Target Odyssey: Subaru's new Exiga

Subaru has applied the stretching rack to its Liberty wagon to create a challenger for, among others, Honda's Odyssey MPV.

The result is the new Exiga, which made its first appearance as a concept car at the 2007 Tokyo motor show and went on sale in Japan today. The handsome wagon offers seven-seat accommodation on a stretched-wheelbase derivation of the Liberty five-door complete with a new, bolder skin and elongated rear doors that open 90 degrees for easier access to the third-row seats.

The seats are arranged in stadium style so the rearmost passengers don't feel claustrophobic, while, says Subaru, a new double wishbone rear suspension and a resin fuel tank shaped to give a flat rear floor create better all-round interior packaging.

Optional on all but the base model in Japan is a Peugeot-style full-length glass roof.

The Exiga's seating arrangement allows a number of configurations. Both front seats can be folded flat, while both second-row seats can slide 180mm backwards or forwards independently to vary legroom provision. The centre-row seatbacks use a one-hand fold-forward operation to facilitate easy entry into the rearmost seats.

The third-row seatbacks also fold flat to help maximise the cargo area.

The Exiga occupies more space on the road than the current Liberty wagon with its 80mm wheelbase stretch (although the actual body length is only up by 20mm), a massive 190mm height increase and a 45mm bump in width.

In Japan, the choice is between normally aspirated (109kW) and turbo 2.0-litre (165kW) petrol engines, with the latter getting a five-speed Sportshift sequential auto transmission. The normally aspirated engine is fitted as standard with a four-speed sequential Sportshift auto.

Four Exiga models are available: The entry 2.0i, the more upmarket 2.0i-L, the sportier 2.0i-S and the turbo 2.0GT.

Subaru's DC3 stability control is fitted across the board

The Exiga gets new, more supportive and thicker-cushioned seats, and the cargo area has a lower level for concealing small items. Even with this, Subaru says the compact suspension and re-shaped fuel tank allow a decent load height.

Naturally aspirated models get Subaru's Active Torque Split AWD system, while the turbo comes with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD).

The Exiga's full-time all-wheel drive configuration and car-like proportions partially bridge the gap between regular station wagons and SUVs.

Although it has been reported that the Exiga is under consideration for a 2009 release in Australia, Subaru remains wary the seven-seater could cannibalise local sales of its Liberty and Tribeca models. Expect a firm decision on the car's future Down Under later this year.

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