Subaru Tribecca SUV- Sales Increase

It has been a tough year for Japanese automakers following the tsunami in March but Subaru, the maker of a number of SUVs and 7-seaters, said it has seen a big increase in sales in the world’s biggest car market, the US. This success has been a long time coming as the automaker has previously struggled in America’s competitive big car market.

Tribeca - Sales Increase

The Tribeca saw an increase of nearly 13 per cent in sales volumes in 2011 in the US, albeit only 2,791 vehicles were sold. But this still represents significant progress for Subaru for a vehicle that is a sleek option in the crossover SUV market, particularly the latest version which underwent a major facelift in 2007.

Subaru Tribeca interior pictured above.

Subaru Tribeca - Performance

The Tribeca offers a very capable 3.6-litre engine that generates 256 break horsepower, which is a more powerful improvement on the original 3-litre engine it came with following its 2005 launch. Despite the upgrade, Subaru claims a 10 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency. This compares well with other 7-seaters in the same segment of the market. In terms of four-wheel drive, it is the only vehicle in its class that comes with all-wheel drive as standard.

Subaru Tribeca - Appearance

Look-wise, the Tribeca is an attractive machine. The latest version has been modified with more rounded tail lamps and a reshaped rearmost window, meaning it manages to stay sleek despite packing in a sizeable bulk.

Subaru Tribeca – Trim Levels

It comes in two distinct trim levels, the Standard and the Limited. The latter version adds a sunroof, roof rails, a leather interior and a six-disk CD changer. The other difference with the Limited version is a multifunction screen that displays the audio set-up, navigation information, outside temperature and maintenance intervals. Plus on the third row there’s a video input for the DVD entertainment system.

Subaru Tribeca – Boot Space

Given it’s a crossover, the amount of Boot space is impressive. The Tribeca can pack in 2.11 cubic metres of whatever needs to be thrown in the back, with both the second and the third rows of seats able to fold down. With the back row folded, there is still more than a cubic metre of space available.

Subaru Tribeca – Safety

It’s a safe vehicle too, although it doesn’t do anything ground-breaking compared to the likes of the Volvo 7-seaters out there, with six air bags as standard. There are two in the front, two side-impact air bags and curtain airbags on the side that come down between side doors for the front and second row.

Subaru Tribeca – Reasonable Price

The Tribeca is a good all-rounder that comes in at a reasonable price for the amount of kit and the sleek styling on offer. So why hasn’t it done better? Well, Subaru has confined sales of the vehicle to North America, which remains competitive in this segment, and it’s only in a handful of other markets including South America and parts of East Asia.

Subaru Tribeca MPV pictured above.

Subaru Tribeca – US only

To get one in Europe means you need to import, an impractical option. To get the numbers up even more then, Subaru needs to get the Tribeca into showrooms in the UK and the rest of Europe, but with no plans in the making, UK auto buyers shouldn't hold their breath.