2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Drives off Lafayette, Indiana Assembly Line

New Crossover SUV Takes Subaru Upmarket

Subaru is changing the face of its lineup, not just visually as seen on the new B9 Tribeca crossover sport utility vehicle, but

Subaru is going upmarket with its new B9 Tribeca. (Photo: Subaru Canada)

it's also taking its cars upmarket, preparing to do battle with the likes of Volvo, Lexus and other European import brands.

The Tribeca, which rolled off of Subaru's Lafayette, Indiana assembly line last week, will go far to change perceptions about the Japanese brand, from a celebrated builder of reliable, conservatively styled cars to one that

This is a very exciting day for the Subaru brand," commented Hiroyuki Oikawa, president and CEO of Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. (Photo: Subaru Canada)

dares to be different.

"This is a very exciting day for the Subaru brand," commented Hiroyuki Oikawa, president and CEO of Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. "The Subaru B9 Tribeca is the latest innovation from Subaru that strengthens an already award-winning product lineup."

The new 7-occupant sport utility is critical to Subaru's new direction, boasting an upscale interior and unique exterior design that shares some styling cues with Europe's Alfa Romeo, in the rear, and no rival automaker up front.