Subaru’s ‘all new’ XV is a modest upgrade with cosmetic tweaks and more cargo room
The compact SUV from Japan’s diminutive carmaker receives familiar design cues and a roomier interior, but the drivetrain tech has yet to thrill.
Is this really all-new?
Subaru says that this XV, which made its world premiere in Geneva recently, is all-new in second-generation form.
True, the styling of the brand’s core-selling SUV may look similar to its predecessor’s, especially when it comes to the face, whose lights and grille design are only slightly sleeker-looking.
It’s probably the rear where you’ll be able to note a more substantial difference. The square rear lamps are gone in favour of wider, slimmer ones.
The interior has also slightly evolved with seats having been restyled, along with the fascia, which can accommodate an 8-inch touchscreen, and the centre console, which houses an electronic parking brake.
Subaru officials say the materials inside the cabin are more premium than ever. The leather seats and armrests on the door panels have been meticulously stitched in orange.
Does it sit on the same platform?
The XV sits on Subaru’s new Global Platform architecture — the same as in the Impreza C-segment sedan and hatchback — whose body and chassis rigidity are said to have been boosted by 70-100% for better safety, handling and ride.
Subaru says the suspension mounts are also stiffer to reduce body roll by 50%, while the steering has been revised for a more direct feel.
The XV is larger in all dimensions than before. Its 2,665mm wheelbase length, in particular, is 30mm longer than in the outgoing model, promising better interior space. Making for versatility are rear backrests that easily fold down for more cargo room.
As for the drivetrain, the 2.0-litre flat-four petrol engine has been upgraded with direct injection to boost power from 150hp to 156hp. The CVT automatic transmission now has a seven-speed manual override, while the all-wheel drive remains a standard fit.
Where’s the focus on fuel economy?
At the moment, Subaru has only announced one engine with no two-wheel-drive option. Of course, Subaru has had diesel know-how for Europe and petrol-electric hybrid tech for Japan since the first XV, but neither of them has yet to come to Asean.
We share your sentiments because compact SUVs from other brands have economical engines to choose from, like the hybrid-equipped Nissan X-Trail, diesel-powered Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5.
It would also be interesting to see whether Subaru will extend the 170hp 1.6litre petrol-turbo engine from the Levorg to the new XV. Actually, this would reflect the engine-downsizing principle, in which power is just as ample as in a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre motor, albeit with better fuel economy.
Expect the redesigned XV to come to Thai showrooms later this year.