B9 Tribeca draws attention at auto show

Maria Farrell smiled and nodded at her husband, Brett, Tuesday when she saw ski racks attached to the roof of a Subaru B9 Tribeca on display at the Indiana Convention Center.

"He's retiring in a couple of years," she said of her husband. "We're skiers, and I can visualize myself driving one of these."

The entire Subaru lineup, including the B9 Tribeca, Legacy, Outback and Baja models that are built at Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. in Lafayette, are among 450 vehicles being exhibited by 39 automobile manufacturers at the 2006 Indianapolis Auto Show.

The Farrells live in Indianapolis and frequently drive past the SIA facility when visiting their daughter, who attends Purdue University.

"I've always liked Subarus. I like the all-wheel drive and that we have a facility here," said Brett Farrell. "All-wheel drive is something nice. The Subaru solution is a little better than some of the others."

The B9 Tribeca is a sport utility vehicle that offers five- and seven-passenger seating. It arrived at dealer showrooms in late May.

Jonathan Kershaw, a product specialist who represents Subaru, said the company's newest vehicle is attracting plenty of attention from people attending the auto show, which runs through Sunday.

"There's a lot of interest in the B9 Tribeca. We've gotten very positive feedback," Kershaw said. "People have been waiting a long time for a new, larger Subaru. People are happy you can have more than two kids and own a Subaru."

Ray Rosher of York, Pa., visited the 92nd annual auto show while staying with relatives in Indianapolis. He owns a 2005 Subaru Forester and would consider buying a B9 Tribeca when it comes time to make a change.

"It's a nice design with a lot of nice features on it. They keep improving," Rosher said. "They listen to their customers and really try to please the customer."

Subaru's Japanese-made WRX, Forester and Impreza models also are included in the display, which is near the center of the 375,000-square-foot exhibit area.

Indianapolis resident Ryan Bartlett spent some time sitting behind the steering wheel of a Subaru Legacy.

"I'm just kind of checking it out and seeing what's going on. I definitely like the stylish look of it," he said. "It's a sporty-type economy car. It's probably a little bit out of my price range, but I'm taking a look at it."
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