Subaru claims that the new 2008 Tribeca, just recently introduced to the market, was developed with an input from consumers in the luxury SUV segment. This new model was developed around specific requested features, combined with a level of pricing and prestige.

With new styling, a new, larger displacement 3.6-litre H6 engine, and improved performance and fuel efficiency, Subaru claims that the new 2008 Subaru Tribeca delivers a unique balance of style, safety and functionality in a SUV form.

The new Subaru Tribeca comes with a powerful 3.6-litre petrol engine that delivers well in a performance sense but for Irish buyers we need to wait for a diesel powered option.

The exterior design of the new Tribeca incorporates both a wider and taller grille, with new front fenders and new hood design. The grille is now integrated into the front bumper, featuring a new chrome spread-wing design, with the Subaru star cluster badge as the focal point.

The rear quarter windows and the addition of new larger side-view mirrors improve side and rear vision as well as increasing visibility for third row passengers. The second row seat features a tilt-and-slide control on both the driver and passenger side and an assist spring that reduces the effort needed to slide the second row seat. There is also moulded assist grab handles on the lower C-pillar to ease step in to the third row.

The centre console is dominated by an information centre that groups the readouts for the audio system, clock and fuel economy and outside temperature. A seven-inch touch screen information centre is standard. The audio and climate control system controls are located just below the screen.

The Tribeca is available as a seven-passenger model with standard 50/50 split fold-down third-row seat with integrated headrests and carpeted back surface. For added passenger comfort it features an auxiliary rear cabin air conditioner with fan speed control in the second row.

The new 2008 Tribeca was designed to achieve the highest safety ratings in the motor industry. The previous generation B9 Tribeca achieved top honours in the US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests with five stars in both the frontal and side-impact crash tests for both the driver and passenger seating positions. These results are in addition to the four star rating in the NHTSA tests for rollover resistance. (No SUV to date has earned five stars in the rollover test.)

The Subaru Tribeca features a Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame Structure, occupant-sensing, dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, seat-mounted side impact air bags and standard curtain side air bags (front and second rows). A Roll Sensor system that detects a potential vehicle rollover and deploys the standard side curtain airbags is also standard.

In addition, the Tribeca features Brake Assist on its standard ABS brake system, Vehicle Dynamics Control and four-wheel traction control. Brake Assist analyses the force and stroke on the brake pedal and increases hydraulic boost to provide enhanced emergency braking, also activating the ABS system early if needed.