That air of plausibility continues with the Viziv 2’s new look, which includes production-ready headlamps (as opposed to the Evolution’s blacked-out units) and prominent new round driving lamps that “serve to emphasize the image of an active crossover.” We think it looks pretty handsome sitting on its 20-inch wheels.
Powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged boxer-four with through-the-road all-wheel drive provided by a plug-in three-motor hybrid system (one in the front, two in the back), the Viziv offers a new take on Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, one that allows “fine-tuned control” of each independent wheel. And it’s not just the drivetrain that’s sophisticated – Subaru has fitted the car with an undisclosed measure of autonomous driving technology.
Subaru’s continuing development of the Viziv suggests that it believes there are more ways to skin a small crossover than what it currently offers. Considering that the Japanese independent’s seeming perpetual sales growth has been powered by similar models like the Forester and the XV Crosstrek, we can hardly blame them for investigating the idea.
Mar 4,2014
Tokyo, March 4, 2014 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, unveiled the “SUBARU VIZIV 2 CONCEPT” today at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show.
SUBARU VIZIV 2 CONCEPT
“SUBARU VIZIV 2 CONCEPT” (VIZIV 2) is a future-generation crossover concept that represents the direction of Subaru’s brand value “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind” following the “SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT” (VIZIV) revealed at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and “SUBARU VIZIV EVOLUTION CONCEPT” exhibited at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. “VIZIV” is a coined word inspired by the phrase “Vision for Innovation” to express Subaru’s future vision of innovation and the future direction of the brand. By using the word continuously, Subaru expresses to pursue “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind” as an essential value offered for customers.
The special site on the Subaru Global Site (http://www.subaru-global.com/2014geneva.html) will be updated with information relating to the Geneva International Motor Show. This will include images of the VIZIV 2 as well as a movie of Subaru’s press conference.
■ Main features
A future-generation crossover concept achieves integration of apparently-opposing elements such as “environmental friendliness and driving performance” or “design and utility” at a high level. It offers the brand value “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind” on all road surface conditions, driving environments and usage.
Compared to the VIZIV’s 2-door body, VIZIV 2 employs 4-door body which achieves both utility and sporty cabin. The stylish body was also given a packaging design enabling four adults to ride comfortably even on long road trips.
While emphasizing “dynamism” and “solidity”, the design shares motifs with other Subaru models.
Its hybrid system employs a small displacement turbocharged engine which is popular in many markets. Automated driving technologies are also adopted as important technologies to offer the brand value “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind”.
■ Design
< Exterior >
The solid body represents polished surfaces, rigidity and density, in turn an expression of Subaru’s safety and security.
Representative of the powerful, dynamic motif, the sides pose in a dynamic stance, coupled with strong fenders which flare out as if gushing out from the interior.
Beginning with the hexagonal grille, the front represents the solid feel of the design. Together with headlights which evoke images of the BOXER engine within, large circular lights serve to emphasize the image of an active crossover.
The core hexagonal shape of the body is repeated again in the rear. The rear combination lamps make the rear feel wider, and the strong fenders impress a sense of stability in their stance.
< Interior >
The rugged body framework has been incorporated as part of the design, creating an interior which inspires a dynamic, enjoyable driving experience.
■ Technologies
It is a plug-in hybrid system that consists of the 1.6-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo “DIT” engine, combined with high-torque-compatible Lineartronic (CVT) with one front motor and two rear motors. The components for the hybrid system such as a high voltage battery are installed while maintaining the Subaru’s unique Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel drive) layout. The layout delivers superb driveability based on its low center of gravity and superior weight balance.
“Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD” system which is leading the way to a future generation of Subaru AWD technology has been adopted for the VIZIV 2. Subaru is constantly refining its unique AWD systems according to the development philosophy “Four-wheel management”. “Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD” system provides fine-tuned control of the four wheels to match the travel environment and road surface conditions.
Subaru will illustrate its goal for the future of safety technology with the adoption of an innovative autopilot system.
< Major Specifications >
Overall Length X Width X Height (mm): 4,435 X 1,920 X 1,530
Wheelbase (mm): 2,730
Engine Type: 1.6-litre Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo “DIT” engine
Transmission Type: High-torque-compatible Lineartronic (CVT)
Electric Motor Type: Interior Permanent magnet synchronous motor; Front: 1 motor; Rear: 2 motors
Battery Type: Lithium-ion batteries
AWD System: Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD
Tires: 245/45 ZR20
Seating Capacity: 4
