Subaru flexes it's creative muscle

Subaru is well-known for reliability, but creativity? Sure, the talk of an STi Forester is intriguing, perhaps exciting even, but the company doesn't often take chances with expensive prototype constructions. That, of course, all changed when the Subaru Baja reared its somewhat deformed head...

Unleashed to an unsuspecting public in Detroit, at the 2002 Auto Show, the response to the new-look Outback derivative was upbeat. Based on the ST-X concept, revealed in late 1999, Subaru was keen to get a physical mock-up out the door and onto the auto show floors, betting that American drivers will appreciate its versatility and unorthodox looks.

Taking only two years from concept to production, Subaru thinks the American market, at least, is ready for such a cross-over vehicle. It's just what families need, four doors and a tray with many already touting it as the family sedan with a mission.

Essentially a king-cab ute (in Aussie lingo), the Baja's biggest asset is versatility. Part car, part ute, the Baja comes with a fairly small cargo tray with 'switchback' capability. Just another industry buzz word, it means that the rear seats can be folded back to create a much larger tray.

Extending to a maximum of 7.5 feet with a bed extender, the tray becomes quite useful. Subaru is pitching the Baja as something to take the mountain bikes away with, but it would be equally suited to hauling bricks, timber and perhaps even a cultured Red Healer.

With roof racks and a sports/roll bars, accessories are already planned, such as tie down hooks and extras to secure skis, snow/surfboards and kayaks.

Looking directly into the face of the Baja, you'd be mistaken for thinking it was an fancy Outback. It's when you see the Baja from the rear that things start to fall into place. And if the car is as reliable and responsive as the vehicle it was fashioned after, it could well be hit.

The American model will come with a 2.5-litre, horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder mill. Power output edges close to 170 ponies, or about 125kW - more than enough for climbing hills, alpine drives or simply going down the beach. This power is reached at 5600rpm and while the single overhead cam engine can be mated to two different gearboxes, both provide two very different methods of four-wheel drive.

Opting for the more fuel-efficient five-speed manual gearbox, drivers will get the full-time, all-wheel drive treatment, making use of a viscous coupling differential. The more expensive four-speed automatic uses active all-wheel drive (as opposed to continuous), whereby power is distributed between all four wheels, dependent on wheel slippage, cornering, acceleration and deceleration.

There will only be one model of trim available to the Baja, which will include ABS, power moonroof, CD stereo and fog lights. Drivers can relax in leather-trimmed upholstery, switch on the cruise control and flip the air-con, if they're feeling particularly indulgent.

The new Subari Baja will most likely make its way to Australia, though if it's ill-received in the States, it could bring about a premature death. But that we doubt, as the US public loves a good load hauler - especially if it's of the four-wheel drive variety.

The WRX was released just last year in the States and, just like here, it sold like hotcakes. They sold almost double the forecast amount (18,000 with 10,000 projected!). This is just what the Japanese auto maker needs as the runoff effect could be a potent ally for Subaru. That said, it plans on only manufacturing 1000 Bajas a month, in which case demand may even outstrip supply.

And what about a turbocharged version? It would be child's play to plonk either a WRX powerplant into the Baja or, while we're being fanciful, how about the 200kW sequentially twin-turbocharged engine from the Liberty B4? Well, maybe not... At any rate, the fate of this new vehicle will be closely watched by many in the marketplace and if it's a hit, expect thousands of clones this time next year.

It may look a bit dumpy, but it's usefulness and practicality far outweigh the cosmetic aspect. In another decade or so, we'll probably all be driving around in these weird, hybrid freaks of the auto industry.