Not since
the Brat, which was produced from 1977 to 1987, has Subaru
offered a vehicle with an open bed. The Brat was a mini-pickup with seating
for two in the cab, and for two facing rearward, in the open bed. That
scenario is revisited with the all-new Baja hybrid or 4-door crossover
vehicle which closely adheres to the design image of the 2000 ST-X concept
vehicle that made its debut at the L.A. International Auto Show.
The Baja
is based on the same platform as Subaru's Legacy/Outback -- a car
platform rather than a truck chassis, rendering it as more of a sport
sedan
with an open pickup bed than as a traditional SUV. Baja is unique in that
it
has no direct competitors and fills a specialized niche, with a sporty,
playful look about it that should appeal to non-truck folks, while providing
truck-like versatility and functionality.
Baja will
be offered in two fully equipped configurations: a five-speed manual transmission
model, or a four-speed electronic automatic transmission version. Both
models will feature an All-Wheel Drive system -- the manual gearbox model
features a Continuous AWD system with a viscous-coupling, locking center
differential, while the automatic transmission model comes with an Active
AWD system with an electronically managed continuously variable transfer
clutch.
Power for
both models is derived from the same 2.5 liter, SOHC
horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder engine found in the Subaru Forester that
produces 165 horsepower and generates 166 pound feet of torque. The Baja
rides on 16-inch Bridgestone Potenza tires, mounted on attractive 5-spoke
alloy wheels. The suspension is heavy duty, raised and independent at
all
four corners, with braking chores handled by power-assisted four-wheel
discs
(vented up front), featuring a 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS system.
The Baja
is 6-inches longer than its Legacy/Outback sibling, while other specs
are shared. The cargo floor measures 41.5 inches or 60.5 inches with the
standard bed extender out and tailgate down. The real key to the Baja's
versatility is the Subaru-designed Switchback™ system, which provides
the ability to reconfigure both the rear seating area and cargo bed accommodating
up to a maximum of 77.7 inches of load space. The rear seat cushion folds
upward to form a front cargo wall, with the seatback folding forward for
a flat load surface. The seatback features the same slip-resistant, protective
covering material as the integrated bed liner. Carrying longer items is
allowed by folding down the bed pass-through door which rests flush within
the lowered seatback. The rear window is fixed for added rear bulkhead
rigidity and does not lower as some other "mid-gate" systems
do. The cargo bed is fitted with screened forward drain holes with aft
channeled rails and four tie down hooks, not to mention slotted recesses
for 2x4 separation sorting. The Baja's payload is 1,050 pounds.
