The brushed aluminum-trimmed center console that divides the cockpit sweeps up into a "Y" -- incorporating the dash, which wraps around and continues the arc into the upper door panels on either side. While dramatic and stylish, the dash also provides easy, intuitive operation. Recessed twin pod gauges displaying fuel and temperature flank the centre cluster and are backlit and easily read.
Crisp and clean, the multi-coloured nighttime display is quite attractive. A centre-mounted information display includes a trip computer that calculates fuel consumption -- a handy device since it's a thirsty beast (average fuel consumption: 13.3 L/100 km city, 9.5 L/100 km highway). Cupholders and footwells are subtly lit at night by ambient lighting. Overall, the interior is pleasing to the eye, sophisticated with good quality materials used throughout.
The Tribeca is based on the Legacy platform that's been increased 3 inches to accomodate an optional third row of seats. And, although based on the Legacy drivetrain, the Tribeca is a 4,200-lb SUV, measuring more than 15.5 feet long and 5.5 feet tall and capable of towing up to 1,590 kilograms (3,500 lbs).
Swapping the Legacy's rear suspension setup for an all-new double-wishbone layout unique to this model increases the rear cargo area.
Under the hood is the same 250-horsepower, 3.0-litre transverse boxer six-cylinder engine that powers the Outback. It's matched to a five-speed automatic transmission with clutchless manual mode. Subaru's AWD and Variable Torque Distribution system which continually adjusts power distribution and, depending on road conditions, can send up to 55 percent of power to the rear wheels, and there's 8.4 inches of ground clearance.
A wide stance and low centre of gravity made it feel fairly planted on curvy roads. Springs, shocks and stabilizer bars have been revised this year for an even smoother, quieter ride. The ride is confident, firm rather than soft -- and with minimal body roll thanks to thick stabilizer bars fore and aft. The tiller is the same three-spoke sport steering wheel found in other 'Subies'
Visibility during city driving is excellent thanks to large, well-situated mirrors. On both sides of its snout (there it is again) are projector beam headlamps which provided really good nighttime driving visibility.
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| The Tribeca's cabin is quite attractive. |
Crisp and clean, the multi-coloured nighttime display is quite attractive. A centre-mounted information display includes a trip computer that calculates fuel consumption -- a handy device since it's a thirsty beast (average fuel consumption: 13.3 L/100 km city, 9.5 L/100 km highway). Cupholders and footwells are subtly lit at night by ambient lighting. Overall, the interior is pleasing to the eye, sophisticated with good quality materials used throughout.
The Tribeca is based on the Legacy platform that's been increased 3 inches to accomodate an optional third row of seats. And, although based on the Legacy drivetrain, the Tribeca is a 4,200-lb SUV, measuring more than 15.5 feet long and 5.5 feet tall and capable of towing up to 1,590 kilograms (3,500 lbs).
Swapping the Legacy's rear suspension setup for an all-new double-wishbone layout unique to this model increases the rear cargo area.
Under the hood is the same 250-horsepower, 3.0-litre transverse boxer six-cylinder engine that powers the Outback. It's matched to a five-speed automatic transmission with clutchless manual mode. Subaru's AWD and Variable Torque Distribution system which continually adjusts power distribution and, depending on road conditions, can send up to 55 percent of power to the rear wheels, and there's 8.4 inches of ground clearance.
A wide stance and low centre of gravity made it feel fairly planted on curvy roads. Springs, shocks and stabilizer bars have been revised this year for an even smoother, quieter ride. The ride is confident, firm rather than soft -- and with minimal body roll thanks to thick stabilizer bars fore and aft. The tiller is the same three-spoke sport steering wheel found in other 'Subies'
Visibility during city driving is excellent thanks to large, well-situated mirrors. On both sides of its snout (there it is again) are projector beam headlamps which provided really good nighttime driving visibility.
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| The 250-hp 3.0L transverse boxer six-cylinder engine is the same that powers the Outback. |