Subaru of New Zealand is the exclusive New Zealand importer and distributor of vehicles manufactured by Subaru Corporation since 1992.

Subaru New Zealand vehicles were exclusively All-Wheel Drive (AWD) from 1997.

Our philosophy is based on high quality engineering, active and passive safety, reliability, a fun driving experience and value.

 

The Subaru Journey

 

1958
Subaru 360 is introduced, becoming an instant bestseller.
1966
Subaru 1000 is introduced, highlighted by the company’s first use of a horizontally-opposed Boxer engine.
1973
The first Subaru with on demand All-Wheel Drive released, combined with symmetrical drivetrain, provides exceptional control, balance and traction.
1977
The two seat on demand All-Wheel Drive Subaru Brumby was launched in New Zealand long before cross-over vehicles would become mainstream.
1989
The Subaru Legacy is launched to critical acclaim.
1966
Subaru 1000 is introduced, highlighted by the company’s first use of a horizontally-opposed Boxer engine. 
1993
Champions! Subaru World Rally Team (SWRT) records its first WRC round win. Later that season, SWRT switched from the Legacy WRC to the Impreza WRX.
1993
Legacy wins Rally of NZ - Drive Colin McRae, first Subaru WRC victory.
1996
Outback is launched and wins World Rally Championship, Manufacturers and Drivers titles.
1996 - 2005
Subaru wins 10 consecutive Australian Rally Championships to add to their six World Rally Championships.
1997
Forester is launched to New Zealand and wins WRC Manufacturers title for the third consecutive year.
1997
Subaru is the first car company to offer All-Wheel Drive as standard on every model sold in New Zealand.
2000
Impreza including Impreza WRX wins Wheels Car of the Year – joining our other winners, the 1999 Legacy Wagon and 1995 Legacy.
2003
Subaru World Rally Team wins the WRC Drivers Championship (Petter Solberg).
2004
Petter Solberg wins the New Zealand World Rally Championship in his Subaru WRX.
2006
Tribeca is launched in New Zealand.
2007
The new generation Impreza is launched and achieves a maximum 5-star ANCAP occupant safety rating. Subaru is the first automotive company in New Zealand to achieve the maximum 5-star ANCAP occupant safety rating in every single model. Every new Subaru model in New Zealand has been awarded the maximum 5-star ANCAP occupant safety rating.
2008
Subaru Impreza WRX STI is the Supreme Winner at New Zealand's most prestigious motoring awards, the AA Motoring Excellence Awards New Zealand Car of the Year. Impreza is also recognised as New Zealand's Safest Car at the same awards. 
2008
With the launch of the 2009 Legacy and Outback variants, every Subaru now has electronic stability control as a standard feature. 
2009
Introduction of the first turbo diesel horizontally-opposed Boxer engine in New Zealand.
2011
XV is launched in New Zealand.
2012
BRZ was launched in New Zealand.
2015
Subaru of NZ achieves record sales (2267).
2015
Subaru Outback surpasses all expecations, selling record numbers (1175), almost double the previous record in 2006 (591).
2016
Levorg is launched in New Zealand (July). 
2017
All-New Impreza launches as the first model on the new Subaru Global Platform.
2017
Launch of second generation Subaru XV. 
2017
Record sales year - Subaru achieve over 3000 sales for the first time in history, selling 3343 vehicles. 
2018
All-new 5th generation 2019 Subaru Forester is launched
2018
Subaru XV named New Zealand Company Vehicle Compact SUV of the Year 2018
2018
Subaru Forester scooped a cabinet full of awards, including the 2018 Stuff Motoring Top Medium SUV, AA Driven New Zealand Car of the Year Best in Class Medium SUV, NZ4WD Magazine Medium 4WD SUV of the Year 2018. 
2018
All-new 2019 Forester awarded the country's most prestigious motoring award, 2018 New Zealand Car of the Year, presented on prime time show TVNZ's Seven Sharp
2018
Another record sales year - Subaru achieve all-time sales record, selling 3632 vehicles. This is the seventh year of consecutive growth for Subaru of New Zealand.
2019
Rally legend Alister McRae wins Leadfoot Festival hill climb for the 3rd year in a row in the Vantage Subaru ex-Possum Bourne WRX STI, with a record time of 47.99 seconds. 
2020
Subaru e-Boxer Hybrids are launched in New Zealand in XV and Forester models as the first step towards a more sustainable future for Subaru in New Zealand. 
2021
Subaru launches the new generation 2021 Subaru Outback - The Greatest Outback of All Time.