Subaru Exiga: The 7-Seater Japanese MPV That's Embarrasses Modern Design

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Today on the channel, another Japanese delight - but this time not from Brad! Instead, another channel fan has brought me his Subaru Exiga. An unusual car, part-estate, part-MPV the Exiga has fans - but what about me?
#Subaru #Exiga #Minivan
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[@JayEmmOnCars]

CarVertical: The History Checking Service Use this link or code "JAYEMM" for a discount! www.carvertical.com/gb/landing/v3?b=1e4c9523&a=JayEmm&voucher=jayemm&chan=jayemm

[@mrkiplingreallywasanexceed8311]

Not so much Mr C McRae, more Mr C Hav. Young, trackie wearing hoodlums full of Argos gold piloting a machine which produces an absolutely unmistakable gravelly, pulsing throb for which the nearest approximation is a Citroën 2CV (something which itself is also driven on a wide open throttle all the time). Thus, regardless of revs, the Subaru always sounds like it's being mercilessly caned. I myself cannot stand it - but there's no mistaking it.

[@asamyers4572]

“That’s the sound of a turbocharged flat-4 engine. A sound which, all over the world, heralds the imminent arrival of a moron” -JC

[@focusrssteve]

Thank you, came for this comment, I do love this quote.

[@dirkmcghee1604]

😂

[@subwayfacemelt4325]

Such an awful, awful man...

[@schwifty9520]

I can confirm, a Subaru is identifiable purely by sound, and I've had this exact conversation before 🤣

[@initialyeet3951]

Yeah, it’s the most common yet recognizable car sound. Like V8s could be anything, V10s are easy to discern but still could be anything from an E60 M5 to a Huracan or even a 5-cylinder Volvo that had an exhaust. Flat 4s, on the other hand, are almost always Subarus

[@redmr2na]

Bruuuuummmm......bruuuuuuuummmmmm@

[@g.w.customcreations3534]

Unless its a jap import STI with equal length headers. Much harder to identify blind.

[@willzibub]

As someone who's owned 4 Imprezas, I can recognise the sound from half a mile away

[@MrBarryaird]

Same bro, there in the blood, owned countless ones

[@MrAjjm65]

A bit like the sound of an approaching Chinook helicopter! Unique and distinguishable from a mile away!

[@filipkonopacki1547]

Sounds like unequal length exhaust runners, my favourite sound in the car world. I know equal length exhaust (as fitted to some JDM Imprezas) makes more power and couldn't care less. I would never trade this soundtrack for a few extra horses!

[@Tampa0123456789]

@@MrAjjm65 Funny that you made that comment because last week i was out washing my car when i heard this thunderous sound coming. It took for ever to arrive ; but when it did finally arrive to my surprised it was one of those Chinook Helicopter. I'll never forget that intimidating sound.

[@0990ftn]

About the Exiga 1. Exiga was developed because demand for MPV became (and still is) very high in Japan. They previously had Traviq MPV which was a rebadged Opel/Vauxhall Zafira, and for the successor they wanted to design by themselves. 2.Exiga is pretty much a mishmash of various existing Subaru cars. The chassis is half Forester and half Legacy, engine from Forester and and the gearbox is from Legacy. They also reused parts from much older cars, 2nd row seats frames were from 3rd gen BH5 Legacy and 3rd row seat frames are borrowed from 1994 Vivio kei car. 3. There were more sportier version above GT called Spec B, which in traditional Subaru fashion revised suspension, better brakes, STI body kit and no power upgrade.

[@subwayfacemelt4325]

Hehe, my mechanic had to order control arms three times because in Australia they rebadge the Legacy, to Liberty, and they decided to rename this car the "Liberty Exiga". He assumed it was a Liberty, that is, he didn't take the...liberty to look it up and find out about the Forrester control arms.

