Japanese all-wheel-drive and boxer engine enthusiasts have bid farewell to the Subaru Tribeca and celebrated the revival of a new star in the Taurus constellation. According to the brand’s marketer, Subaru Ascent will take the vacant spot in the crossover market.
The SUV has a sizable appearance, and experts immediately placed the 5-meter novelty alongside models like Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer. Compared to Tribeca, the Ascent has become spacious and attractive. The only concern is the ground clearance – 220 millimeters for an off-road vehicle seems insufficient.
However, the engine will attract buyers – the manufacturer replaced the traditional 6-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with increased cylinder bore. This engine is used in Subaru WRX and Forester models and promises a minimum of 260 horsepower under the hood for the future owner.
But the “cookies” don’t end there – a reinforced CVT, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive transmission with permanent all-wheel drive, and a trailer mode for towing 2-ton trailers will appeal to Subaru SUV fans. The manufacturer also decided to equip the Ascent with professional rally equipment borrowed from the WRX STI rally model, which can brake the inner front wheel on sharp turns, shifting traction to the outer axle and helping the car enter a turn.
Regarding the interior, designers finally managed to fit 8 passengers into the crossover. The cargo capacity remains unaffected. If the buyer opts for the expensive leather seat version, passenger capacity will decrease by one. Subaru maintains the same level of comfort in the cabin – underfloor storage, armrests, cupholders, charging devices – the vehicle is suitable for long journeys.
In terms of safety, there are no changes – the basic configuration includes 6 airbags inside and one in the driver’s knees. A fully automated system managed by the onboard computer, which even provides some functions to a smartphone linked to the vehicle. Seat heating, cruise control, front and rear cameras, automatic braking, and lane keeping assist are nice features that make the Subaru Ascent attractive to buyers. The multimedia system with a liquid crystal display and sound system promises high-quality audio for the driver on the road.
The release of the new model is scheduled for summer 2018. The Ascent is planned to be assembled at Subaru’s plant in Indiana, where assembly lines for Outback and Impreza are already operational. Sales are expected to start on the first day of summer, but no official statements have been made yet. It is known that the vehicle will be available in the US markets. As for deliveries of Subaru Ascent to Europe and Asia, there is silence.
