Second generation Subaru XV small SUV to start from $27,990
SUBARU’S second-generation XV small SUV will be priced from $27,990 before on-roads when it arrives in showrooms next month.
The outgoing XV was priced from $26,740 with a manual gearbox, but the new model comes only with a CVT automatic gearbox (formerly a $2500 option), meaning a saving of $1250 over the old entry-level auto.
The manual gearbox has been dropped from the XV range due to Australia’s overwhelming preference for self-shifters.
The move follows Subaru also only offering its new Impreza model with a CVT auto.
Popular in its segment as a genuine all-wheel-drive off-roader, the XV comes in four versions: the 2.0i for $27,990 (down $1250); mid-range 2.0i-L (up $100 to $30,340); 2.0i Premium (down $600 to $32,140) and range topping 2.0i-S (down $300 to $35,240).
Also helping on the financial front is a much-improved service interval plan for the new model.
The 2017 XV now only needs serviced every year or 12,500km, whereas before it was every six months/10,000km.
This means servicing costs in the first three years of ownership drop from $2126 to $1298 – a 39% saving.
The new XV features X-Mode all-wheel-drive, excellent 220mm ground clearance, hill descent control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and impressive crash-preventing EyeSight Driver Assist on all but the entry level grade.
All models use a 115kW/196Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine, while the XV is built on the all-new Subaru Global Platform (introduced on the new Impreza), bringing improvements to body and chassis rigidity and lessening body vibrations and body roll during cornering.
Subaru Australia managing director Colin Christie said: “With almost 50,000 XVs sold since it launched in 2012, we have high hopes for this second generation, particularly given the addition of rough road kit like X-Mode”.
“Extending EyeSight to the majority of Australian XVs will likely mean more than 70% of new Subarus sold locally this year will include the driver assist system – greater uptake of such technology than any other mainstream brand.
“Our opportunity with new XV is to attract new audiences, in particular, younger people (under 35s), especially females.”
Deliveries are due to begin in the middle of next month.