AeroPro Subaru's, Part 2

In 2017 I reviewed the first four vehicles from the AeroPro set (excluding the WRX STi since I already have this casting from Majorette) and it was a unique set: a group of promotional models from a company not known for making diecast vehicles and with partnership with Subaru and Subaru Gear they created realistic models based on current Subaru models.  Since then they added five more and have slowed down a but, but the four shown here are still available (the 2019 Forester, a different model from the red Forester in the last review, I will pass since I have the 2019 Forester from another diecast manufacturer that I will review later in this article).  The Crosstrek is the first new-generation model from the previous-generation in blue, and joining it are the platform mates the Impreza sedan and 5-door hatchback, while the all-new and largest Subaru currently in the line is the Ascent SUV.

2018 Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is one of Subaru’s most popular models and not even a few years on the market it is replaced by a second-generation: the reason why is because the platform it is based on, the Subaru Impreza, got a full redesign for 2017 so the Crosstrek followed suit for 2018.  This means the car is now lighter, more rigid than before with some slight refinements, yet still has that rugged character of the first generation.  To be different this casting uses Sunshine Orange instead of blue as before, wheels have thicker silver spokes with a reverse spiral direction, The headlights are slim and lower, and the grille also slim mostly due to the lack of chrome outer trim.  The lower body cladding, flared fenders, roof rails, and Impreza hatch profile still remain, though now the sunroof is larger, the rear spoiler larger and now part of the window trim, and the rear hatch is more upright with larger taillights.  Like all other models from AeroPro there is no interior, the base is plastic with flimsy axle supports, and plastic tires, and as far as handling goes the new Crosstrek is a bit more sharper in reflexes yet it is not a great track performer.

2018 Impreza sedan and 5-door

Joining the Crosstrek is the Impreza duo that consists of the sedan in Quartz Blue Pearl and the 5-door hatchback in Venetian Red Pearl.  The 5-door looks like a street version of the Crosstrek with lack of lower cladding and flared fenders, but it does share the same 5-door profile, roof rails, rear hatch and taillights, and front headlights and lower bumper.  The grille lacks any chrome trim, the sunroof is smaller, and uses the same 5-spoke low profile wheels as the sedan, but despite the sporty look it does not feel at all sporty on the track with more sway in the corners than the nearly flat sedan all thanks to the taller hatchback profile.  The sedan carries the same front styling traits as the 5-door and the wheels, but after the B-pillar it differs with a sedan roofline, a rear trunk with separate spoiler, and larger taillights.  The sedan gives off a sportier look than the 5-door and it also shows on the track with precise handling despite annoying squeaking from the axles.

2018 Ascent

With growth of any automobile manufacturer you try to fill every void to retain customers in the long run, especially when they start families and need a bigger vehicle.  This is what Subaru has to deal with as their rugged adventure customers lack any option for a larger vehicle at the brand when they decided to create a family.  The first attempt was the B9 Tribeca that was introduced in 2004 with a controversial grille that recalls the aircraft history of the brand, but ultimately looked out-of-place on this vehicle and forced a quick change in 2007 to a traditional front grille.  Despite the larger size and flat-6 power it was not as successful as it should be and thus it was pulled from the market in 2014.  Still, Subaru wanted a large vehicle so the went at it again taking much of the current Outback platform experience and expanding the size to create the Ascent.  This time the Abyss Blue Pearl Ascent won’t scare you off with its looks as it looks like a larger Outback with many family traits like the slender headlights and lower body cladding, but this is a large car and this casting really shows off the size.  Need more?  How about the larger front grille with larger lower bumper grille slots, taller beltline with a large greenhouse, and larger taillights with dual rear exhaust.  There is a larger sunroof to show off the seven-passenger interior with better material quality and technology than the Tribeca, but as usual there is no interior, and the multi-spoke wheels look good but could benefit from rubber tires.  Despite the dual exhaust out back it uses a flat-4 shared with the range, but this time a larger 2.5 with a turbo to give much momentum to this large vehicle, and it shows with some body roll and heft felt through the corners, yet the all-wheel drive system and suspensions do a great job of giving this large SUV some control.  While not that exciting, the Ascent is a nice addition to the Subaru model lineup.

Tomica 2019 Subaru Forester

This final Subaru is actually a Tomica and available in the USA thanks to a partnership with Wal-mart to sell Tomica’s at all stores in 2019 and this Forester was one of the vehicles.  Like the Impreza it is hard-to-tell from the previous model but this Forester is an all-new platform that is stronger and lighter than before and strangely uses the same blue color as the Ascent.  Since 1998 the Forester has been the true SUV in the Subaru lineup an as small SUV sales increased so has the popularity of the Forester, yet lately the SUV has started to loose its spunky charm for a more typical urban crossover look and feel and it shows with the 2019 model.  This Tomica casting has a good profile with detailed front headlights, separate front grille with silver trim, and an aggressive lower bumper cladding in the middle, while the sides are nice and clean for a compact SUV.  The rear has C-shaped headlights (the most noticeable change on this Forester), lower cladding with single exhaust tip, and blacked-out rear glass and no opening features.  The base shows off the all-wheel drivetrain with independent suspension on all four wheels, while the engine is the larger 2.5 flat-4 from the Ascent with CVT transmission that provides decent power, if not that thrilling, and handling is pretty good despite some body roll from the working suspension and skinny tires.  There is a detailed interior with seating for five and an improved dashboard with larger touchscreen for the infortainment system, but otherwise does not look much different from the previous-generation Forester.  While it is a nice casting, it is just a usual boring crossover SUV that really does not bring anything revolutionary.

Specifications (Ascent)

· Engine: 2.4L turbo flat-4, 260 hp.

· Transmission: CVT

· 0-60 mph: 6.9 sec.

· Real vehicle price: $41,000

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Specifications (18 Crosstrek)

· Engine: 2.0L flat-4, 152 hp.

· Transmission: CVT

· 0-60 mph: 10.1 sec.

· Real vehicle price: $25,000

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Specifications (Impreza Sedan)

· Engine: 2.0L Flat-4, 150 hp.

· Transmission: CVT

· 0-60 mph: 9.3 sec.

· Real vehicle price: $26,000

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Specifications (Impreza 5-door hatch)

· Engine: 2.0L Flat-4, 150 hp.

· Transmission: CVT

· 0-60 mph: 9.3

· Real vehicle price: $24,000

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Specifications (Tomica 2019 Forester)

· Engine: 2.5L Flat-4, 185 hp.

· Transmission: CVT

· 0-60 mph: 8.5

· Real vehicle price: $35,000

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars