The B5-TPH concept may be the star of the Subaru stand at the Tokyo show, but its engine, which according to the company is the world’s first hybrid powered boxer engine, is perhaps more important.
The B5-TPH concept may be the star of the Subaru stand at the Tokyo show, but its engine, which according to the company is the world’s first hybrid powered boxer engine, is perhaps more important.
The concept is, by Subaru’s standards, a stylish three-door hatchback housing a new turbo parallel hybrid (TPH) powertrain linked to a 2,0-litre turbocharged boxer engine. The system is likely to produce more than 220 kW while dramatically improving low-down torque. The combination petrol-electric engine will further improve fuel efficiency and reduce harmful CO2 emissions.
Equipped with Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, the B5 “offers a glimpse of a future sport speciality car designed to tackle all types of terrain”. The car will undoubtedly feature Subaru’s revered manoeuvrability and handling characteristics both on and off the road and has a ground clearance of 200 mm to increase its versatility.
Whether this is the next generation Impreza has yet to be confirmed, though Subaru has hinted before that its next sub-compact will probably be a hatchback with some radical styling features. Visually, the three-door concept realistically combines the advantages of a sports wagon with those of an SUV.
The B5’s front end is also an evolution of the current face of Subaru, first seen on the B9 Tribeca and on the new Impreza, which will be launched in South Africa shortly.
The B9 Tribeca MPV is currently only available in left-hand drive, though right-hand drive versions may go into production in 2006. Should this happen, the MPV could be considered for the South African market.
