Crosstrek compact in size, huge in capability
Canadians are abandoning their cars and flocking to utes in record numbers. The subcompact segment was up 32 per cent in 2017, compacts up five per cent and intermediates seven per cent.
On the other side of the chart, subcompact cars were down 20 per cent, compacts two per cent and midsize models 13 per cent.
All major manufacturers have players in the game. Familiar names like CR-V, RAV4, Rogue, Wrangler and Escape are all selling at the rate of more than 2,500 a month.
Look farther down the sales chart and you’ll see a vehicle that many consumers probably have not cross-shopped with the above vehicles. The Subaru Crosstrek may come from a small company but it is starting to make a big mark. The newly redesigned 2018 Crosstrek has been one of the hottest in the segment. Sales so far this year have more than doubled.
It doesn’t take too long sitting in and driving this vehicle to see what the attractions are — renowned all-weather capability, lots of interior space, terrific ride qualities, and exceptional retained and resale values. Subaru owners are an immensely loyal lot. It appears once folks switch to the brand they tend to stay there for subsequent vehicle purchases.
The redesigned 2018 Crosstrek is new inside and out, the second vehicle built on the company’s new global platform alongside the latest Impreza. The first thing you notice when underway is it feels more substantial. It is actually 70 per cent stiffer structurally, thanks to the new platform and its network of stiffer joints and cross-sections. The more rigid structure also pays dividends in terms of noise, vibration and harshness — all are reduced. The overall result is a more refined vehicle.
While it looks much like the previous version, this secondgeneration Crosstrek is less boxy, more contemporary. It rides on a 30-millimetre-longer wheelbase, and the width and length are both up marginally. Interior space is also increased.
The test vehicle came in Sport trim and snuck under the $30,000 mark despite being equipped with wireless connectivity with voice control, LED headlights, power driver’s seat, 20-cm colour touch screen, power front windows, rear view camera, power heated mirrors, automatic climate control, tilt and telescope steering column, heated front seats, power sunroof, and both rear and side protection systems.
The interior has also benefited from the makeover. Subarus are known for their rather plain instrument panels — purposeful, legible and ergonomic but not exactly leading designs. The new Crosstrek is a step in the right direction with more soft touch surfaces, a variety of finishes and quality materials. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trim levels and there is more legroom in the rear seat room than before.
The cargo area has a larger opening and offers a competitive 588 litres of space with the second row seats in place, and a generous 1,565 with them folded down. Kudos to the interior team, as they fold flat and there is room beneath the cargo floor to keep items from prying eyes.
Subaru is known for horizontally opposed four- and six-cylinder engines. Under the hood of this new Crosstrek is a 2.0-litre version of the “boxer” four, as it is known. More than 75 per cent of this engine is new and it produces 152 horsepower, up slightly from the previous version. But it is challenged to motivate the new Crosstrek with anything approaching verve. The continuously variable automatic transmission does little to help the cause. You have to use a lot of throttle much of the time, forcing the transmission to put and hold the engine at higher and noisy revs.
It must be said that under less than full-throttle conditions this is one of the better CVTs. It has been programmed to simulate the sound of changing gears.
There certainly cannot be any complaint about ride quality. Subaru engineers always find a way to make their vehicles soak up road imperfections, especially big ones, with aplomb. They do this without reverting to super-soft suspension settings that allow the vehicle to tip and lean in the turns or wallow down the road as if there were marshmallows instead of springs and shocks.
If you are in the market for a new crossover or compact utility vehicle, do yourself a favour and widen your horizons. Give the Subaru Crosstrek ample and fair consideration.