The Subaru BRZ Meets the Subaru WRX STI

Automobile Mag just published a blog post featuring the Subaru BRZ, side by side with a Subaru WRX STI. One of Automobile Mag's videographers, Sandon Voelker happens to be a WRX STI owner, so they gave him a BRZ for a weekend to really compare the two.

Let it be known though, that this guy is a die-hard fan of the STI; being an avid biker and videographer, he is always carrying loads of equipment of various sorts and believes the WRX STI is the best on the market for his needs. This includes cargo capacity, above-average performance and a less-than $50k price tag, according to Automobile.

Want either? View our Subaru WRX inventory or Subaru BRZ inventory.

So here's what he thought:

He loved the seats of the BRZ, saying instantly that they were more supportive sitting behind the wheel (the wheel that is covered by better materials in the STI). He says performance-wise,the BRZ's seats are miles ahead of the STI's. He still prefers the pedal placement in the STI, "because heel-toe shifts are much more natural." The infotainment system, he said, is more desirable in the STI.

As for design, the two cars are so different. On this, Sandon is too biased; he simply prefers wagons any day. He does love the look of the BRZ and compliments it immensely; it's just not for him. He also loves the cargo space of the STI, which you'll find less of in the BRZ because of the STI's hatchback.

Interior styling are very similar in the BRZ and STI, yet driving is quite different. "It doesn't take long to determine southeastern Michigan's roads favor the STI's more potent engine and more aggressive summer tires," according to Automobile Mag. However, Sandon says the BRZ gets the trifecta with its great chassis setup, appropriate amount of power and low-rolling resistance tires.

Which one is your favorite?

Automobile Mag will be posting another article featuring which snow tires work best with the drive of the BRZ, so stay tuned and happy driving!


Information, review and images via Automobile Mag

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Keeps Subaru as No. 1 in Safety

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek was just awarded Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, making Subaru the only manufacturer to have Top Safety Picks across their entire lineup.

"All Subaru cars need to be recognized as some of the safest cars on the planet," according to the article. Subaru has received Top Safety Pick for all of its models three years running, with the Subaru BRZ receiving the award last month and just recently, the XV Crosstrek.

“For three years running, Subaru is the only automotive manufacturer with the distinction of earning IIHS Top Safety Pick awards for every model it builds. It’s tough to win, and we commend Subaru for making safety a top priority," said IIHS President Adrian Lund.

Good work Subaru! Are we surprised? Well, no. But it's still exciting to be awarded for something so hugely vital to everyone; drivers, salespeople and manufacturers. Don't forget to reserve your 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek today! - Just click the link ;)

Info via Torque News

An Inside Look at Dave Higgins' Rally Car

Dave Higgins' 2012 Subaru WRX STI Rally Car

We just saw this great blog post by Auto Blog showing the nitty gritty details of Dave Higgins' rally car. We had the pleasure of hosting Dave Higgins' rally car in 2011, but this post is focusing on his newest Subaru WRX STI.

The newer beauty has a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine with 350 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. A display screen is set up to display info from any sensor of the vehicle on command. Cusco front and rear differentials push power to each wheel through beefed-up STI axles and hubs. To see more details about the 2012 Rally Cross Champion's Subaru WRX STI, click here.


Details, post and image via Auto Blog

2013 Subaru Models Available in Dynamic Online Brochure

Subaru has just released their dynamic online brochures for the 2013 Subaru models. The brochures are an amazing feature offered by Subaru; you can click through the brochure pages, print pages, share them online, play live video of each vehicle, and each page has "hot spots" you can click for more information and features.

Available in online brochures are the 2013 Impreza, 2013 XV Crosstrek, 2013 Subaru WRX/STI, 2013 Legacy, 2013 BRZ, 2013 Outback and the 2013 Forester. To select your online interactive brochure, view the group here.

Happy driving Subaru fans! Can't decide on a model? You can check out our full selection of new Subarus here!


Information via Subaru, image via Subaru interactive brochure screen shot

The Development of the 2013 Subaru BRZ

Subaru released a couple of videos that show the development of the 2013 Subaru BRZ. Motor Authority posted these two, and what they have to say about the car sums it up perfectly.

"Unlike many of today's “fast” cars, the Subaru BRZ didn’t start life as a grocery-getter, later enhanced by a stiffer suspension and more powerful engine. Instead, the BRZ was designed from the ground up as a driver’s car, built to an affordable price point. By our measure, that’s enough to make the car exceptional."

When you're done watching, browse our online inventory of the 2013 Subaru BRZ.





Videos via Motor Authority

Guess Which Twin City Subaru Salesperson...

Which Twin City Subaru Salesperson Can Ride a Unicycle and Play the Banjo?

Doug Smith, also known as "Smitty", "Smitto", "Smiegel", "Mr. Magoo" and "Pal" has been a Vermont resident for the last six years. A University of Santa Clara graduate, Doug loves to watch horse racing and is happy to enjoy a good meal at the Three Penny Taproom. Doug says he would travel anywhere in the world that has good sushi (his favorite dinner meal), although he's already been to most places. His favorite part about selling cars is selling himself, and if he were a car he would be the Subaru Outback - "Because I'm versatile." Come on down to Twin City Subaru to meet this banjo-playing, unicycle-riding Guru today!

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek - First Impressions

A tester's first impressions and honest review of the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek

Miranda Lightstone wrote a great an informational piece on her first impressions of the Subaru XV Crosstrek. It’s always nice to have an outsider’s perspective on a car, even if we’re the ones selling it!

Before we begin, if you’re interested after reading click any of the following links to: reserve an XV Crosstrek, see the XV’s features and specs, view its fabulous colors or get an overview of the Crosstrek. You can always call us at (802) 922-9771 to ask any questions whatsoever – we’re as excited about the XV as you are; we’re more than happy to help :). Now onto the important stuff!

We've all seen how it looks, either in pictures or in person, so I won’t go into too many details from this section, but Miranda put down good marks for its design.

“The XV Crosstrek is a woodsman in urbanite attire,” she wrote. “Sleeker than the Outback and beefier than an Impreza, the XV Crosstrek strikes a pleasant balance between off-roader and city dweller. It’s fancy without being impractical, and functional without being brutish.”

As for the interior, the XV Crosstrek resembles its Subaru siblings.

As far as core technology, Miranda was pleased to see Subaru go back to the 2.0L engine configuration, but was slightly less excited about the manual transmission; it’s only available in 5-speed whereas the 2013 Legacy and the 2013 Outback are both equipped with 6-speed.

The XV proved itself capable on rough terrain; she took it through rugged terrain and torrential downpour, as well as over rocks, branches and elevation with absolutely no disappointment.

Most importantly - The XV is killing it in the price department; its main competitors (Nissan Juke, MINI Countryman and Mitsubishi RVR) are all priced way above the XV’s starting MSRP of $22,790.

When the XV deliveries start happening in October, we'll have way more reviews and "first drives" to share, but hopefully this one was informational enough as you've started your browsing in the XV department. What does everything think of the XV Crosstrek so far? Anyone placed an order?


Review by Miranda Lightstone of Auto 123