Subaru Exiga news - Exiga. Not Exige - 2008

If you're less than convinced by the, erm, contrived aesthetics of the new Subaru Impreza, how does a minivan version grab you?

No? Really? This is the Subaru Exiga, a seven-seater MPV-type-thing aiming to cash in on Japan's booming minivan market.

It's not exactly a stretched Impreza, but it's not far off - the Exiga sits on an extended version of the Impreza's platform and carries over a good few of the styling cues... check out that fat bonnet scoop for confirmation.

The Exiga is powered by Subaru's two-litre boxer engine in naturally aspirated or turbocharged form - producing 146bhp and 222bhp respectively - with Scooby's clever four-wheel drive as an option.

Sadly, it doesn't seem likely to get the Impreza STI's 295bhp 2.5-litre boxer engine. Which is a pity - we rather like the idea of a seven-seater STI. It'd keep the grandparents quiet on the airport run, anyhow.

Equally sadly - or perhaps thankfully, depending on your point of view - we won't officially see the Exiga in the UK.

However, word is that some Subaru dealers might smuggle a few units into the country. In hand luggage, hidden under a Stephen King novel. Or something.