The first product of Subaru’s new international “design language” the B9 Tribeca, made its Australian debut at the Melbourne International Motor Show yesterday.

The left-hand drive B9 Tribeca will be introduced on the American market mid-year.

While there are no immediate plans for a right-hand drive version, Subaru is showing the car in Melbourne to gauge public reaction to the new design direction, variations on which will be applied to future Subaru models.

Nick Senior, General Manager Subaru Australia, said: “The B9 Tribeca is important to Subaru because it is a new platform, offering a larger seven-seat vehicle and also gives an indication of the brand’s exciting future designs.”

The B9 Tribeca grille draws on Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries aerospace heritage, representing a stylised aircraft fuselage and wings.

Mr Senior said: “We are preparing a business case for this vehicle. Currently, it is only planned to be built in left-hand drive but I believe we can mount a strong case for it to be included in our line-up.

“However, it’s unlikely we would get a right-hand drive version of the B9 for at least 18 months.

“We can see a potentially significant market for customers wanting the flexibility of a larger vehicle that combines the advantages of Subaru All-Wheel Drive with the amazing cabin flexibility of the B9 Tribeca.”

The vehicle is powered by a horizontally opposed 3.0 litre six cylinder boxer engine.

The interior features a sophisticated and functional twin cockpit design with a futuristic dash and centre console that maximizes the spacious cabin feel.

An all-new double wishbone rear suspension design aids cabin roominess while reducing vibration and harshness, heightening vehicle dynamics and ride comfort.

A wide variety of cabin configurations make B9 Tribeca one of the most flexible vehicles for its size.

The Subaru B9 Tribeca will be built at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant in Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.A.

It is also scheduled to be sold in Canada and Chile this year.