New Forester!

[the Teuton]

It looks a lot bigger, about the size of an Outlander for 2009.  It will initially have the same engines as the current model, but it may move up to bigger and better engines and transmissions eventually.  The XT looks to be auto only, though.  Here's brochure shots.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1382044&page=16













I really like it so far.  It's only going to weigh 3200-3400 lbs., too.

[Raghavan]

Don't like the back end too much, but other than that it's great.

[CJ]

It's quite ugly.

[Eye of the Tiger]

At least it's better than the last one - which seemed redundant next to the Legacy wagons.

[TheIntrepid]

In this picture it resembles the new Highlander.

[VetteZ06]

It's quite ugly.

There is nothing about this vehicle that could be described as "quite ugly." Boring, perhaps a bit derivative? Sure. Ugly? Not a chance.

It doesn't look as good as a Vantage, however.

[CJ]

It DOES look like a Hihglander.

[Submariner]

So, 5 seats I assume?

Ugly interior, btw.

[TBR]

It DOES look like a Hihglander.

The front of the Highlander looks very much like the current Forester.

[the Teuton]

The Highlander and the Forester have always looked pretty similar.  That being said, I'd love to pick up an STI model when it comes out, which will apparently get the 6 speed and EJ257 from the current car.

[Secret Chimp]

Looks a lot better than that Exiga concept.

[SVT666]

Is it just me or does that interior look more spartan then an Elise.

[MaxPower]

It keeps getting better with every generation.  The taillights could use some work, but otherwise I like it.

The interior does look spartan, but it's in keeping with the new Impreza's design.

[Raza]

Looks pretty good.  At least it doesn't look like an Impreza.

[MrH]

Why am I the first person to comment on the 3 side mirrors?

[Raza]

Why am I the first person to comment on the 3 side mirrors?

Because it's commonplace on JDM SUVs?

[omicron]

Not bad, not bad. The current model is very handsome, and this one is a touch derivative, but not offensive. That dashboard is ridiculous, however; the current model wins hands-down in this regard.

[USA_Idol]

Another pleasantly generic design from Japan.  Nothing truly ugly...nothing truly stunning.   

[Minpin]

Why do automakers think those ricey tailights look good? It was bad enough when lexus did it with the RX and it's slowly making it's way into other cars. I hate those things!!

[Raza]

Why do automakers think those ricey tailights look good? It was bad enough when lexus did it with the RX and it's slowly making it's way into other cars. I hate those things!!

I'm assuming that Altezzas started on the Altezza.  That could be too simplistic though.

[SVT666]

I'm assuming that Altezzas started on the Altezza.  That could be too simplistic though.

Actually you are 100% correct.

[TheIntrepid]

Why do automakers think those ricey tailights look good? It was bad enough when lexus did it with the RX and it's slowly making it's way into other cars. I hate those things!!

I agree with you for the most part but I think they look good on this one. The new Altima can pass them off too.

[Soup DeVille]

Why am I the first person to comment on the 3 side mirrors?

The steering wheel is also on the wrong side!

[TheIntrepid]

[FordSVT]

It DOES look like a Hihglander.

Reminds me a bit of one of these too, mostly the lights, hood line and the front quarter panels.

[TheIntrepid]

I used to like the Grand Vitara when it came out last year, or the year before. I have grown sick of it very quickly.

[the Teuton]

I used to like the Grand Vitara when it came out last year, or the year before. I have grown sick of it very quickly.

I still like it a lot, but I wish it got a little bit more oomph than what it has.  I wonder when a major mag will do another compact SUV comparo with the CR-V, RAV4, Vue, Forester, etc.

[TheIntrepid]

Should be soon.

[ifcar]

Yes, but everyone seems to have begun to limit themselves to what they decide are the four or five most important cars in the class. The Grand Vitara is unlikely to make it into any major publication's comparison.

[S204STi]

If I had a cabin in the mountains and wanted a small Jeepish vehicle to leave there year-round, I'd think about the Vitara.  It has low range in its T-case, and it's cheap and unlovable enough not to fuss too much about it being stolen or lost in a mud slide.