ROAD are big fans of the reliable, durable, practical and above all, individual Japanese Subaru brand. In fact I’ve owned a Legacy, a Forester and countless Imprezas, including two WRX STi Version II Type RA (Race Altered) beasties, which I still miss today. The RA was an awesome A-B car in any weather and my own road car went on to become a modified 911-eating track weapon.

Subaru earned the ‘farmer’s choice’ tag line from its the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Legacy, Forester and Outback models, and although still hugely popular with rural types, the term is no longer an appropriate label for the modern Subaru range.

Better build quality, the world’s first horizontally-opposed Boxer diesel engine and a wider range of models have made Subaru a more mainstream brand. And now with the exciting new BRZ coupe and XV crossover, their appeal is set to increase further still.

Although, the WRX STi is no longer a contender in the World Rally Championship, it’s still a well-loved car thanks to an uber-loyal fan base and rightly so, as we found with the latest re-mapped WRX STi 320R on an epic road trip to the Lake District.

We also sample a pair of ‘go anywhere’ Forester and Legacy Boxer Diesel range-toppers on and off road and go rallying in the perfect Prodrive Group N WRX STi.

TV presenter Neil Cole, writes this month about the Monte Carlo Rally in his ‘Cole Position” column, and we show you what you missed at the 2012 Autosport Show.

We’re big fans of Subaru, so we hope you enjoy our insight into some of their most popular cars.

TO VIEW THE MAGAZINE JUST CLICK ON THE SECOND ‘CLICK HERE’ ICON ABOVE.

Looking almost identical to its Toyota sibling, the BRZ lacks the visual drama of the BRZ STi concept, and is powered by the a 1,998cc “boxer” four-cylinder engine, presumably with same 197 bhp as the GT 86.

Further details will be released once the show gets underway, but we expect most of the differences between the two cars to be mainly aesthetic.

The XV’s design combines the latest distinctive Subaru elements with the commanding silhouette expected of a crossover and is expected to bring a new type of customer to the Brand — people who value the company’s AWD and engineering expertise, who are also looking for the flexibility and lifestyle benefits a crossover brings.

Subaru’s new crossover will be unveiled at a press conference scheduled for 09.30am on September 13, and is due for launch in the UK during early 2012.

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He smashed the late Tony Pond’s 21 year record at his first attempt, setting a lap time of 19 minutes and 56.7 seconds and averaging 113mph around the course.

That was his first lap, his practice lap if you like. On his second lap, he was joined by Road & Track photographer Chris Cantle and in less than 2-minutes from the off, Higgins had what he describes as “..the biggest moment of my life..”.

Watch and admire Higgins’ skill and sheer calmness behind the wheel as he experiences a moment that for most mortals would have been their final moment.

And here’s the on-board view where you can see just how awful a crash would have been at these speeds..

Hats off to Mark Higgins for such an incredible piece of driving and for remaining such a sportsman when everything (nearly) went horribly wrong.

The previous record was set by the late Tony Pond, who was the first driver to average more than 100 mph around the 37.8-mile course in a road car at the wheel of a Rover 827 Vitesse. 21 years later to the day Higgins smashed the record, posting a blistering lap time of 19 minutes and 56.7 seconds, which translates to an average speed of 113mph and a peak speed during the lap of 162 mph.

Mark says on his blog that it’s been a long time ambition to emulate Tony Pond’s famous lap of the TT from 1990 and he was delighted to smash the record on his first attempt last Monday.

You can listen to an interview with Mark, before and after his record-breaking run by visiting this link.

Before the lap, Mark told Chris Boyde of local radio station EnergyFM that he was uncertain about achieving the ‘ton’. After a flying start from Governor’s Bridge he was therefore expected to reach Glen Helen in 6 minutes to be on the schedule to match Pond’s long-standing record, however he blitzed that and passed the famous checkpoint in 4min 59.75sec at an average speed of 116.3mph.

By the time he’d reached the Bungalow in 16 minutes 10 seconds his average was up to 120.87 mph, however for the rapid descent down the Mountain, Mark admitted he was struggling with brake fade.

The TT event organisers gave Higgins just one lap to conduct his record attempt in the car, and there was no opportunity to carry out high-speed practice runs, so Mark struggled on with the brakes until he crossed the finish line just 19 minutes 56.67seconds after starting.

“In the end the lap was simply fantastic, and the WRX STI behaved impeccably,” explains Higgins. “That we managed to set such an impressive time at our first attempt is a great tribute to the Subaru, especially given that so few modifications have been made. The engine pulled incredibly strongly throughout and the cornering capability proved crucial on such a twisty, unforgiving course.”

