First look: Sube SUV revealed

SUBARU has released the above sketch of its forthcoming seven-seat sports utility vehicle, announcing the model will be known as the B9X and make its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Codenamed 00X, the cross-over wagon – to become the largest in the Japanese manufacturer’s stable – points to a new design that will be used on all future Subaru vehicles.

It is still to be confirmed for right-hand drive production.

B9X will be built at Subaru’s Lafayette plant in Indiana, US, from August 2005 and is one of the so-called “Saabaru” programs in which the Swedish brand Saab gets to put its own exterior and interior styling stamp on the Subaru mechanicals. The Saab version is expected to be called 9-6X.

Subaru Australia is also investigating a separate, more car-like cross-over wagon being developed in Japan.