Subaru, a Japanese car maker, manufactured their first car in 1954- the Subaru 1500 or P1.
This was followed by the 360 in 1958, the Sambar in 1961, the 1000 in 1965, the 1100 and the R2 in 1969.
During the 70s, the Leone came out and then later, in the 80s, the Alcyclone (1985) and the Legacy (1989) were added to the Subaru line-up.
In the 90s, the company concentrated on rally cars, such as the Vivio and Impreza.
Different versions of the Impreza WRX won the world championship several times under drivers such as Colin McRae.
Subaru employed many successful inventions in the automotive industry. One of the first was the use of horizontally opposed "boxer" engine as well as the use of monologue construction.
Also, Subaru is the only car manufacturer to offer all-wheel drive as a standard on most of its models and was also the first to introduce electronic continuously variable transmission (ECTV) which replaces standard gears and gives smooth acceleration while reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
In 1995, international brand management company Barloworld recognised Subaru`s potential and acquired a 50 percent stake in Subaru South Africa which it incorporated into its motoring division.
Sales accelerated, more dealers were appointed, and the business eventually became wholly-owned by Barloworld.
In November 2008, Toyota Tsusho Corporation acquired a 50 percent shareholding in Subaru Southern Africa from Barloworld and in 2010 became the sole owner after purchasing the remainder. This arrangement has translated into better communication and a more hands-on approach by Subaru Japan, cementing the brands long-term presence in South Africa. Current Model Range: XV, Forester, Outback, Tribeca, BRZ, WRX STI / WRX, and Legacy GT.
In spite of the range of upgrades across the full model line-up, pricing for the Subaru XV is unchanged for the 2016 model, which went on sale across the UK from Pounds Sterling 21,995 [OTR].
Arguably the genesis of the SUV, the new Forester has raised its game. It`s upped the ante on emotional appeal, refinement, functionality and dynamic ability. The great all-rounder is now even greater.
Ask any gearhead to name a famous circuit and you`ll likely hear the word `Nurburgring.`
