New Forester takes shape with Viziv concept

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Subaru has teased the ruggedly smooth new look of its fifth generation Forester mid-sized SUV at the 2015 Tokyo motor show.

The new car is called the Viziv – the third concept car to wear the nameplate that denotes "vision for innovation" – and boasts new driverless technology.

But it's outside that is of the most interest to Subaru buyers, with the Viziv picking up a stout but elegant nose and clean yet bold proportions.

Subaru says the new car is "indicative of near-future Subarus".

Subaru design general manager Mamoru Ishii claims the Viziv is more about the design vision for all Subaru SUVs, including the Outback, XV and Forester.

"It is not yet decided the next Forester's design so this is an advanced study of the next SUV … from Subaru," Ishii said of the Viziv.

Beneath the skin the Viziv concept features an evolution of Subaru's EyeSight crash avoidance technology.

It can partially drive autonomously on freeways and even overtake by monitoring traffic ahead.

Subaru says it plans to have full autonomous freeway driving in a production car by 2020.

The Viziv is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo hybrid system, giving a clue to the thinking of future Subaru drivetrains.