2012 Subaru Exiga Review
It's common knowledge that Subaru builds some of the most reliable cars globally and the Exiga is no exception. It's based on the Legacy platform from which it borrows 50% of its components. The Exiga is a 7 seater MPV that was in production from 2008 to 2018. It's demise was precipitated by the arrival of the Subaru Ascent which the company is positioning as the flagship 7 seater option. The Exiga competes with the Toyota Wish, Mazda Premacy and Nissan Lafesta
Detailed Review
The Subaru Exiga was in production for only one generation known as the YA series that was in production from 2008 to 2009. Its built on the acclaimed Subaru Legacy chassis that employs a double wishbone at the rear suspension and valve damping shocks at the front giving it excellent handling characteristics. The styling is similar to the Legacy but with significant differences in the rear.
The 2012 Subaru Exiga comes with 3 engine options, these are the 2.0 Litre EJ20 engine, the 2.5 Litre FB25 engine and the 2.0 Litre EJ20 Turbo engine. These are linked to two transmission options, a fully electronically controlled automatic CVT known as Lineartronic and a 4 position electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission known as E-5AT. The 2012 Exiga is only available in 4WD.
2012 Subaru Exiga Grades
- Subaru Exiga 2.0i – This is the base greade that comes with the 2.0L engine, Lineartronic CVT, 16-Inch steel rims, Smart Start, DVD/Radio player and Manual Seats.
- Subaru Exiga 2.0iL – This grade comes with the 2.0L engine, Lineartronic CVT, 16-Inch alloy rims, Smart Start, DVD/Radio player and Manual Seats.
- Subaru Exiga 2.5i – This is an intermediate grade that comes with the 2.5L engine, Lineartronic CVT, 16-Inch alloy rims, Smart Start, DVD/Radio player and Manual Seats.
- Subaru Exiga 2.5i Eyesight – This grade comes with the 2.5L engine, Subaru Eyesight, Lineartronic CVT, 17-Inch alloy rims, Smart Start, DVD/Radio player and Electric Seats.
- Subaru Exiga 2.5i Eyesight Alacantara Selection – This grade comes with the 2.5L engine, Subaru Eyesight, Alcantara Seats, Lineartronic CVT, 17-Inch alloy rims, Smart Start, DVD/Radio player and Electric Seats.
- Subaru Exiga 2.5i Spec.B Eyesight – This is a sports grade that comes with the 2.5L engine, Bilstein Shocks, Subaru Eyesight, Lineartronic CVT, 18-Inch alloy rims, Smart Start, DVD/Radio player and Electric Seats.
- Subaru Exiga 2.0GT Eyesight – This is a sports grade comes with the 2.0L Turbo engine, Subaru Eyesight, Electronic 5-Speed Automatic Transmission, 17-Inch alloy rims, Smart Start, DVD/Radio player and Electric Seats.
- Subaru Exiga 2.0GT Eyesight Alcantara Selection – This is the premium sports grade comes with the 2.0L Turbo engine, Subaru Eyesight, Alcantara Seats, Electronic 5-Speed Automatic Transmission, 17-Inch alloy rims, Smart Start, DVD/Radio player and Electric Seats.
Interior
Legroom & Space
The seats are arranged in a theater layout which means the second roads seats are higher than the first, and the third row seats are higher than the second which affords the passengers with an excellent view of the road.
The Subaru Exiga is a well spaced car and is much more comfortable than its closest competitor the Toyota Wish. For the first and second rows, the legroom is good all round. For the third row, the legroom is decent for children and medium sized people.
Cabin Storage
There are several storage compartments in the cabin that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. At the first row there are 4 cup-holders, door panel storage , a storage shelf below the dashboard, a glovebox and the center-box. For the second row, the storage is on the front seat jacket pockets. For the third row, there are 2 cup holders.
2012 Subaru Exiga Boot Space
In the 5 seater configuration, the Exiga has a large boot that can carry bulky luggage. In the 7 seater configuration, the boot is actually ok and is comparable to that of a hatchback.
Other Extras: Navigation, Panoramic Sunroof, paddle shifts, Idling Stop
Safety Features: SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Eyesight Ver.2, Pre Crash Brake, Pre Crash Brake Assist, AT false start suppression control, 3 Point ELR seatbelt, brake override, Cruise Control with vehicle speed following function
Exterior
The Subaru Exiga has a conservative exterior but well designed exterior. It bears some similarities with the Legacy especially at the front.
2012 Subaru Exiga Fuel Consumption
2012 Subaru Exiga 2.0L fuel consumption: 14.0 km/L
2012 Subaru Exiga 2.0L Turbo fuel consumption: 12.0 km/L
2012 Subaru Exiga 2.5L fuel consumption: 13.2 km/L
2012 Subaru Exiga Acceleration
2012 Subaru Exiga 2.0L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 10.5 sec.
2012 Subaru Exiga 2.0L Turbo accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 sec.
2012 Subaru Exiga 2.5L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 sec.
2012 Subaru Exiga Fuel Tank Capacity: 65 Litres
2012 Subaru Exiga Ground Clearance
The 2012 Subaru Exiga has a ground clearance of 6.5 Inches(165mm) which is within the minimum recommended clearance of 6.5 Inches for Kenyan roads.
2012 Subaru Exiga Stability and Handling
One of the key strengths of the Exiga which sets it apart from its competitors, is its superb handling characteristics. On the road, it drives so effortlessly that you will be mistaken to think it’s a hot hatch. The 2.0GT particularly does not disappoint with its quick acceleration and high quality ride.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil
Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Service parts are very affordable and widely available in Kenya. Body parts can be expensive depending on availability. In Nairobi, most spare shops in Industrial Area and Kirinyaga Road stock these parts. You can get listings for these shops on this link
2012 Subaru Exiga Reliability
The driving conditions in Kenya are significantly different from those in Japan and Europe. Reliability reviews done for those markets largely do not apply to the Kenyan market. There are differences in roads, fuel, climate, spares, and technical expertise. To give you accurate and reliable local insights, we interview experts such as mechanics and car dealers, who have in-depth knowledge of the Kenyan market. We also test the cars ourselves. Our aim is to give you the right information to enable you make an informed decision when buying a car.
The Subaru Exiga is an exceptionally reliable car with no major issues reported. The turbo version is sensitive and is much more prone to failure. With proper maintenance as per the owners manual, these issues can be avoided. To download the 2012 Subaru Exiga Owner’s Manual, click here.
Resale Value: Average
Subaru Exiga Competitors: Toyota Wish, Mazda Premacy and Nissan Lafesta
Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price: See Latest Subaru Exiga Prices in Kenya
Comprehensive Insurance: Average Ksh. 36,000/ per annum- Or
3rd Party Insurance: Ksh. 7,000/- per annum
Change of Tyres(If necessary) Ksh. 24,000/- for 4 Tyres
What we like about the 2012 Subaru Exiga
1. Good handling characteristics
2. Seven seater capacity
3. Reliable
Conclusion
The Subaru Exiga is an excellent family car that is best suited for urban dwellers. Even though it’s not a true economical car, it still manages to return a decent Km/L.
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