|
SUBARU
has always been known for its sporty approach to its
vehicles but the Pleiades recently decided to take on a
more utilitarian approach to its lineup with the
introduction of its new luxury SUV, the Tribeca.
The new
Tribeca is known as an SUV designed for people that
place equal importance on work and play. The exterior is
typical of the company’s branding, as the sleek bodyline
and roof rails, coupled with stylish front and rear
profiles and 18-inch aluminum alloy rims make it
distinct from other vehicles in its class—more station
wagon than SUV in character.
Inside,
the Tribeca has features that rival Teutonic SUVs. The
obvious attraction is the sweeping curves of the
dashboard. Power-assist is standard for the side mirror
folding, the sliding glass sunroof and both front seats,
while independent front and rear air conditioning
provides cool air throughout the cabin without relying
on the front occupants to fiddle with the A/C controls.
In addition, large families will be attracted to the
in-car entertainment (with steering wheel-mounted audio
controls and auxiliary audio jacks for external MP3
players) and the seating layout, which can seat seven
but its third row can only accommodate two kids or a
single adult due to very limited knee room. For cargo
haulers, they will be pleased to know that both rear
rows fold flat and can swallow 37.6 cubic feet (with
second row backrests upright) and 74.4 cubic feet (with
both rear row backrests folded flat).
As with
its other kin in the Subaru stable, a
horizontally-opposed engine (HOE) finds its way in the
engine bay confines, with six cylinders displacing 3,600
cc and producing 254 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The engine
is controlled by a chain-drive system for prolonged
engine longevity and a Dual Active Control System that
controls camshaft timing for quicker power delivery.
Mated to the HOE is a five-speed A/T (with Sportshift
manual mode) and Subaru’s proprietary Symmetrical
All-Wheel Drive that distributes torque evenly,
providing amazing stability for an SUV of its size and
passenger car-like acceleration from rest.
Hauling
passengers and loads is nothing if they can’t be safe
and secure. The Tribeca steps up to the challenge with
four channel antilock braking and electronic brakeforce
distribution to help shed speed. In case a collision is
inevitable, front/front-side/curtain air bags and
load-limiter seatbelts (to reduce blunt force trauma to
the chest) reduce occupants’ injury, along with active
headrests that automatically move forward (should the
rear get the brunt of an impact) to support the
passenger head area and avoid the effects of whiplash.
The new
Subaru Tribeca is the company’s newest venture into the
lugging set, albeit for frequent haulers and/or those
with large families. “The Tribeca is developed for those
who demand more in every aspect of their occupational or
leisurely performance. With its elegant interior and
exterior, along with Subaru’s finely tuned boxer engine
and symmetrical all wheel drive, the Tribeca is sure to
give outstanding driving and riding performance,” said
Motor Image group chief executive Glenn Tan.
Introductory price of the Tribeca is P2.648 million
(P2.733 million with insurance). |
