Secret star worth shouting about

Subaru’s XV has flown under the radar until now but the new model can reach new heights, writes Steve Teale

Welcome to the best-kept secret on the road.

This is the Subaru XV, a compact SUV which is keenly-priced, well-equipped and very, very capable.

You might imagine such a car is neatly placed to take on the flurry of compact SUVs which every major manufacturer is turning out these days. Given Subaru’s expertise in 4x4 motoring and its reputation for solidity, the XV seems an ideal choice for someone wanting a workhorse which will keep going when lesser motors struggle.

But there seem to be few on the road and the name Subaru XV elicits furrowed brows among all except the most well-informed petrolheads.

So, how does the XV shape up? Pretty well, actually. It’s a good-looking car which

appears as much at home on the highway as it does onroug hand-tumblefarmland. Sub ar us are popular with country types who appreciate their excellent 4x4 systems and it’s easy to understand why.

But it is also a wellappointed car which drives with far greater refinement than I expected on roads. It is well-built and has all the bells and whistles you might expect from an executive car such as alloy wheels, air conditioning, leather upholstery, parking camera and a fiveyear, 100,000-mile warranty.

The new XV is built on Subaru’s new ‘global platform’ underpinnings which are said to have improved refinement, safety, comfort and agility.

It has a newly-developed 2.0-litre boxer engine and allwheel-drive which takes it to 116mph and 0 to 60mph in 10.7 seconds. It’s a far smoother operator than you might imagine.

The cabin is more utility than executive but it is easy to live with. Controls are logical, the satellite navigation system and stereo combination is excellent and the seats are comfortable.

The new XV is the first major revamp since the original model appeared in 2012. I drove that version, which was decent. But the new one is much improved.

It is a safe car, too. It offers what Subaru claims is “world-class collision safety and hazard avoidance performance”, as well as more responsive handling and ride comfort.

All car companies these days have a mission statement. Subaru’s philosophy is ‘dynamic and solid’ and if ever a car lived up to that criteria, it is this one.

XV has been improved in several areas to achieve a quality feel. Steering and pedal feedback, vehicle response, noise and vibration have been refined.

One neat feature is the Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection system which offers blind spot detection and a lane change warning in case you drift over the white lines.

The boot is not the largest in its class but it does offer 380 litres, rising to 1,250 litres with the seats down. And there is a useful concealed storage area, too.

XV has a battle on its hands to be noticed in a congested market but it is well worth a look if you want a dependable compact SUV.