[@kjwilson862]

One more reason to love Subaru. I’m not a teenager/ 20 something but a retired international hgv driver that still owns a STI Wagon 555 Ltd edition. Wonderful cars that unfortunately ended up with a reputation for absolute knob head owners !! Such a shame , but those that know… know 😎

[@BluffMunkey]

She's had a similar conversation with her friends about how you can't tell when she's had a haircut.

[@jamesengland7461]

Touché!

[@CyclicscoobyFlyer]

😂🤣😂🤣

[@omg_stoppit]

The most distinctive engine sound out there is the Subaru EJ--it has a very specific rumble to do the uneven length headers which is one reason why Subaru fans love the engine so much.

[@deaks25]

Yep 100%. There are certain engine tones that are absolutely unique; a Subaru Flat 4, Porsche Flat 6, motorcycle 4-cylinder sports bike, a 125cc with a stupid exhaust, a 50cc 2-stroke smoker and V12s. All sounds like nothing else and easily picked out by the discerning motoring enthusiast.

[@Knaeckebrotsaege]

I don't consider myself a motoring enthusiast whatsoever (I'm a PC and electronics nerd) and I can still tell some of those out of the sea of normal cars (well and bikes, but to a lesser degree) without seeing them

[@saxon-mt5by]

The Subaru sound is not quite unique; find a Lancia Flavia or Gamma and you'll see - well, hear - what I mean!

[@Fc-cb3tn]

Don’t forget the nasty noises from the Nissan VQ😂

[@initialyeet3951]

@@saxon-mt5byYeah, the Alfa 33 and Alfasud sound somewhat similar too, and the Porsche Cayman/Boxter flat 4 is similar-ish

[@initialyeet3951]

@@Fc-cb3tnNo, there are other cars that sound similar and are common (at least in USA)

[@tfunkhou88]

Not every Subaru sounds like that, but every car that does sound like that is a Subaru

[@saxon-mt5by]

Usually! I've heard VW Beetles (the original flat-four ones) with wild exhausts that sound just like a Subaru.

[@lorddoosworth8175]

@@saxon-mt5by Scoobys have unequal length headers, hence that sound

[@ntnchua]

Singaporean here. I had no idea these were "rare" cars - there are quite a few of them here. Always thought the combination of 7-seater MPV and sporty turbo boxer was funny.

[@KanyeKetchup]

We have heaps of Exigas in New Zealand. Mainly the base model - Which is Front Wheel Drive Non turbo 😉

[@Lukewood1990]

100% possible, I have trained my wife to recognise the sound now!

[@dgurevich1]

I may never again have one, but i had the pleasure of owning a 2011 outback for a short time. It was an unforgettable experience.

[@dadcars]

Well I clicked on this in record speed… I’m becoming obsessed with the idea of making MPVs great again 🤔… I need to get some on. Brilliant review James 👏

[@TimLemonn]

Zafira VXR?

[@ThrottleBody]

Ms Jay Emm, This audible burble is indeed, the sound of Subaru, Kind regards,

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

BRZ and Outback on the drive, neither of them make "that" noise but I know the noise you mean and yes its very distinctive

[@paulevans3827]

Is one of your best videos ever I cannot congratulate you enough one minute you’re in a Ferrari or the like the next minute you’re in a Subaru and you’re excited by both well done you👍 I life would be very dull without you👏Paul

[@BuffaloDoctor]

The Subaru rumble is just about as distinctive and instantly recognisable as the whistle of a Triumph triple motorcycle engine

[@john1703]

It used to be possible to identify Morris Minors and many sporting XK engined Jaguars, in a similar way. The exhaust system resonates.

[@e1337prodigy]

I just found out about this car a few weeks ago and promptly jumped on KZbin to view some videos of it and this is the first video I've found

[@EfiniRX]

If im not wrong in Singapore, the SG market then was pretty open to MPV's, so the Exiga among other models like more infamously the Honda Stream (And its "sport" trim, the RSZ) sold here in decent numbers. Sadly our government's more unique methods of car ownership have meant that many have forcibly been or will be under the knife as scrap or exports so they're getting rarer here as the years go by. Always nice to see a familar model pop up in your reviews, JayEmm. Keep it going!

