Subaru brought two concepts to this week’s 2015 Tokyo Motor Show that preview new production models from the firm. We’ve already detailed the Impreza 5-Door concept, which previews the all-new 2017 Impreza compact. Now we have details on the Viziv Future concept, which previews Subaru’s next-generation SUV design language, and in particular the design of the next-generation XV Crosstrek due out for the 2018 model year.
The Viziv Future is actually the third iteration of Subaru’s Viziv (short for “Vision for innovation”) line of SUV concepts, and like the XV Crosstrek it's in the form of a compact SUV. But it’s more than just a preview of the next XV Crosstrek because it also packs a host of technologies destined for Subaru’s future lineup of cars.
One of these is a more advanced version of Subaru’s EyeSight electronic driver aid that enables some autonomous driving, such as on the highway or during parking. The new version combines the advanced front recognition of the current EyeSight system with all-direction radar sensing, meaning the traffic environment around the vehicle and risk from all sides can now be monitored. In addition, highly-accurate GPS and map data are used to pinpoint the vehicle location with high precision.
Another piece of technology is a next-generation hybrid system combining a downsized turbocharged engine with an electric motor in a ‘through-the-road’ hybrid all-wheel-drive setup (the engine powers the front wheels while the electric motor powers the rear pair). This allows a flat floor due to a lack of the conventional propshaft.
In the cabin of the Viziv Future, Subaru is previewing a camera that monitors the driver. There are also new connectivity and telematics features that provide up-to-the-minute information on traffic, weather and other conditions along the route ahead.
For more from the Tokyo Motor Show, head to our dedicated hub.
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