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Hierdie is nie ‘n Bybelse storie met ‘n snaakse nadraai nie; dis ‘n doodgewone mouterstorie. Dit kom uit die dae toe motors in Duitsland nog buitengewone name gehad het en die berg Fuji in Japan ook die naam geword het van ‘n maatskappy wat skepe, vliegtuie en later motors begin maak het.
What you need to know: The artist previously known as Impreza Sedan WRX is now just the WRX, thanks to Subaru’s culling of the hatchback version. Heavily infused with World Rally genes, this car has a turbo-charged flat-four (Boxer) petrol engine which sends up to 197kW or 350Nm to all four wheels.
I am somewhat cynical about driving supposed ‘crossover’ SUV-type cars. Too often, I have been left feeling somewhat deflated as far as their performance is concerned, especially once you leave the tar. So it was with little enthusiasm that I received the keys to Subaru’s XV to try it out. Happily, a few surprises lay in store for me.
Once or twice a week my computer pings at me and announces the imminent arrival of a new test car. Should the electronic reminder include the word “Toyota”, my heart usually sinks in expectation of drab plastics, blunt sheet metal and, with the FJ-flavoured exception, a week of lacklustre driving.
Welcome to Galimoto’s experimental format of reviewing cars, a shortened and sweetened version of our regular reports, embellished with a small side shot of specifications. The honours of being subjected to this new formula first go to the 2011 Subaru Forester 2.5 XS.
I’m assuming that some of you have just returned from a long, hot and tiresome holiday trip ready to trade in the spouse’s ageing wheels. In your absence, most dealerships have steam-cleaned the driveway, topped up the coffee machine and are waiting (some, anxiously) for your visit.
What wonderfully changing weather we’ve had recently, hopefully spring will grace us with an extended presence before the agony of summer sets in. Yes, you may safely assume that I dislike summer and yes, you may safely assume that I am waffling severely.
“Do you fancy testing a Subaru?” asks our senior journalist at the weekly meeting. Be honest now, what would you have answered? I thought so; and minutes later I was strapped in behind the steering wheel of the latest Subaru Forester, a 2.5 XT model.