[@kevinng1780]

there are still 30-40 odds on the road, and yes getting lesser by the day. I'm driving one🤣

[@psircos]

Some cars are identifiable by their note, and the subaru is definitely one of them. I heard a marvelous noise last summer, whilst in the house. I ran outside, not knowing 'exactly' what to expect, but knowing something special was afoot. A spitfire then thundered in to view. That multicylinder sound was incredible and also very recognisable

[@phillipevans9414]

James, I can confirm two things for you; first, the Subaru flat four sound is distinctive and easily recognizable by a motoring enthusiast (even my dad's 2013 "grandpa spec" auto Impreza sedan has that distinctive sound, albeit quite faint), and second, the Exiga was sold in Australia (though I suspect, very few, as you hardly ever see one "in the wild"). Cheers!

[@jamessheehy4895]

It is funky music james ❤❤

[@richardevans702]

17:24 Fuel Economy: I've owned my Exiga for 3 years now. Real World MPG: Extra Urban - 12km/l = 34 mpg Combined - 10.5km/l = 29.6 mpg Urban - 8km/l = 22 mpg

[@PenryMMJ]

The Subaru flat 4 has a very distinctive sound, so yes they are easy to identify. But Subaru have made other engines: A flat 6, an inline 4, an inline 3, and if you go back far enough an air cooled parallel twin 2-stroke. So a Subaru could go past without you realising. 😁

[@initialyeet3951]

True, but 90 percent of the ones you can hear (because modern FB/FAs don’t make much noise) are flat-4s

[@adnanrahman5883]

These were sold here in Aus, someone on my street owned one for a while. Interesting car

[@timothybird7450]

Drove a Bugeye wagon for almost the last 10 years. My wife would always know I was coming to pick her up because she heard the rumble before I got to the carpark. If anything, she's better at hearing a Scooby nearby than I am!

[@Terence-mk9jh]

Please keep testing these interesting and unusual cars. Great video and just the right amount of information to fire up my interest in this one.

[@aloniabasmerom8868]

This is the most underrated Subaru today and good thing I see of these big 7 seater estate or minivan

[@benjammn2157]

I can hear the highway near my house quite well at night. Sometimes you hear people REALLY going at it on there. I like to guess what cars I can hear

[@adeafningsilence]

I own a 2009 basic spec. They’re quite common in New Zealand, especially in the South Island. Normal suspension is very smooth, very comfortable. It’s built as a touring car for older Japanese people, with high visibility. Reliable, handles very well compared to most SUVs.

[@dirkmcghee1604]

Yes, that's the noise, unmistakable! AND ICONIC, as you say!

[@OmarKhanUK]

Yup! Flat four at 2000 rpm somewhow sounds like a lumpy tuned V8 at idle. May drive lectric now, but still love the sounds and the smells.

[@subwayfacemelt4325]

I truly love the Exiga. I have the 2010 Aussie 2.5L w/CVT. It's gorgeous smooth to drive, and even after 7 years ownership I still giggle when flooring it (the way it just sits at 5.500rpm is too novel, and I LOVE boxers at full noise). That sound has... resonated with me at a visceral level, like church bells to a nun, since I first heard and felt a modified Legacy RS Turbo in the 90's. The challenge is to figure out if it's the beat of the EJ205 your eardrums are being graced with. I love classical music, birdsong, all that jazz (music too)... But a Subie boxer with uneven headers...that is my favourite music in the whole world!! Rotors, straight sixes and V12's are great, but there's something about the Subie growl...Like with V8's, there's a special kind of "dirtiness" that makes me want it to never go away. Not sure about those Volvo 5-cylinders...

