Subaru launches Tribeca

Almost two years after it first appeared on our computer screens, Subaru has officially launched its first large SUV, the Tribeca Down Under. Already on sale in the USA since late 2005, the Tribeca will be offered in two versions locally in both five and seven-seat variants.

Priced between $53,990 for the Tribeca 3.0R five-seater and $60,990 for the 3.0R Premium (see bottom for range pricing), the all-wheel drive five-door wagon is powered by a  3.0-litre 180kW/297Nm version of Subaru’s horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ six. The engine is also used in the Liberty and Outback 3.0 models. Auto is the only transmission choice – a five-speed with Subaru’s Sportshift sequential shift option.

The Tribeca’s six features Subaru’s Active Valve Control System (AVCS) and Variable Valve Lift which Subaru says ensures optimum power and torque output, complemented by low exhaust emissions and improved fuel consumption. The Tribeca can run on E10 fuel and uses 12.4lt/100km.

Subaru says the vehicle has undergone substantial local testing to optimize it for local conditions. Tribeca joins Liberty, Outback and Forester in scoring a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

A full complement of safety and driver aides is included in the Tribeca’s standard equipment listing.  Curtain airbags, rear view camera, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and satellite navigation are standard fit on all models with the Premium five and seven-seaters adding  a DVD entertainment system, electric sunroof, leather trim and heated front seats to the offer.

The Tribeca has a maximum braked towing capacity of 2000kg -- the first time this rating has been achieved by a Subaru.

The cabin includes a sliding second row of seating and a unique wrap around dash and front ‘cockpit’ treatment.

As bold as it is, the interior is not likely to attract as much attention as the ‘challenging’ front-end styling, however.

The first all-new Subaru since the Forester in 1997, the Tribeca is aimed at customers aged 39-45 years with growing families says the company.

Subaru Australia anticipates 150 Tribeca sales per month, divided 30 per cent for the five-seat model and 70 per cent for the seven-seater, and split 50-50 for the Premium and R models.

Commenting on the launch of the new model, Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “This is the latest in a long line of Subarus that have pioneered new markets… Outback was the first cross-over SUV, Forester the first true compact SUV and now Tribeca targets the urban SUV market.

Said Senior: “Tribeca has tremendous flexibility in cabin seating, it’s built to be durable and suits a wide variety of lifestyles, so it’s a natural as a family transporter.

“We believe Tribeca can set an equally strong trend as Forester and Outback by appealing to an audience which hasn’t been entirely satisfied until now.

“Tribeca will also assist in keeping loyal customers with the brand. Until now, some people have reluctantly been forced to leave Subaru when they required something larger than Liberty or Outback.”

According to its launch release Subaru counts the Tribeca's competitors as Nissan Murano, BMW X3, Ford Territory Ghia, Volkswagen Touareg and Volvo's XC70. In the case for the Volvo we'd suggest the XC90 is a fairer opponent.

The Tribeca goes on sale November 25. Subaru says a diesel version will be available in 2008 for the European market and late '08 at the earliest for Australia.

Look out for CarPoint’s launch review of the Subaru Tribeca next week.