The all-new Subaru XV has now arrived upon Aussie shores, and the Japanese automaker is confident that it will bring more appeal to an even larger audience locally, especially given our appetite for crossovers. Prices will start at $27,990.
Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the new architecture brings a host of core improvements; notably, more structural rigidity, increased modularity, better refinement, sharper handling, and a substantial reduction in overall weight. In terms of sheer sales, this new XV could again top the automaker’s charts, possibly eclipsing the fifth-generation Impreza upon which it’s based.
Subaru Australia Managing Director, Colin Christie, said: “XV arrives at a pivotal time for Subaru, with our sales growing to a whole new level. First generation XV continued Subaru’s remarkable track record in Australia of exploring niche markets with considerable success.”
“Just like Outback and Forester before it, our small SUV has carved a hugely successful path that will only grow with the debut of the even more capable second generation XV. It has the ideal combination of style and substance that will drive it to the next level in the hearts of Australian buyers. Features like X-Mode show XV is no pretender in the small SUV stakes.”
This all-new new XV may look fairly similar to the outgoing car, and indeed it follows a similar recipe, but under the skin this 2017 model is significantly different. There are four variants in total, each with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system (obviously) with Active Torque Vectoring and an off-road focused X-Mode.
Each XV will be powered by a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-four ‘Boxer’ petrol engine - again, an identical formula - but now offers 5kW more power than before at 115kW, while torque peaks at the same 196Nm. They will also roll on 17-inch wheels, though the range-topping 2.0i-S receives larger 18-inchers. As before, this engine is mated to the marque’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Inside, the cabin will look instantly familiar to anyone who’s seen or sat in the new Impreza. Improved ergonomics and material quality are evident over the older model, and all models above the base 2.0i gains leather dash and door trim with contrast stitching, dual zone climate control, active safety features as part of Subaru’s EyeSight suite with Lane Keep Assist, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit - support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto does come as standard across the range, thankfully.
Only the top-end 2.0i-S variant gets the more fleshed out version of EyeSight, though, replete with Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking (a debut feature in Australia) in addition to leather upholstery, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, and 18-inch wheels.
- XV 2.0i - Automatic - $27,990
- XV 2.0i-L - Automatic - $30,340
- XV 2.0i Premium - Automatic - $32,140
- XV 2.0i-S - Automatic - $35,240
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