[@edkorn4268]

I had one (GT, as featured) for 8 years in Hong Kong and loved it. Wanted to bring it to the UK with me but I gave up cos it would be very hard to find parts such as the windscreen. A common problem with the GT is the valve body malfunction. Body roll is bad so at a minimum it needs a sway bar upgrade.

[@alanconner9335]

Great review Jay! As an owner of a subaru certified collision repair facility and many a subaru in our family there is no confusing the rumble of a subaru with other cars. It's very distinctive! Keep up the good work mate!

[@KieronMarr]

I have a white Honda odyssey rb3 with the full mugen catalogue thrown at it. Looks fantastic, 7 usable seats. I’ve had my kids and parents all in the car with good room for everybody. On the outside it just looks like an estate, not much longer than a Mercedes cla

[@DamnItCarl-]

Scooby is the most distinctive sound to a brand. Much like the cross plane crank inline 4 of Yamaha 👌 Can always tell that apart from any other motorbike manufacturer.

[@AntoniusTyas]

There is no other car that sounds like that. The burbly weird unbalanced rumble of flat-four engine is so Subaru. Not even 718 Boxster S sounds like it. Also, can relate about being a petrolhead. I can tell exactly that an Aventador just flew past from a mile away. When I'm home. At night. Having a dinner.

[@saxon-mt5by]

Same with a Morris Minor or an MGB 😀

[@bksniperguy]

As someone from NZ, they are pretty common over here. In stock form, the suspension tends to be very bouncy/boaty. The 5 speed isn't great, but from what I've heard it's much better to use than the 4 speed used in the SOHC 2.5L cars. Also, that sensor that was causing the transmission issue (if It's that same issue I've faced) is probably a common fault, despite it seeming quite scary when it jolts the car forward. Edit: heated full leather seats were an option. As were paddle shifters.

[@junit7590]

Plenty of them came out with cvts as well. Just did a solenoid repair on one a few months back

[@kevinbarry71]

Certainly a distinctive sound; not to mention the sweet smell of coolant in the exhaust

[@gobgobcachoo]

I own a hopped up 05 wrx. That burble is so distinctive

[@Simon-ui6db]

Only other engines you can call iconic are avro Vulcan, Concorde and the merlin of the spitfire and Lancaster. You can deffo tell the sound of a scooby.

[@markthomas155]

The Subaru burble is very distinctive and easy to identify, so I absolutely agree with you 👍

[@M00SEY84]

Never a shadow of a doubt when those unequal length headers are nearby!

[@timgass5426]

In terms of 7 seater estate car, there is another one finally on the market now: Dacia Jogger. I was waiting for one for ages to replace my peugeot 308 SW as my boring daily (those are rarebin 7 seater form anyway!).

[@ashliehiggins]

You should try to get hold of a Tribeca.

[@robertsavello4120]

I've waited so long for a review of this car. Thank you for this.

[@CyclicscoobyFlyer]

unmistakable sound, and one I miss having owned an Impreza. I've NEVER heard of this model tho..!! Not the Scooby i'd choose tbh, but I learnt something new today... x

[@grahambrien6106]

100% Subaru sound James, cars have voices as distinctive as humans. I can identify most cars by sound, my wife finds it endearing apparently!

[@Rjhs001]

Yes indeed, several cars are identifiable by sound alone including the old V8 Rovers...lovely.

[@AmoresAJ]

I live in Japan and have been thinking of getting the updated version of the car, the Exiga Crossover-7 which was only made from 2016 - 2018, as a second car for family outings and ski trips. I would love to see your take on that version now that you've been in one of the old ones. They seem much nicer, but only have a CVT unfortunately... Cool, unique cars, for sure. Especially as a second car.