“Setting the record was both the most exhilarating and the most frightening thing I have ever done,” explains Higgins, whose career as a driver in the British and World Rally Championships hasn’t exactly been short of excitement. “The rules allow for a flying start, so I crossed the line at 125mph. I then went down through the Bray Hill junction – normally taken at around 20mph – at over 150mph. Once that tricky section was out of the way I settled into the lap and quickly got used to the balance and sheer pace of the car.”

The outright lap record on the TT course was set in 2009 by John McGuinness on a Honda CBR1000RR ‘Fireblade’ motorcycle. McGuinness posted a time of 17 minutes and 12.3 seconds, equivalent to an average speed of 131mph, so less than 3 minutes faster than Higgins in his Subaru.

Back in 1990 a certain Carl Fogarty won the opening race of the Isle of Man TT Series riding a Honda Britain RC30. Fogarty averaged 118.35mph for the six-lap race, whilst later in the event the late Steve Hislop broke his own lap record with an incredible 122.63mph.

The Car..

The WRX STI used for the record-breaking run was a standard Subaru production car, equipped with a 296 bhp Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine, unmodified brake callipers and with road-legal Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tyres. Springs and dampers were adjusted to minimise any potential damage when the car encountering the various bumps and jumps at high-speed along the course.

In recognition of the speeds involved, and the fact that there are little or no crash barriers around most of the TT road circuit, the WRX STI was fitted with some essential safety enhancements. These included an MSA-specification T45 integrated roll cage, TRS race harnesses and a Lifeline extinguisher system. To help forewarn spectators of the presence of the oncoming car (as well as entertain them, no doubt!), the Subaru team also fitted the WRX STI with a high-decibel exhaust.

The WRX STI is currently available from Subaru dealers with free satellite navigation and a free power upgrade, taking the output to 315 bhp – which I’m sure Higgins would have welcomed, although not before upgrading those brakes…

The XV Concept is fitted with a 2.0-litre four cylinder Horizontally-Opposed DOHC engine mated to a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). It’s a medium sized vehicle 11 cm (4″) shorter than the current Forester, 2 cm wider and 8 cm lower. Fitted with low profile 245/45 ZR19 tyres, Subaru are clearly pitching the XV Concept at the enthusiast end of the SUV/crossover market.

This new generation design concept combines Subaru’s crossover-like driving dynamic with what the designers describe as a “playful nature”. The key concept is the integration of authentic functionality but with urban, stylish design. The vehicle was engineered to blend the commanding silhouette seen around the lower half of the body with a fashionable image in a single, modern package. The XV’s body exhibits the solid, dynamic and independent styling so characteristic of all Subaru’s.

The front of the vehicle features design elements that are common to the Subaru stable, including the hexagon grille, winged motif and hawk-eye headlights. The centre of the grille is the same colour as the body itself, which contributes to a solid and powerful look while the combination of the black lower bumper protectors and metallic highlights reinforces the cross-over design and are said to give the XV real presence.

The rear of the vehicle features the same hexagonal design as the front. Metallic decorations give the hexagonal shape greater definition, while more hexagons engraved into the clear blue base under the license plate complement the consistent design theme. The layered structure of the tail lights gives them a deeper look, which are further highlighted with the distinct line flowing from the top of the rear combination lights across the rear gate. The elevated height of the line serves to interconnect both rear combination lights, giving the rear of the vehicle a wider appearance.

The XV features a panorama type roof of continuous glass which extends from the front windscreen all the way to the rear, resulting in a smooth and sleek profile. The combination of clear and metallic materials used for the roof rails enhance the modern, premium look. New alloy wheels with silver spokes and black rims have been designed to combine a solid, stylish appearance befitting of fashionable urban chic while the exterior paintwork is a special Electro Yellowgreen colour to embody exciting performance, and rounds off the exterior design.

Inside

Subaru’s designers have been equally ambitious with the XV Concept’s interior. The dynamic contours running from the front instrument panel, across the door panels and to the centre console have an engineered look but while appearing sumptuous at the same time. A special white leather has been used as the base material for the seats, which creates a stark contrast with the darker tones used elsewhere. The combined use of sporty mesh with yellowgreen piping in selected areas of the interior, is intended to create a high quality, sporty finish.

A large touch-panel multi-information display has been installed in the centre panel, giving the driver easy control over navigation and audio systems as well as directly displaying vehicle information. Subaru’s advanced driver support system EyeSight features, with an LCD monitor positioned between the two well-balanced and highly visible combination meters to allow the driver to check the images captured with the EyeSight’s stereo cameras.

