True, but they also always had their own style...that kind of quirky sporty/ugly/awkward look and that gave them character. Love it or hate it, you always knew it was a Subaru, but this car has none of that. It looks like your standard roadgoing appliance. Problem with that is I really don't think people who are looking at midsize Camrys and Accords are going to cross shop Subaru's small car.

I really think Subaru just went totally braindead to their target market - the people who are buying "car as appliance" (who Subaru seems to want desperately) are going to go to something larger and likely cheaper. The people who want cheap, quick cars are going to go to one of the better looking (and likely still cheaper) hopped up compacts put out by other companies. I just think this thing is kind of in a position like the Mazdaspeed 6 - they've poorly planned out its market position and have made this car uninteresting to both of their ideal audiences.

 

Anybody watch top gear?? i love there vids..

Hamster made a comment on the subie around 0:48 secs ^.^
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgpyoBaqxis&NR=1