New Scoobies

Consistent styling is on the way

Subaru make some great cars but if there's one area they're lacking in it's a consistent identity across their range.

That may change soon though. The models unveiled in Tokyo show the hints of consistency - a new grille for starters. The design of the front of the cars is intended to conjure up memories of Subaru’s aircraft heritage via a fusilage-shaped centre flanked by aircraft-type wings. It's a look that will start to gel the range together. Where does this simple but effective form come from? All three cars on show were all created under the guidance of ex-Alfa Romeo designer – Andreas Zapatinas – Subaru’s new Advanced Design Team’s Chief Designer.

R1e

Aside from the horrific R2 City Car concept they will be showing the B9 Scrambler roadster which looks pretty good and the R1e Concept. The R1e is takes inspiration from the Smart car but Subaru have lost some of the compactness to give a butcher, more agressive look - and four seats.

Power is electric. The brushless motor uses a high-energy manganese lithium-iron battery which can be re-charged via a single-phase 200V AC outlet such as that used in the air-conditioning units of many Japanese homes.

Scambler

The Scrambler is no boulevard cruiser - it's got symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and variable-height air suspension with automatic self-levelling and a ride-height range of between 150 and 200 mm. It uses a petrol/electric hybrid engine which uses an electric motor up to speeds of around 50 mph, only turning to fossil fuel when the charge drops below a certain level.

The hideous little R2 is the car most likely to make production though. It features a new supercharged four-cylinder twin overhead-camshaft petrol engine with an Active Valve Control System. It's got a seven-speed "sports" gear shift and looks as desirable as borrowing a leper's driving gloves.