Geneva 2014: Subaru Viziv concept unveiled

Subaru has pulled the wraps off its third version of the Viziv crossover concept at the Geneva motor show. The Subaru Viziv 2 Concept follows the Viziv and Viziv Evolution concept crossovers from the Geneva and Tokyo motor shows last year.

 

The concept is inspired by the phrase 'Vision for Innovation'. The car measures 4.4m long, and Subaru says the concept has been "designed as the ideal vehicle to support urban families with active lifestyles".

 

It showcases scissor front doors and sliding rear doors that slide backwards. Large 'C' shaped headlamps and round LED fog lights are prominent, while the hexagonal shape of the body is present in the front grille and is repeated at the rear.

 

It's powered by a 1.6-litre turbodiesel direct-injection Turbo Boxer engine plus three electric motors – the diesel engine and front electric motor powers the front wheels. At the rear, two independent motors – powered by a lithium-ion battery pack – supply torque to the rear wheels, while the plug-in hybrid powertrain is mated to a CVT automatic transmission.

 

Inside, the Viziv-2's cabin is focused on "function, safety and enjoyment" and projects to the driver Subaru's 'EyeSight' advanced driver assistance system with 360-degree sensing. The Viziv-2 also boasts stop/start technology and regenerative braking to further improve efficiency. Subaru's SI-DRIVE system allows the driver to select different profiles for the engine and transmission.

 

Travel conditions are apparently monitored by the EyeSight's stereo camera, where the data is then analysed to fine-tune the engine and motor inputs in order to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.