The game has officially been changed. Subaru’s “Test Drive A Super Model” day started out with just a few people strolling in and looking around but quickly grew into a crowd of test drivers. After a while they figured out that the test drive registration would also get them a free copy of Zorce Issue #13 and a cool themed T-shirt. Sorry guys we can’t help you get one now– you just had to be there... Next, they also came across the lovely Subaru promotional girls who were more than happy to show everyone around and get them ready to drive. On site were roughly 16 vehicles, ranging from the Impreza 1.6, Impreza 2.0 XV, Legacy 2.0, Legacy 2.5 Turbo, Forester 2.0 and Forester 2.5 Turbo.
John Powell’s Impreza STi was also on display but certainly not available for any amateur test driving. Naturally, a couple of beauty shots with Subaru’s appointed ambassadors and John's STi preceded our own test drives. Two fairly short routes were approved– either down to the Barataria Roundabout or up Lady Yound Road to the lookout and back. Our first drive was in the Forester 2.5 Turbo. This versatile vehicle easily flexed its turbocharged muscles, making quick work of the uphill section of our first drive. After a turning circle check and a quick spin down to the roundabout we surmised that despite the Forester’s size and heft, the number of doors and ride height, a few famous Subaru traits were very much intact. While it doesn’t have the all-out performance and grip of the Impreza STi or Legacy Turbo, the Forester showed that it is almost possible to enjoy the best of all worlds with comfortable seating, loads of room, lively acceleration and Subaru all-wheel-drive.
Next we took a ride-along in the Subaru Legacy Turbo and we can definitely confirm after driving the 2.0 NA in our last issue, that the 2.5 is the one that packs the punch! With power on demand, various 4WD modes and enough grip and handling prowess to make it feel like a big Impreza, we definitely wouldn’t mind owning one! Too bad we didn’t get a chance to test out the 2.0 Impreza XV though, but look out for that drive in an upcoming issue. If fact the car we had our eyes on was sold, along with a few others as by now a considerable amount of people were waiting for their turn to take a test drive. The most popular remark after their stint behind the wheel was “Can I drive a bit more?” or “I’d like to take this home with me right now.”
We didn’t quite expect a fête atmosphere, but there was a DJ on hand blasting 2011 Carnival tracks. Synergy’s I Love My Ride presenter Rodney Granado was also in the mix and while no one attempted any ‘wining’, people enjoyed the atmosphere and the tasty, freshly made bake and shark, doubles, hot dogs and burgers and non-alcoholic drinks on offer in addition to their test drives.
