Subaru kills the XV

Friday, 16 September 2022

Subaru has revealed the new XV, now called Crosstrek.

The Subaru XV is dead, long live the Subaru Crosstrek.

During the reveal of the new crossover, Subaru confirmed the XV badge will be retired in favour of the global Crosstrek name, previously used for the North American XV.

But don’t worry, the small SUV is still carrying on. It rides on the same Subaru Global Platform as before, now draped in new-look bodywork inspired by the US-market Outback.

Subaru has updated the XV with a new look and a new name.

That means it has plastic fangs rising next to the refreshed grille, narrow eyes that connect to a chrome style bar, and large fog lights. Around back are C-shaped taillights similar to those seen on the WRX wagon mounted fairly high up the boot and a plastic diffuser hiding the exhaust.

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The crossover gets the same portrait touchscreen as the WRX.

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The ‘e-Boxer’ hybrid powertrain is the only option so far.

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There’s WRX inspiration elsewhere as well, in the cladding above the wheels (vented on the fronts) and the 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen in the cabin. The Crosstrek doesn’t get the digital dash, however, instead making do with traditional analogue dials and a small readout screen.

Other highlights include an electronic parking brake, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree camera and leather trim on upper models.

Only one powertrain has been confirmed so far, the hybrid ‘e-Boxer’ 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine. Outputs are yet to be confirmed but the outgoing XV’s hybrid offered 110kW/196Nm from its engine and an extra 12.3kW from the motor paired with a continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Naturally, all-wheel drive is standard.

Over in the States, Subaru offers a plug-in hybrid version of its Crosstrek, which uses the 2.0-litre boxer four with two electric motors developing a combined 110kW. It’s unclear if this will continue into the new model. There has also been mention on the Internet of a 1.5-litre turbocharged flat four.

As for dimensions, the new Crosstrek comes in at 4480mm long, 1800mm wide and 1580mm tall, riding on a 2670mm wheelbase, or 15mm longer, 30mm taller and 5mm longer in wheelbase than the outgoing model. Width is identical, and ground clearance is 200mm.

Sales start in Japan early next year, while New Zealand availability is yet to be confirmed.