[@user-im3zc7wm1v]

I had one of these for 3 years when i lived in japan. Brilliant car

[@hexgraphica]

It could be the noise of a unmuffled alfasud or 33 but it's much more likely to be a Subaru every time. But Subarus can also make unmuffled 6 cylinders noises

[@ziginox]

Yes, Jay, the Subarus do have a distinctive sound. A turbo with unequal length headers is definitely the signature burble, but even N/A models sound distinct from inline four cylinder cars. Four pot Porsches have a similar note,. I think it's just something about the flat engine layout.

[@thusmarshal8815]

Wherever I go and I hear that beautiful boxer rumbling sound I know it's a Subaru. Some super bikes get the better of me when they are down low they sound a bit like a subie

[@marlonbaird6070]

Love these..i have honda odyssey rb1 and sits 7adults comfortably.not the fastest but amasing car.

[@carlsharman5677]

Most definitely! I can confirm I know a Subaru just from the sound 😊

[@888johnmac]

Yes , Subaru flat 4 is a very distinct tone .. and i also loved the huge glass sunroof on my old Forrester

[@allareasindex7984]

By the way, that same flat four sound was heard through the land from the Volkswagen Beetle. The first time I heard a Subaru I thought it was a Beetle.

[@L0RDLUK]

Even though I am not a Subaru fan in the slightest, I do go "Ah, a Subaru" when I hear the noise. It usually sounds a bit like a broken version of the Audi 1.8 IMO.

[@01FozzyS]

That would make a great sleeper. I've owned Subies since 2004 and can tell one miles away. lol

[@craigpodsprojames2500]

Yo! Australian here. The Exiga did get exported here, and not all of them the go faster variant; there was a cheaper atmospheric version meant for your average family - think the Impreza in the context of the WRX or vice versa. The standard one has a 2.5 Litre Flat-4, I'm pretty sure the exact same one as the regular Liberty. also I'm 99% sure the Exiga is based on the Liberty too as it looks a lot like the Liberty Wagon from a while back, and over here they were called the Liberty Exiga.

[@subwayfacemelt4325]

They're about 50/50 Forester/Liberty with others mixed in. Liberty is Australia rebadging the Legacy, as it is known everywhere else for some reason.

[@craigpodsprojames2500]

@@subwayfacemelt4325 checks out

[@terryosborn]

You are spot on sir, sorry to your other half!

[@rafalwit2681]

Well done mate, again 😁👍

[@ProductofNZ]

Lots were imported into NZ as well through the grey market.

[@P45K141N3N]

I really like that funky music 😄

[@implodinggoat]

I wish Subaru would sell these again and bring them to the American market because there's nothing like it here. I love my Outback; but it seats 5 not 7 and having driven Subaru's full size SUV the Ascent I felt it was just too damned big.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Easy to work out mpg fill tank record mileage and then next fill, you’re able to calculate the mpg. I do this with all my cars. The computers are all wildly optimistic. The best I’ve found is my Volvo XC70 and that’s only about 2-3miles out. ie. Computer says 37mpg. Actually 34.9mpg

[@Snakeplisskin440]

There's plenty of engines that have unique sounds. Subaru is probably the easiest to tell apart though. You also have the Inline 5's of VW and Volvo, and the VR6 of VW. The new Mustang V8 is pretty easy to tell also. V8's in general but the Mustangs with aftermarket exhausts just kind of make a unique thunderous sound.

[@godspeed6315]

I don’t need to see what car makes that unique sound as it all about the sound the identifies the scooby engines 😊

[@tonyadeney1245]

never seen so many comments on car exhaust sounds ....... that is great ......he is correct subaru they do have a sound -- most cars sound much the same ... but a few cars and bikes have very distinct exhaust engine notes -- morris minors tend to blow raspberries when changing gears with high revs ... mate could tell diffrence between a kawi a yamy and a suzi triumph and ... ..... golf gtis had a slightly odd noise until the EU got heavy on regulations ... old astons have an odd noise ... once had a ford sierra with a blown exhaust .. mechanic said it sounded like a ferrari ... car still worth zero ... odd that ...

