While the Tokyo auto show is often a venue for Japanese automakers to get extra-weird with their concept cars, Subaru’s two show cars amount to a fairly straightforward preview of the next-generation Outback and Impreza hatchback.
The star of the show for Subaru is the Viziv Future Concept—“Viziv” is said to be derived from “Vision for Innovation,” and “Future Concept” is pretty self-explanatory. Draped in some of the most stylish, well-proportioned sheetmetal we’ve seen from Subaru, the Viziv is a two-door, but its design is said to preview the next-generation Outback.
Subaru isn’t detailing the Viziv Future Concept’s powertrain, beyond saying it’s powered by a downsized boxer turbo with a hybrid, which we are interpreting to mean it’s the 1.6-liter turbo married to some version of the hybrid system from the gas-electric XV Crosstrek. A single electric motor mounted on the rear axle does away with the need for a prop shaft and offers a new interpretation of the company’s signature all-wheel-drive platform, saving weight while maximizing fuel economy and minimizing emissions.
The Viziv also gets the latest iteration of the company’s EyeSight technology, which features revised stereo cameras and radar to deliver not only adaptive cruise control and automatic braking, but all-around crash avoidance that also detects bicycles and pedestrians. It also can park the car automatically. Upgraded telematics are said to allow the Viziv to predict traffic congestion and seek out viable detours.
Inside, the Viziv gets a three-tone cream, orange, and black color scheme accented with aluminum trim. The cockpit also features a large central touch screen and digital instruments.
Subaru’s second world premiere at Tokyo will be the Impreza 5-door Concept, of which the company has released two sketches. Incorporating Subaru’s new design language, the Impreza hatchback employs C-shaped headlamps, a sloping greenhouse, and interconnected front and rear fender flares. No powertrain details are forthcoming, but we’ll learn more once the concept makes its in-the-flesh debut later this month.
