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11/10/2007 03:01 PM - (SA) Subaru Tribeca - different to most MPV's 121007
I recently had the Tribeca for a ten day evaluation period and this allowed me to get a better idea of the vehicles capabilities. The styling of the Tribeca is very different to most MPV's on our roads, with the Subaru corporate nose, through to the unusual rear end treatment it is very distinguishable from similar vehicles. Standing on a stiffer and torsionally more rigid Outback platform the Tribeca is higher and wider and offers a fair degree of off road as well as good on road capability. The waist line of the Tribeca runs from the front fender to the tail and serves a dual purpose, apart from adding a stylish look I found that on wet muddy roads that it also deflects the muck away from the rear side windows. The interior as reported previously is radical, with a stunning double arc dash board assembly that cossets driver and front seat passenger. All controls are easily accessible on the centre consul and easy to use. The driver and front passenger seats are electrically adjustable, with the driver's seat having a dual memory capability, both seats are heated. The steering column is adjustable for both height and reach. As with all products from the Subaru stable safety is of prime consideration, air bags and traction control along with the symmetrical all wheel drive system ensure that you are protected in all eventualities. Comfort levels are high, seating being well supported, and the atmosphere controlled by a very efficient dual zone climate control, a sound system with CD changer, electric sun roof and cruise control allow very pleasant cruising conditions. On the road the Tribeca is very smooth, the three litre six cylinder Boxer engine produces 180 kW at 6 600 rpm and 297 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm, coupled to a five speed automatic transmission with three operation modes, will meet any demands. The transmission allows you to select a normal full automatic mode or a "sport mode" where gear changes are quicker and allow more power to be delivered. The transmission is also "intelligent" and learns from your driving style. On the launch I struggled with the transmission and felt that it never seemed to make its mind up as to what gear it should be in, constantly changing up and down, but on the long term test vehicle that gearbox certainly did learn. Within a short period of time the box was totally adapted to my driving style and performed faultlessly. The chassis dynamics were excellent, road holding was very good and body roll, something suffered by a lot of MPV's, almost totally absent, in fact the Tribeca's handling is better than a lot of sedans of today. Braking was also very good, the big discs all round bringing the almost two tons of vehicle to a very rapid halt when called on. Fuel consumption is a factor one has to consider today, with crude oil prices in an ever rising spiral. Subaru claim 12.4 litres per 100 kms, and try as I could, I never managed to get it below 12.9 litres per 100, still a respectable figure for a vehicle of this size and type. Classified as a seven seater, I prefer the term five plus two, the Tribeca luggage bay is relatively small, but let's face it how many seven seaters do offer large suitcase capability, but drop the last row of seats and the remaining five passengers will be able to carry everything required for that extended holiday. Overall the Subaru Tribeca is a well engineered and very well finished option in the MPV market and priced at R459 000 including a three year 63 000 km maintenance plan and a three year 100 000 km warranty the Tribeca is excellent value in this segment of the market.
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