[@dacads]

How have i never heard of this car until now?! Thank you JayEmm for enlightening!

[@lachlancook6718]

Lots of cars have very distinctive sounds that you can pick out from a distance before you even see the car

[@christophecamus3295]

Very interesting video and car thanks

[@gregfarley715]

Just bought a forester xt 08 plate, this and a Volvo v70r where the other options, great cars

[@chionyenkwu2253]

Nothing sounds quite like the horizontally opposed 4-pot in a classic scooby Impreza 🤨🤨

[@retrocarsyndicate8867]

I was looking at one of those instead decided to get my legacy. I do look really interesting cars part of the appeal and they are quite a rare car.

[@rubensano4860]

Which Legacy do you have?

[@dustytanco6917]

Uel subaru boxer engine sounds .. which is why i own a wrx lol And yes its a engine note you can hear 3 miles away and know what it is ❤

[@LIMITLESSMEDIAUK_]

Love it 😎

[@marcdelaunay1]

Yup. Suburban scooby sound…when I hear a distinctive 5 cylinder of a fiat coupe I know too and start looking lol. 😂

[@ronjatter]

This is an amazing car but sporty coilover suspension is surely the wrong choice for it! It should be complaint and good on bumpy roads.

[@davidarter9670]

You are indeed correct, James. One can hear a Subaru long before you see one, their exhaust is so unique. This model didn’t come to Australia, unfortunately.

[@subwayfacemelt4325]

Exiga went to Aussie. Do you mean the GT? Pretty sure there were only EJ25's sold in Oz, no turbo models.

[@lasersimonjohnson]

You also IDENTIFY a Subaru by the melted pistons 😂

[@tonyadeney1245]

yes ..... tick

[@junit7590]

Only the ones owned by the ignorant, it's always the same piston when fools wind the boost up without modding the fuel rail

[@davidhills3100]

Dig that groovy flat-four beat.

[@TheRonaldbaxter]

Remap up to 280 should be achievable with some exhaust mods 😁

[@lash9400]

I’d love you to get hold of the 5th gen Subaru WRX. Do they sell them anywhere in Europe ?

[@20tami]

I have owned a WRX Impreza and a Turbo Forester a Honda Stream RSZ and now have a STI Exiga in WRC blue. The look of it makes me laugh as it's such a mish mash. I really dislike the seats too. It's got alot more up and go than my old Honda Stream. We also have a Exiga GT in dark blue. Turbo and non turbo Exigas are common in NZ if you head out you will see atleast another pass by.

[@Marcbgping]

Holi crepe, i love it! it's my dream car

[@TheRemz0901]

Hopefully, your partner will do like mine from now on, also recognise the sound of a Subaru! (she's still couldn't care less about them though, or any cars in fact)

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

Pleasant Surprise!!!

[@shoryuag]

Does it make a rumbly warble? It’s probably a Subie with UEL exhaust manifolds or headers and a fairly audible exhaust, then. Dugga, dugga, dugga; it’s just the way of things.

[@user-ei4wk8yw3v]

Interesting great insights, thanks. Rumble rumble yeah it is. Just like a Triumph triple whistle, unmistakably. Wish people had these rather fat ego SUVs that block our roads and carparks.

[@boosted38]

My dog knows when im home when i drive my Impreza Sti..

[@bluenginez9168]

If I hear that sound, I just know that it's a yob in an Impreza, but a tasteful yob

[@owenalp1977]

Have you tried a Zafira VXR mk2 squire?

[@thirsty_steve5197]

I own one but im trying to get running properly im having misfire and a cam bus error got it for 1k usd engine has 42000km on the tachometer car body is in pristine condition but a headlight was destroyed

[@borjejohansson6805]

Jay, please try to find us1990-1996 Mazda Eunos Cosmo JC series.

[@subwayfacemelt4325]

Aw hell yeah!!