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Subaru VIZIV 2 concept.Tom Maloney/The Globe and Mail

Subaru VIZIV 2

What is it?

A concept crossover utility hybrid, representing the auto maker's vision of its future vehicles. The four-door, following the two-door previously revealed, is billed as seating four adults comfortably on a long road trip.

Signature feature

Subaru, the car embraced by skiers and boarders, is all about "safety and security" and the body of this concept vehicle is designed to express "rigidity and density". The athletic, rugged shape of the sides seem designed in the image of a muscular NHL defenceman, and the fenders flare in a sturdy style. In front, the hexagonal grille complements headlights that are meant to "evoke images of the Boxer engine within." The hexagonal shape is carried to the rear of the car where strong, flared fenders envelope combination lamps, again to express stability.

What else is new?

Stereo cameras detect emerging traffic conditions and combine with 360-degree sensing to enable autonomous driving.

Under the hood

Plug-in hybrid with a 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged DIT engine. The continuously variable transmission meshes with one front motor and two rear motors, the latter powering the all-wheel drive system that adjusts to road conditions. Battery placement lowers the centre of gravity and intensifies handling with weight balance.

When can we buy it?

No word on when concept transforms to reality, nor cost.

Cool quotient

3.5 stars (out of five)

Subaru's loyal consumers are lusting already.

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