2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Drives off Lafayette, Indiana Assembly Line

The Tribeca's distinctive grille is creating controversy, with some in love with its teardrop shape and others totally

As the Tribeca debuted in Detroit last January, its distinctive grille created controversy, with some in love with its teardrop shape and others totally offended. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

offended. Creating something original enough to divide consumer tastes seems to be the order of the day, and an extremely successful formula. Chrysler has done very well with its new 300 sedan, with as many enthusiastic as there are others stirred up to anger, while BMW's famed "flamed surfaces" have caused quite a commotion in recent years yet sell better than any other design language the German brand has ever offered. Audi is following the same pattern, and by doing so causing pandemonium among the brand's faithful supporters.

The B9 Tribeca was introduced last January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and is scheduled to arrive in dealerships across Canada towards the end of May. Subaru plans to produce more than 26,000 Tribecas per year.