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The revised 2.5-litre Boxer 16-valve turbo engine now produces 315bhp (up from 296bhp), but the increase in torque is even more generous – up nearly 50Nm from 407Nm at 4000 rpm to 450 Nm at 3400 rpm.

The power upgrade which has been developed in-house at Subaru UK, is also covered by a Subaru UK warranty. The increase in performance now makes the STi a sub-five second sprinter from 0 to 62 mph – recording a very credible time of just 4.9 seconds.

In addition to the engine enhancements, STI’s purchased within the qualifying period will also receive a Pioneer sat nav system fitted as standard. The system is touch-screen enabled and features Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. The screen can also be detached and connected to a laptop via a USB port for easy downloading of information.

As before, STI’s come as standard with symmetrical AWD, keyless entry and push button start, hill start assist, climate control, SI-Drive, leather Recaro seats, 18 inch alloy wheels, remote locking, satellite tracker and cruise control.

If ever there was a performance car for the C21st, this paradigm-shifting beast from the east is it. And now it’s faster (0-60 in 3.0s dead!), more powerful, better equipped and sexier than ever.

Also revised for 2011 is another Japanese import icon, the Subaru WRX STi – one of my favourite cars. We test drive the new WRX STi (not Impreza anymore) in four-door form, on roads it was designed for… the hills and vales of a damp Lake District: Perfect to test its legendary A-B pace and AWD
‘Subaglue’ levels of grip. It’s the fastest WRX STi to date.

Speaking of quick… Mazda has revised the 256bhp 3 MPS, which staff snapper, Neil Denham puts to work on the roads and forest tracks of Northumberland. And we also look at the town and country abilities of the brilliant Subaru Legacy Outback – a truly fabulous AWD Japanese car. Enjoy your second dose of the rising sun.

Perhaps the most effective use of sex in advertising is when combined with humour and the automotive industry has a history of using this to great effect. During the past week we’ve seen video ads from Nissan and Subaru – all tastefully done, but nevertheless using sexual imagery to brighten up an otherwise potentially dull product and attract eyeballs that wouldn’t otherwise seek out a Nissan Juke or Subaru Forester.

Sometimes when you don’t have too many clever ideas and the flash of inspiration is merely a dim glow, the adage of ‘”sex sells” can seem an easy route to follow, but does it always work?

We’ve collected together the most recent creative blockbusters, then picked out a few our favourites from the SkiddPlayer archives. Take a look (as if you had to be asked!) and then tell us what you think – did any inspire you to look more closely at the cars?

Nissan Juke – Model vs Model

A side-by-side comparison of the Nissan Juke™ and a gorgeous, scantily clad bikini model. Nissan USA launched four video ads this week featuring the lovely ‘Amber’ performing a series of comparison tests against Nissan’s newest fashion SUV.

1. Model vs. Model “Curb Appeal”

2. Model vs. Model “Agility”

3. Model vs. Model “Acceleration”

4. Model vs. Model “Aerodynamics”

Subaru Forester – Sexy Sumo, where sexy comes standard.

This one may come as something of a shock after the lovely Amber, but Subaru Canada believe the ad will grab the attention of their target buyers annd sell more… err, well we’re not entirely sure what it will sell. The Music track used is “Girls” by Peaches.

Lexus LFA – “Supercar Meets Supermodel”.

And now for the perfect antidote to Subaru’s Sumo ad.

Lexus recently joined the photoshoot for the 2011 Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit Issue, bringing its LFA supercar along to run rings (or donuts to be precise) around supermodel Rianne ten Haken. To make it ‘really’ sexy Rianne would need to have talked about the 10 independent throttle bodies of the LFA’s Yamaha-designed engine, or that it can rev from 0-9,000rpm in 0.6 seconds when standing still..

Ken Block – MWRT 2011: all new WRC Ford Fiesta and Ken’s 2011 Schedule.

A roundup of the latest sexy car ads would not be complete without a nod to the viral-meister himself, Mr Ken Block. When Ken decides to publish his 2011 schedule of events a web page listing would be far too ordinary, instead he turns to the beautiful Monster Girls who wiggle along to a track by Rusko called “Woo Boost”. And yes that’s real snow – the video was filmed in the ski tunnel in Torsby Sweden.

Renault Clio – Va Va Voom TV commercial – with extra footage.

You may already have seen Renault’s latest TV commercial for the Clio, but this is an extended behind-the-scenes version with considerably more of Burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese (and Thierry Henry for the ladies). Renault chose to revive the ‘Va Va Voom’ strap-line in its latest Clio ads set in a contemporary art exhibition and featuring music from David Bowie, Clare Maguire and Rihanna’s latest single ‘S&M’.

