Geneva show: Subaru’s Viziv vision

SUBARU will provide an insight into its crossover vehicle future when it rips the covers from its Viziv concept at the Geneva motor show next month.

The vehicle, which could be a design study for a next generation seven-seat Exiga or Outback (or both), has been teased in a rendered image showing a close up of the LED headlight cluster and a section of the grille in the familiar Subaru family hexagonal shape.

Subaru says the Viziv name is short for ‘vision for innovation’, and that the vehicle will include new design and technology elements.

However, the Japanese company gives no clues to the size of the vehicle, powertrain or other details.

If the Viziv is a seven-seater, it might replace both the current mid-sized Liberty Exiga and larger Tribeca SUV.

The Tribeca, which managed just 1326 sales in Australia last year, is unlikely to be replaced, with Subaru more likely to look to the Liberty/Outback platform for a seven-seat family carrier to cover both bases.

The current Liberty Exiga was launched as a six-seater in 2009, and received a facelift and seven seats last year.

It is likely to be replaced with an all-new model, along with the Liberty and Outback, within the next two years.

Viziv will appear at the March 5 show alongside the first diesel boxer engine automatic, the Outback Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Until now, all diesels in the Subaru line-up have been equipped with manual transmissions, which limits their appeal in Australia.

The Outback CVT will arrive in Australia in April, just one month after the global debut at the annual Swiss show.

Subaru Australia hopes the vehicle will prove the case for other CVT-equipped diesel SUVs in the range, especially the Forester compact SUV.