2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Review & CVT 101

I recently found a new review on Auto 123 of the XV Crosstrek's Sport Package and thought it'd be a good read for those interested in the all-new Subaru model. Before I go into more detail, the long and short of it is that the reviewer loved the car, save for the continuously variable transmission (CVT).

As some of you may know, this reaction to CVTs is not uncommon; when you first drive one after having never driven one before it can feel like the vehicle is a bit off. It's kind of the feeling you get when you drive a friend's car who has really touchy breaks - it takes a little getting used to. So if you're looking for a car for the feel of its acceleration alone, maybe a CVT isn't the one! But most (all) people looking at Subarus aren't looking for just acceleration, so let's talk about the advantages of a CVT:

CVT is more or less its name; it gives the vehicle the ability to seamlessly switch between gears while driving. For more info on how it works, see Edmund's explanation here. The reason it's getting so popular now is because a CVT works to keep the vehicle's engine is its optimum power range, therefore increasing efficiency as well as gas mileage. It can give a car a gain of 1-2 mpg depending on how you drive.

Now back to the review! The reviewer said that the XV Crosstrek had a "friendly cabin", meaning it was extremely functional and had an easy to operate system. It has lots of space and a large trunk, as well as great outward visibility due to its low shoulder line.

The reviewer's favorite parts is the Symmetrical AWD, "Subaru’s and the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek’s transparent and highly efficient Symmetrical AWD is without a doubt any driver’s biggest ally in wintery months, along with a good set of winter tires. Traction and drivetrain reactions are immediate. To try it is to adopt it."

If you'd like to see the detailed review, please do so here! And be sure to take a look at our 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek inventory here.

Image of XV and review via Auto 123, information regarding CVT via Edmunds & image of CVT via subiesport.com

Subaru to Show Three Concepts at the Tokyo Auto Show

Subaru will be showing three new concepts at this month's Tokyo auto show. All three vehicles are preexisting in their line up but will have additional features; the three being shown are the Subaru Forester, the all-new BRZ and the newest addition to the Subaru family, the XV Crosstrek.

The Forester will be the fourth-generation edition (the 2014), but with an added STI package. It'll also be equipped with a special front grille, front under spoiler, side skirts, a rear diffuser, a flexible tower bar and sport muffler. It will have red leather seats, Bilstein suspension, a Brembo brake system and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The BRZ, being shown as a Premium Sport Package Concept will also sport an STI kit and sport muffler, 19-inch alloy wheels and a tan leather interior. Also included is a carbon roof with black door mirror housings, and fender and antenna garnishes.

Lastly the Subaru XV Crosstrek Sport Concept will have a new front bumper, side skirts and a fender arch protector. Also included is a Bilstein suspension, LED driving lights, a Brembo braking system, Recaro front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.

That's all we know, but we'll be sure to update (with pictures!) after the show!


All information and technology content via paultan.org

Twin City Subaru Shares the Love with the Central Vermont Council on Aging

Twin City Subaru has partnered with the Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) in honor of Subaru of America’s “Share the Love” event. “Share the Love” is an annual program where five different charities are selected; for every new Subaru vehicle that is purchased between Nov. 21, 2012 and Jan. 2, 2013, Subaru will donate $250 to the charity of the consumer’s choice.

For the fifth straight year, Meals On Wheels has been selected as one of the five participating nonprofits; CVCOA contracts with 12 different local Meals on Wheels programs to provide meals in their 54-town service area, according to Kathy Paquet, CVCOA nutrition & wellness coordinator.

Employees from Twin City Subaru joined forces with CVCOA over the holiday season by participating in meal as well as attending the annual Christmas party at The Greater Northfield Senior Center in Northfield, Vt.

“It was such a nice experience to spend time with the wonderful attendees at the holiday lunch, and the employees too; they were all amazing people,” said Madeleine Cave, Twin City Subaru internet marketing specialist, who attended the holiday party. “It was a perfect way to get local seniors together for the holidays, and it was a great social event with lots of laughs!”

Twin City Subaru Internet Marketing Director Cara Gorman and Sales & Leasing Consultant Joe Sweeney delivered meals with a volunteer from the Meals On Wheels program last week.