It’s certainly one of the most sexy ads in recent years, but does it have you checking out Renault’s website for a local dealer or a copy of Timeout magazine for the next Rihanna or Dita Von Teese performance?

Chevy Camaro Commercial – Miss Evelyn.

This is more about sexual innuendo than anything particularly sexy, but Chevy’s Miss Evelyn super bowl commercial is undoubtedly using the imagery of a sexy female who can drive hard as the lure to gain a viewers attention. And it worked, the ad has already collected over 1.5 million views online with more that 100 million watching it on TV.

The twist at the end as she’s revealed to be a teacher, can either be seen as a humorous piece of irony or a nod to the vivid imagination of male viewers seeing a beautiful woman overcoming the power of the beastly 426 hp Camaro.

Mercedes-Benz: Trailer for ‘Speed Date’.

A beautiful woman, a beautiful roadster and you get to play the leading roles in ‘Speed Date’, the interactive road movie featuring the new SLK. The trailer uses plenty of sexual innuendo and suggestiveness to encourage viewers to visit the SLK microsite and play the game.

Romanian Car Insurance Commercial, ‘Girls insured’.

You can always trust the East-Europeans to push out the boundaries on the use of women in automotive ads. This particular commercial entitled, ‘Girls insured’, provides a series of handy tips on what to do in a car accident for Romanian insurance company RCA Asigurare. Someone forgot to include a car in the advert though..

From the Archives

You’ve seen the best sexy ads produced during the past month, but here are a few more from our archives worthy of a mention. If you’d like to see more, then take a browse through the 1400 video commercials in our Adverts Channel on SkiddPlayer.

Renault – The new Twingo Miss Sixty.

The following ad was banned from TV shortly after it was launched in Italy – you won’t need me to tell you why..

Nissan Pathfinder – Independent Suspension Demo.

Sometimes you really need a visual metaphor to explain the technical intricacies of a new development, …and sometimes you’re all out of ideas on how to advertise a truck and think “..let’s just go for some boobs.”

Ford StreetKa – Kylie Ad.

The sexual innuendo in this Ford ad, produced by Wilder Films in the UK, should provide inspiration to advertisers looking to add a bit of spice to their automotive ads. It’s a multi-award winner and made a huge difference to the StreetKa being perceived as something more just than a dumpy Ford Ka with its roof chopped off.

Toyota – Cool Nipples.

An 1999 advert created for Toyota Brazil to advertise the virtues of air conditioning in the Toyota Corolla

Alfa Sportwagen – Featuring Catherine Zeta Jones.

The perfect example where sexual suggestiveness in a car advert complements the main message – Alfa built a more practical 156, called it the Sportwagen and then advertised it as a sexy addition to the range, rather than merely a humdrum family estate.

Dutch Car Wash – Call Me.

There’s pleny of humour in this advert for a Dutch telephone directory service, using a sexy car wash to show the value of good information..

VW Golf R32 – Beautiful Chassis.

Hilarious German advert for the Golf R32 where in the midst of lovemaking the guy makes the classic mistake of mentioning another’s name, only it’s not another women he whispers, instead it’s his Golf R32: [SHE] “What?”, “Rev Counter?”, [HE] “Yes. I mean no! No!”, “No, I didn’t mean that!”, [SHE] “Sure”.

2010 Honda CBR600RR – Pure Thrust.

If you thought only car advertisers could be a bit risqué, then spare a thought for the bike makers who’ve being doing so for years. This one is intended to advertise the Honda CBR600RR but is about as condescending and sexist to women as it gets. Use of the Prodigy track, “Smack my bitch up”, makes even our Romanian Insurance ad look subtle…

Bennetts Bikes Insurance Advert.

Unapologetically sexist advert for the specialist bike insurer, Bennetts. Charlotte and Stephanie from the Bennetts Babes 2010 squad team up with celebrity model Lucy Pinder to create the Bennetts Babes Bikini Bike Wash video with the lucky bike being Yamaha’s 2010 R1.

Smart – Mermaids on the Rocks.

Ahh, the classic Mermaid-themed ad, every man’s dream but somehow we’re supposed to prefer a Smart ForTwo instead.

Mercedes E-Class 4Matic – Not in this weather.

An all-time classic that shows how it should be done – racy and intelligent, all in a single 47 second ad.

Porsche Carrera – It Pulls.

Just to prove that risqué ads are not the exclusive preserve of the ordinary mass-producer brands. Porsche made this ad to show us chaps the effect that a 911 Carrera has on sexy woman. As if we didn’t already know…

Does their lack of revs and audio stimulation make these fast and frugal diesels dull? ROAD investigates the talents of three modern day oil-burners over three monster road trips.