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At least I can have (a glimmer of) hope of Subaru making an attractively styled car for a change.
The 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback, IMO doesn't look bad....neither did the 1Gen Impreza. But, I agree, Subaru, over the years, has generally not been known for award-winning styling.
But that backseat must be on the floor to preserve some headroom, even worst than the terrible backseat of the new Regal.
Yes, those low, humpback-whale rooflines can take away headroom, especially in the rear. But that seems to be the style that some people want, including a number of "enthusiasts". On sedans, it more or less started with the Mercedes CLS, then spread to the VW CC, then the newest-generation Hyundai sedans....and now the Impreza. The auto press loves it...but they're not all over 6 feet tall like me and Mike (1SICKLEX).
Nice looking design exercise, but nowhere near production. Stylists seem determined to generate models without rear view mirrors (required by DOT . . . those little cameras on stalks they are so fond of don't count). Wheel wells are unable to accommodate chains (although they are no longer popular, DOT regs still require sufficient clearance to fit). While hidden levers or electrical switches are assumed to open doors, practically every production model car ends up with big ol' ugly door handles. Why? because they work.
Note the photos of the Kia and the Subie above . . . see the differences between a legal road car and a designer's dream? Big bat-wing mirrors and sloppy fender gaps make a world of difference in the appearance of the car.
02-02-11, 05:53 PM
