The Subaru Cross Sport Design concept has been unveiled at the 2013 Tokyo motor show, and company insiders say it hints at a potential Shooting Brake version of the BRZ sports car.
There’s a clear relationship between the front-end design of the coupe-hatchback-style concept and the BRZ sports car, while the Cross Sport also shares its rear-wheel-drive layout.
A Subaru source told CarAdvice at the show the Cross Sport was produced to test public reaction.
“It’s there to gauge interest. It’s a traditional concept car to get feedback,” said the Subaru insider.
“We can’t continue to produce just three-box and two-box sedans… we’ve got to explore [other vehicle design] opportunities.”
The Subaru Cross Sport concept is 4300mm long, making it 60mm longer than the BRZ.
Along with the Legacy concept being shown at the 2013 LA motor show this week, the Cross Sport is another sign of improved Subaru design.
There are hints of the Volvo C30 in the side profile.
While Toyota and Subaru collaborated for the 86 and BRZ sports coupes, Toyota is understood to have had no involvement in Subaru’s Cross Sport derivative.
