Sonic Boom

Does anyone know whether there are plans for any European Subaru Dealers to stock or supply the new 2002 Subaru Legacy B4 Blitzen.

Quite like the look of this car, but not sure about going for another Japanese Import that I can't service at a Scooby dealer.

Any ideas, views ?

Cheers,
Scott.

Jason uk

Not sure that I would want a car named after a reindeer!!

J uk

JohnS

iTrader: (1)

I don't think so, as the car wouldn't pass European Type Approval for emissions and noise, without a significant amount of money being spent on them first. The size of the market for this particular car probably wouldn't warrant the investment in time and effort to get it to pass the tests.

However, I would expect that for the next generation of Legacy models, Subaru will do similar work in advance as they have done with the STi Impreza, to make sure it passes the tests, and the cars would be available throughout Europe.

Sonic Boom

Thanks for the info. I'll keep watching.

Cheers,

Sonic

Ed Hodgson

IM have been talking for some time about homologating the B4, but have never got anything done. They have run several on their own car fleet.

There are plenty of UK B4 & GTB owners now - not sure if there are any Blitzens though. Even in non-Blitzen trim it's a very impressive car. If you're loking for something a bit bigger/sophisticated than the impreza, it's well worth testing one. Park Lane have usually got some in stock.

If they don't have anything suitable, Ian Litchfield is probably a good man to speak to about importing one.

Ed

Sonic Boom

Ian,

Thanks very much for the info. Basically you're spot on, I've had the "full strength aggressive seat of your pants rally car" for 3 years now, and was possibly just looking for a slight change.

B4 models (RSK and Blitzen) seem to offer the power (all be it a little reduced from the Impreza), with BMW refinement and Porsche handling..

Pardon my ignorence, but where is Ian Litchfield from ? Name sounds familiar....

Many thanks,

Sonic

AJbaseBloke

Sonic - If you are looking at the new version, I would be VERY surprised if it did not pass the emissions tests as the current D rev is much cleaner than previous models.

As for noise...it is quieter *std* than the Impreza

LitchfieldImports

Hi Sonic,

You can send me an email at: iain@litimports.co.uk or look at our website www.litimports.co.uk
There is some information there on the Twin Turbo range, we have sold quite a few

Regards

Iain Litchfield

Shimster

Hi All
I have just brought a MY99 new shape GTB (as AJbaseBloke knows). What is the Blitzen model - I would like to know the difference between the models? Is it a complicated as the Impreza range I know it is a bit late after getting one!!
Alex

pwebb

Blitzen models GT estate and B4 saloon are mechanically the same as the normal GT/B4 with just an extra LSD at the front and some body kit changes to front and back - interior trim is also a different colour - usually all black. The price is usually a bit of a premium as these are limited edition - very rare in UK - I know of only one b4 blitzen owner - B4s and GT s are rare enough.
Having had 3 imprezas from 'standard' through to 'mental' - the B4 is a vast step upwards - proper build quality and refinement with plenty of pace - very incognito - though sometimes (not often) I wish it was more agressive-looking as it might deter 'triers'in AMG mercs, audis, alfas etc.
Insurance is a big consideration - think of a silly figure then double it. Apart from that, you will be getting an M5 calibre car for half the money.
PS why on earth would anyone want to have their car serviced by an IM dealer ? ;-)
Paul W

Sonic Boom

All,

Thanks for the input.

Ian, thanks for the link to the web site. Looked at the info. Do you have any news on the latest regarding ESVA/SVA of new imported Legacy's. The story seems to vary depending which import company I talk to about whether or not it is now possible to import a B4-RSK or B4 Blitzen. ??? Slightly confused... This was a lot simpler when I brought the Impreza in 3 years ago.

Regards,
Sonic

AJbaseBloke

Sonic,

That front lsd is only the manual version...and it is quite nice. Definitely helps turn-in (feels a litte like an STI with a proper front LSD - but you can't hide the extra weight) and gets the power down nicely (and earlier) for extra sligshot effect

It can be added to all current shape cars if you want.

Oh, and there was a special Sony audio system for the original Blitzen too - not so sure about the Blitzen 2001 tho. Will likely know more about the 2002 version after the AutoSalon (from the 11th of this month)

blp

Park Lane in Alton sell them...

Shimster

I have just insured my GTB for £650 all in with full protected NCD on a good post code.

Alex

Shimster

I noticed that it passed the SVA requirements when it was imported from now to the UK in '99 - even though it did not nead to. What are the requirements now?

Sonic Boom

blp - Tried Park Lane, they gave me a definate NO. Can't import them anymore !!

Shimster - Models brought into the country before 1st Nov 2001 are OK. However, this is when the new ESVA/SVA regs came into effect.

Therefore what I am looking for now, is a way of finding out officially whether the New B4 RSK and B4 Blitzen have, or will have, passed the new tests..

Cheers,
Sonic.

AJbaseBloke

Do they mean for all B4s?

The Blitzens would be gone, so not being able to get one easily is understandable (esp. as a new car).

Hope the D rev can pass the tests.

Cheers

LitchfieldImports

Sonic, If you want one we can import it for you Give me a call and I will give you more information on the E-SVA. We spent £,£££'s sending cars to Milbrook and Ford's emission centre.

Iain

AJbaseBloke

2002 Blitzen wagon going to be announced this Friday it seems...

NotoriousREV

Don't be shy now, give us names

Shimster

Hi, NotoriousREV,
Me Shy.............no! I think the insurance company were called Osbourne tel 0208 3886000, they specialise in jap imports + plus others I guess.
They asked for lots of info, including what I have driven in the past to demonstrate I had experience of powerful cars (!!) - as far as I am concerned this is good think, those of us who have a good recond should not have to pay rip off rates
Good Luck

Alex

Ed Hodgson

I thought it sounded too good to be true

I just phoned Osbourne - their underwriters won't cover me! - because I use my car for business.

- guess I'll have to wait for my renewal from Tesco to come through

Ed

Shimster

Ed,
Mine is for buisness use - only limited millage not selling as a trade etc.

Shimster

I have heard the Tesco is only Direct-line in disguise!!!!

Alex