The rugged sophisticate

2019 Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight

The list of requirements for a reliable daily driver can get pretty long these days. Buyers want a car that’s easy to drive and park, high enough to get through the occasional floods, a smart infotainment system, and smart driver aids. It’s difficult to tick all of the boxes on that list, but one of the few cars that does is the Subaru XV. Head-turning style

Now on its second generation, the current Subaru XV may seem to have changed very little for some, appearance-wise. Yet a quick drive in this all-new model proves it’s only skin deep. The new model can be distinguished by its broader headlights and taillights, more defined daytime running lamps, and slightly larger body. It still rolls on the attractive black 18-inch wheels that drew stares for its predecessor. This helps it achieve a whole 9-inches of ground clearance to take on the occasional rough patch of road.

Inside, it’s evident that it’s a very youthful car, evidenced by the orange stitching on the steering wheel, door trims, seats and dashboard. The choice of materials is far superior to many of its Japanese competitors. Even with the amount of tech equipped in this car, the interior is hardly daunting. Impressive tech

The tech is what makes the XV truly stand out in the crowd. For starters, its infotainment system comes with all the basics like AM/FM radio, CD, and Bluetooth connectivity. For the more gadget inclined, the vehicle has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allowing you to plug your phone in and have your incoming messages read out to you. It also allows you to use certain functions like Spotify for music or Waze for navigation, with that info displayed on the main screen.

The XV’s other weapon is the EyeSight package, which is a suite of driving aids that make even the heaviest traffic far more enjoyable. EyeSight comes with typical features like blind-spot monitoring, front collision warning, and proximity sensors. Unique to this system are features like low-speed adaptive cruise control, and a warning when the car ahead has already moved forward.

All this is made possible by two cameras mounted on either side of the mirror. They scan the road ahead for any vehicles. Turn on EyeSight and the low-speed cruise control and it will follow the car ahead while keeping a safe distance that you specify. If the car in front, you do too. It accelerates and brakes relatively smoothly, whether at low or high speeds. The XV will even fully apply the brakes if the car ahead has stopped and it detects no response from the driver. It simply requires you to turn it back on (resume) every time the car comes to a full stop ensuring the driver is still paying attention. While it automates the accelerating and braking at a set distance, it still needs the driver to pay attention. After all, it can’t predict every movement and still needs to be monitored. Nonetheless, it certainly makes even heavy traffic far more entertaining.

Around town

Around the city, the XV was a delight to drive, thanks to the high driving position, good visibility, easy steering, and comfortable ride. Its 156 PS 2.0-liter boxer engine provides more than enough power to get around the city, with the power delivered smoothly to all four wheels by the CVT.

It’s even more enjoyable out of town on winding curves and long stretches of road, with paddle shifters allowing for some manual shifting action. It’s also the best time to open up that power sunroof and take the fresh air in. It’s best enjoyed with just two people and their luggage. A full load may cause it to lose its pep.

It’s not the most efficient of cars out there, averaging 7-8 km/L in the city. Bear in mind that the XV is a full-time all-wheel drive, and as such, spinning all four wheels all the time does have a fuel penalty. Nonetheless, few other cars can offer such an enjoyable driving experience even in heavy traffic. For a car built for more adventurous and outgoing drivers, the XV is surprisingly enjoyable in the confines of the city. The great mix of tech, comfort features, and youthful styling make it a very refreshing choice in its segment.