[b3lha]

Originally Posted by nutshell

this one is more sure-footed than anything I have ever driven,

Agreed.

Originally Posted by nutshell

there is no body roll when cornering at speed; on dirt there is absolutely no slippage on corners - the back-end just tucks into a corner as the rear wheels adjust to follow the front.

I think this is the biggest advantage of the active 4WS system. While the passive system relies on body roll to turn the rear wheel, the active system eliminates the body roll and associated loading of the suspension and tyres. This makes the car feel much more stable.

Originally Posted by nutshell

Probably the most alarming aspect for the uninitiated is just how fast the system reacts and how much it can reduce a turning radius at speed.

Absolutely. Turn the wheel hard at speed and the car will turn instantaneously and steer a tighter line than is possible in an ordinary car. It really can take you by surprise if you're not expecting it, but it sure is nice to avoid those unexpected obstacles in the road.

These pages in our locker explain the principles rather well.
http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/user.php?b3lha|33362