“My grandmother was a Meals On Wheels recipient for several years. It was nice to have an opportunity to give back to a program that gave so much to my family. Delivering meals as part of the Share the Love event introduced me to some pretty amazing Central Vermont Seniors. It was an experience I will always remember and a good reminder of how important it is to help seniors,” Gorman said.

Over the last fiscal year, over 187,000 meals were provided through the CVCOA’s contracts.

“Without Meals On Wheels, many of our elders wouldn’t eat well,” said Paquet in the CVCOA press release for the event. “The meal is more than a meal; it shows that the community cares about our elders.”

Both Twin City Subaru and the CVCOA are proud to be partnering with one another. “I’m happy to see that you [all] found the Meals on Wheels and Community Christmas meal a rewarding experience,” said Paquet. “We always say ‘it’s the best kept secret’. However, in these tight economic times we need to tell the secret and share the opportunity with others to experience such a rewarding service to our elders, especially those in Central Vermont.”

Subaru BRZ is Flying off the Lots!

Extra production is needed for the all-new Subaru BRZ, since its been flying off the lots of Subaru dealerships since its introduction earlier this year. Since the BRZ was a completely new move for Subaru, they weren't positive how consumers would feel about it, therefore making pretty low production targets for the sports car in its first year.

Turns out - the 2013 BRZ is a hit. "We have been sold out of the car since it was introduced... we are selling all the BRZs we can get," said Subaru of American Chief Operating Officer Tom Doll. Subaru will be getting an additional 2000 units of production over the next four months; they've been receiving just 500 BRZs a month since its U.S. debut in April.

"With excellent reliability, a great price and extremely fun rear-wheel drive platform, the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S stand alone in the market," according to Automoblog.

If you're interested, please view our 2013 Subaru BRZ inventory here. And if you have any questions please call us! (802) 922-9771.


All information via Automoblog

Subaru is Outpacing the US Auto Industry

Subaru has sold over 300,000 cars in the US this year to date for the first time in history - they say it's because of its new product launches in 2012. Subaru's increase in sales for this year is double what other automakers have experienced in increase. With that, they've added capacity to the factory in Indiana and expect to increase the number of workers there by about 600. Subaru is also looking into bringing another car over from Japan.

Subaru is doing fantastic! Are we surprised? No, not really. Want to jump on the bandwagon or continue your Subaru-driving joy? Click either link to view our pre-owned Subaru inventory or brand-new Subaru inventory here.


All info via CNBC

Staff Member Feature: Joe Sweeney

Joe Sweeney is a Subaru-Certified Sales Consultant and has lived in Vermont every year of his life. He's currently a resident in Montpelier, and graduated from UVM, Champlain and Trinity College. He believes a positive mental attitude (PMA) should be the guiding principle in life, and that the one thing that makes a Subaru awesome is love.

Why buy from Joe at Twin City Subaru? "This dealership is very friendly and offers great prices with low pressure. I am friendly and outgoing, and I love to meet to people and help them find the right car that will bring them years of quality and enjoyment. Call or stop in and ask for me. I promise to make your car-buying experience enjoyable, relaxing and fun," he says.

And here are eight things you didn't know about Joe Sweeney:

1. His first car was a Dodge Satellite.
2. He enjoys coaching basketball, watching his children grow, playing golf, cooking, music, reading, playing games and softball.
3. He has been a teacher and coach for 17 years.
4. He's a father of three and has had nine foster children.
5. His two favorite eateries in Vermont are his kitchen or the Single Pebble in Burlington.
6. His favorite travel destinations are San Francisco, Chicago and Disney World.
7. He enjoys reading David Baldacci.
8. His words to live by are, "It is not how smart you are but rather how you are smart."

2014 Subaru Forester World Premier

The 2014 Subaru Forester is set to debut at the LA Auto Show, which begins tomorrow. You may have already read our other blog featuring the new Forester, but here's a little excerpt from it accompanied by a video of the Japanese world premier video.

It has slightly bigger dimensions, with a roomy interior, increased rear seat legroom and an enlarged cargo area. Additional features for the new Forester are an infotainment system with smartphone integration, navigation system, rearview back-up camera and a Harmon Kardon premium audio amplifier and speakers... (click here to continue reading)