Spy Shot: 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport caught
Found this image over at
NASIOC. The poster must have found the original over at
VW Vortex.
I knew this model was in the works, as an internal SoA '08 Impreza model chart leaked out perhaps a month or more back. When I first heard the news that the Outback Sport was going to return I had somewhat mixed feelings...
In some ways I was wishing that this model would just die off with the model change, as I just didn't see how this new model would translate well with the previous Outback Sport styling cues. On the other hand, my son has an '06 Outback Sport, and before that he had a '96 Impreza Outback for 10 years. That old '96 was a great car, and his new one is even better—much better.
I've always felt the Impreza Outback Sport is perhaps one of the best kept secrets in the entire automotive world. For a very reasonable price you get a heck of a lot of equipment and a very well built and engineered car. It's a terrific bang for the buck.
Then there's the styling...
Judging by my initial reservations, and now having seen this image, I think my fears may have been justified. The 2-tone color scheme doesn't seem to work here with the much more sophisticated design of the '08 model. It looks "forced," and not natural. I'm sure the high content and great value will again be there. Hopefully it will look better in person. Subarus ALWAYS look better in person than in photos. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
- Permalink | Comments (14)
- Posted by: Bob Holland June 26, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Hatchbacks, Spy Photos, Subaru
The lines dividing the two-tone color scheme seem unnatural.
Also, the Outback Sport was always a wagon. Doing it as a hatchback simply looks wrong.
I don't like it.
I don't mind it being a hatchback. It's the pseudo off-road-inspired 2-tone trim that bothers me. It always has, but in this case it comes off as being rather tacky, much more so than in with past models. It's counter to what this new Impreza is all about.
Would it stop me from buying one? It all depends on the vehicle content. If it still carries a high value for the money of the older models, then, sure I'd still consider it, despite the rather pretentious looks.
If Subaru wants to give this model a sense of adventurous spirit, then raise the suspension, give it slightly larger tires, give it real tire-well flares—and lose the 2-tone.
The Mini Clubman, that I posted above, is much classier looking, and captures that "adventure" spirit far better than does the Outback Sport—even with the low ground clearance.
And a more practical shape, at least for cargo.
Well Subaru won't change the shape just for this one model. They've got the Forester for that. But they could make it much more appealing by just doing what I suggested.
The more I think about it, if they added 17" wheels with 215/55 tires—and did the "exact" same type of black lower body cladding as found on the Mini, it would be a huge improvement.
I like it personally. If you need a wagon, go for the full-size outback which isn't significantly larger but is a wagon base. This is an Outback SPORT so it should be differentiated from the OUTBACK in this manner.
-mike
Other than the great roof rack on this model, it seems like a rather pointless addition to the lineup. The 2 tone looks especially tacky on this model, and I didn't really mind it on the previous editions (monotone is still preferable, though).
Now that you can get nav and a whole host of upscale equipment on the Impreza, this model doesn't really strike me as necessary in the lineup. Now, if it's got a significantly different interior or diesel powertrain (!), then it's got a case for itself. Otherwise, a regular Impreza hatchback seems to make more sense. Time will tell what's in store for this model!
The two-tone color scheme has never worked for me on Impreza Outback Sports and Foresters because of the way the front bumper does not mix in well with the front fenders, headlights, and grille.
It looks like an Outback with an unpainted body kit. Tacky.
17" wheels not needed and not wanted.
Black lower body cladding not needed and not wanted. After a few years black plastic body cladding looks terrible, faded and off color.
Both those items are wanted by me. :)
As to the black cladding, it all depends on the type of plastic that used. That may be true with the matte finish, but not necessarily so with a gloss finish.
What would you hope to achieve with the 17" wheels? Hopefully you seek function.
16" wheels and tires on a vehicle that size offer better ride and handling properties for a car that will be used on public roads and not a track.
I understand the cladding would be entirely cosmetic.
Does the MINI use glossy cladding? I think not.
17" wheels would look better, and with a 215/55-size/section would offer a little more ground clearence. Remember the OBS has always "hinted" at being more off-roadable than other Imprezas. The larger tires would accomplish this.
Whether the Mini offers gloss or matte cladding is not that important. If they used gloss in this application I could live with that. And besides, that's what the Legacy Outback uses, so it would visually link with those models.
The problem with the Outback Sport—and it's alway been a problem—is that it's a vehicle in limbo. It really doesn't stand for anything. It's just there, and is not sure of what it wants to be.
I think they should bite the bullet and make it a more focused vehicle, like the WRX. And by that I don't mean add a turbo, but make it more of an aspirational vehicle, and less of just a so-so "eye candy" piece.
Two tone colour only works on two cars: Mini and Ford GT.
I am not a fan of unpaint black/grey cladding. Seen a used Previa recently? They look like they have fish scales or massive fingerprints.
I shudder to think what the plastic on a 10 or 15-year old Element will degenerate into.
As for the styling, I'm not a fan of the not-a-wagon, not-a-sedan look. Especially here with the long hood and front overhang. It seems out of balance.