LA MOTOR SHOW: Seven-seat Subaru VIZIV-7 Concept

Subaru has unveiled the VIZIV-7 SUV Concept at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show overnight, previewing a full-size seven-seat SUV that will go on sale in the US from early 2018.

Billed as the largest vehicle it has ever produced, Subaru says the concept heralds “the size direction” of the production version to be built in Indiana in a little over 12 months.

Subaru of America president Thomas Doll told motoring.com.au at LA that two concepts will be revealed before then, and that the name of the Japanese car-maker's new flagship had been decided, but it won't be Tribeca.

That's the name of the last seven-seat Subaru SUV sold in Australia, in 2014.

However, executive vice-president of Subaru globally Takeshi Tachimori said the new SUV, which is based on the new Impreza's modular platform and "ready for electrification", will initially only be produced in left-hand drive.

"We have no idea if it is going to be built in right-hand drive for the Australian market," said Tachimori.

"You must understand we do 600,000 units in the USA plus another 50,000 units in Canada, while in Australia it's just 50,000 annually.

"So developing right-hand drive ... we are not sure if it is viable. There are no immediate plans for right-hand drive."

Named to combine “vision and innovation”, the Subaru says the VIZIV-7 “embodies the future vision for car development enjoyment and peace of mind”.

While we’re not sure what that means exactly, we do know the stylish seven-seater will challenge the likes of Mazda CX-9, Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander (Kluger) in the US.

The VIZIV-7 SUV Concept measures 5200mm in length – around 125mm longer than the CX-9 – and is 2030mm wide (or 61mm wider than Mazda’s seven-seater).

It’s 1860mm high and rides on a 2990mm wheelbase. It offers three rows of seats, and sports Subaru's 'DYNAMIC x SOLID' design philosophy which we’re certain to see more of on SUV models including the Forester and Outback.

It’s expected the VIZIV-7 will feature Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, and offer both four- and six-cylinder Boxer engines familiar to the Liberty and Outback range.

“The concept expresses our core brand values, safety, dependability, capability for outdoor activities and a forward looking attitude,” said Tachimori in a press release.

"We know customers in this segment want a full-sized vehicle and the next three-row from Subaru will be the biggest Subaru vehicle ever.”