are based on the previous Impreza platform. Given Subaru's product cadence, a redesign including a jump to the new platform is unlikely until 2019. Subaru is also adding a special edition variant, the WRX STI Type RA, during the 2018 model year. The RA designation, for "record attempt," is a nod to past Subaru performance models. The limited-run variant adds a cold-air intake and high-flow performance exhaust, bumping up horsepower to an estimated 310. In terms of looks, the Type RA adds a carbon fiber roof panel, a carbon fiber pedestal wing and 19-inch forged alloy wheels.

Subaru's Legacy midsize sedan was freshened for 2018.

Legacy: The midsize sedan was freshened for 2018, including a retouched grille, redesigned headlights, improved handling as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A redesign is likely in 2019.

Forester: The popular compact crossover will follow the Impreza, Crosstrek and Ascent three-row crossover to join the brand's global platform. Spy photos indicate that the Forester will keep the same general shape, including a sloping windshield, large window and a tall roofline. The redesigned Forester will debut in 2018 as a 2019 model.

Outback: The midsize crossover was slightly freshened for 2018, mirroring many of the updates that appeared on the Legacy sedan, including the addition of Apple Car-Play and Android Auto. An Outback redesign is likely in 2019.

Plug-in hybrid: A plug-in hybrid will debut in 2018, though it remains unclear as to which nameplate Subaru will choose for the designation. Given the new platform's design, the likely bets are the Impreza, Crosstrek or Ascent. The Crosstrek Hybrid was discontinued last year after a short life span.

Electric vehicle: Subaru has an all-electric crossover in the works, with a likely arrival of 2021 at the earliest.

Ascent: Subaru will jump back into the three-row crossover segment with the new Ascent. The production version is to debut this fall at the Los Angeles Auto Show and will arrive at dealerships by spring. The Ascent will be based on a modified version of the global platform and powered by a new turbocharged direct-injection boxer engine, though Subaru has been mum on specifics. Consumers will be able to pick between a seven- or eight-seat layout. The Ascent will be built in Lafayette, Ind., and sold only in North America.