OVERSTEER ROAD TEST: Subaru SVX
It’s always quite interesting when established car makers go out on a branch and try to penetrate niche market segments. So when a popular Japanese manufacturer with a rally history unveiled a prototype luxury sporting GT at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, more than a few eyebrows were raised. The car was the Alcyone SVX, and the manufacturer was Subaru.
The SVX, as it is better known, was Subaru’s first entry into the luxurious Grand Touring market. It had all the ingredients to make it a trans-continental blast machine – plenty of space, a decent amount of power and swooping lines. The style in question was penned by car design ace Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ital Design. The same chap responsible for the Maserati Ghibli, Lotus Esprit and the first Alfa GTV.
Being a product of the early nineties, the overall design of the SVX looks quite round and wide. I particularly like the wrap around windscreen and windows, sort of puts you in mind of an F15 Eagle fighter jet. The rear end is quite understated and chunky, while the front headlight cluster and small grill is one stretched oblong. It just works in a very subtle way.
Powering the SVX is a 3.3-litre, 24-valve horizontally-opposed six cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The result of this is 172kW of power, 309Nm of torque and a zero to 100km/h time of 7.3 seconds. Not super quick, but brisk enough for most people.
Hopping inside the SVX and you see the cockpit is in keeping with the relaxed touring vibes of the car. There is plenty of plastic and vinyl to be found with an over lapping of suede and it is a comfortable place to be. The seats are a dream, you sit back and low in them with just enough support for ones booty, while not restricting your body movement. With the SVX you get electric seats, power steering, air con, air bags and ample rear seats. Probably best to leave those for the kids though!
Turn the key to fire up the boxer six and it provides a soothing humming soundtrack. Selecting drive and releasing the hand brake is uncannily like engaging the afterburner on an F15 like previously mentioned. Around the suburbs the SVX is fairly docile, despite being a large coupe, it is a doddle to drive on the daily commute. Rear visibility is great despite the rear spoiler, although it is hard to judge exactly where the front is in relation to how close you are to the car in front.
On the open road you instantly realise it is a born Grand Tourer. There is a bit of softness to the suspension, but that shows its more at home flowing from bend to bend, while getting you to your destination as quickly and comfortably as possible. The torque provided by the boxer engine is always there when you need it. Picking up speed, the noise changes from a hum to a blood curdling howl at 5000rpm. Ride is top notch for a 20 year old car and steering is never devoid of feel.
Subaru produced the SVX from 1991 until 1996 and were reportedly losing money on every SVX sold. A shame really, if things were different maybe the Subaru SVX would have continued to be honed and developed. Good car, wrong time…
Need to know
Year: 1993
Production: 1991-1996
Engine: 3300cc H6 petrol
Power/torque: 172kW/309Nm
Transmission: Four-speed automatic
