Tribeca one of a kind

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Oct 6, 2006

Byline: By John Connor

Subaru seems to have found a new market segment for its B9 Tribeca, the first seven-seat MPV fitted with full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive and an award-winning interior. John Connor has been driving it

It is unusual for any maker to uncover a new market segment, but Subaru has managed with the launch of its B9 Tribeca.

The seven seat SUV (people carrier to you and I) is the first of its kind fitted with full time symmetrical all wheel drive.

It is also the first to win an award for its trendy wraparound facia. Built in America, the 245PS three-litre petrol engined vehicle, won the award in the States and it does have a facia worthy of comment. The interior is refreshing and a delight to sit in.

There are five or seven seat versions. The seven, even the two in the third row, are large and comfy.

An extensive glass area allows excellent all-round vision and the extra large door mirrors allow the driver superb rear vision.

Named after a fashionable part of New York, the Tribeca can reach 121mph, hit 60mph in 9.3 seconds, and return 29.7mpg.

With the seven seats upright it can swallow 128 litres of luggage ( not much. With the third row folded this rises to a usable 450 litres and with all the seats folded 1,495 litres.

The five-seat model is even more generous and provides 1,671 litres with all the seats folded.

The chassis dynamics offer a smooth ride with the kind of sporty handling Subaru is noted for.

This is all due to the low centre of gravity of the horizontally-opposed three-litre engine, and the all wheel drive which in turn offers 45/55 front to rear power distribution. Sensors ensure this torque is altered in milliseconds via a dynamic control system that operates when a sudden lane change or slippery conditions are detected ( a good safety factor.

The boxer engine is a gutsy unit and is matched to Subaru's five speed automatic gearbox. Complete with Sportshift it allows the driver to change gear manually ( excellent when it comes to rapid driving on twisty hill roads.

As befits any people carrier worth its salt, it also comes with ABS, EBD, front, side and curtain airbags and a rollover sensor.

Tribeca has a top five star rating from the American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for front and side crash protection. It also has a four star rating for its low roll over capability.

I drove the flagship seven seater and irrespective of if it was on crowded town streets, dual carriageways or country lanes, the Tribeca continued to delight, being easy to drive and even easier to park.

According to Subaru it will compete against BMW's X5, the Volvo XC90 and Nissan's Murano.

On sale in November, the models kick off with the five-seat at pounds 28,995. The SE five seater is pounds 31,995 and top of the range seven seater pounds 33,995.

This is a refreshingly different new vehicle. I think it may just about warrant its asking price.