Billed as a preview of an upcoming model, the VIZIV Future falls in line with Subaru’s recent Dynamic & Solid design language thanks to styling cues such as C-shaped lights on both ends and sculpted body panels. A tall front end and a black trim on both bumpers give the concept a rugged look.
Accessed via suicide doors, the futuristic cockpit offers space for four passengers and their gear. All of the buttons and the switches typically found on the center console have been replaced by a large touch screen, and the rear bench folds down to reveal an integrated rack that can carry two bikes.
The VIZIV Future features an evolution of Subaru’s EyeSight technology that monitors the vehicle and its surroundings at all times. The data gathered is used to detect accidents before they happen, to autonomously drive the SUV at freeway speeds and to park it without any input from the driver.
Subaru hasn’t published full technical details. All we know so far is that the concept is powered by a hybrid drivetrain made up of a downsized turbocharged flat-four engine borrowed from the Levorg and a compact electric motor mounted over the rear axle. Interestingly, the turbo four spins the front wheels via an automatic transmission and the motor exclusively zaps the rear wheels. There is no mechanical connection between the two power sources, which allowed designers to give the VIZIV a completely flat cabin floor.
The VIZIV Future provides a glimpse into what the future holds for Subaru. Its design will most likely influence Subaru’s upcoming seven-seater crossover, and the self-driving tech is expected to trickle down to the company’s regular-production models before the end of the decade.
In Tokyo, the VIZIV Future will share the spotlight with another design study called Impreza 5-Door Concept.
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