The concept, which receives its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, features key elements of the company’s renowned technological ‘DNA’, notably a horizontally-opposed engine – in this instance the world’s first ‘boxer’ hybrid powerplant – and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD).  It marries these with an opulent and spacious cabin accessed through elongated gullwing-style doors, and an eye-catching, finely sculpted body.

The absence of B-pillars gives a heightened sense of light and space in the cabin, providing occupants with an unobstructed view of the outside world.  The swept-back panoramic windscreen and a height-adjustable dashboard afford the driver a similarly unhindered vantage point.

At the front, a bold grille featuring Subaru’s now-trademark ‘wing’ motif sits in between a pair of modern headlights.  However, it is in the side profile that Subaru’s evolving design language is best appreciated.  The rakish, up-swept belt-line leads from the nose backwards to the chunky C-pillars, creating an air of purposefulness and understated aggression. Large 14-spoke alloy wheels fill the subtly flared arches.

Vitally important on any grand touring car is a refined and relaxing interior space and the Subaru Hybrid delivers exactly that.  With ample room for four, occupants are cosseted in a stress-free, open environment.  Even in the back, despite utilising an AWD system, the engineers still managed to create a flat floor, so rearmost occupants will enjoy an extremely comfortable journey. 

The innovative hybrid system uses Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed, direct-injection, turbocharged petrol ‘Boxer’ engine, allied to two electric motors – Subaru remains the only company to mate this engine layout to a hybrid drivetrain.  The electric motors are powered by lithium-ion batteries – a 10kW item at the front and a 20kW unit at the rear.

In normal driving conditions the direct-injection petrol engine is used, but at lower speeds and start-up, the rear electric motor drives the car.  The forward electric unit, which is mainly used as a power generator, kicks in to assist performance and efficiency while tackling inclines.  Subaru’s in-house designed Lineartronic automatic transmission is featured, further boosting fuel efficiency and driving performance.

Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director of Subaru UK, said: “The Hybrid Tourer Concept perfectly demonstrates our commitment to environmentally-friendly innovation.  This vehicle shows that our engineers are capable of developing something which is both technically advanced and stylistically enthralling, hinting at our future design direction.”