MIMS: EXIGA for Oz

Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior took the wraps of the EXIGA wagon at today's Melbourne International Motor Show, and confirmed the new car will be in local showrooms by November.

The six-seater wagon is aimed at families with the likes of Honda's Odyssey peoplemover squarely in its sights. Australia is the first market outside Japan to receive the car.

Senior says the EXIGA represents the future direction of the company.

"This will be very much a next-generation Subaru vehicle and will, of course, focus on the safety, engineering integrity, durability and innovation for which we are renowned," Senior says.

Power will come from the company's 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine and will be paired with an automatic gearbox as standard; most likely the five-speed unit. Seating is via three rows of two seats. The middle row features a large centre console for storage while the rear seats will fold down in a similar way to the Tribeca SUV.

For more technical details on the EXIGA click here.

While the engine and gearbox options are expected to be kept simple Senior indicates the cars will be well equipped in the cabin.

"The entry level EXIGA will include a DVD entertainment system as standard for second and third row seats," he says.

While the car on display at the show is a Japanese market example, Subaru has said it will reveal full details of local specification and pricing closer to the EXIGA's launch in November.

Also read our 2009 Melbourne motor show overview