International mission
Subaru XV undergoes a face-lift, adopts the name Crosstrek in all markets and is expected to arrive in Brazil in 2024
by Fabio Manara
Infomotori.com/Italy
Exclusive in Brazil for Auto Press
The XV is one of Subaru’s main models in the world, largely due to its performance in the United States, where in 2023 alone it sold more than 150,000 units. Even so, the Japanese brand decided to take advantage of the mid-life update to globally adopt the name Crosstrek – the name by which it is known in Japan. Not much has changed apart from the look. It has been given a top-notch treatment, with the exterior and interior made to a remarkable standard. The aim, according to Subaru, was to meet the needs of a market that is increasingly looking towards electrified models, without losing sight of style and performance. The XV 2023 is still offered in Brazil starting at R$ 213,900, with the 2.0 e-Boxer hybrid engine, like the one used in the Crosstrek evaluated.
Inheriting the XV’s place in the C segment of medium SUVs, the Crosstrek brings many new features compared to its predecessor. The name Crosstrek, a combination of Crossover and Trekking, is a statement of intent. From a design point of view, the lines follow the Dynamic x Solid concept, which aims to emphasize robustness with embossed parts that emphasize three-dimensionality, while at the same time seeking to give a sense of fluidity, to exalt sportiness, reinforced with a low-angle windshield. The shapes are neutral and elegant, minimized as much as possible to make the car as elegant as possible.
The rear is extremely slender to give a feeling of stability and safety. The car is 4.50 meters long, 1.80 m wide and 1.60 m high, with a 2.67 m wheelbase. The minimum ground clearance is 22 cm, for a good compromise for urban and off-road use. The innovations are many and include the front grille, the headlights, the fog lights, the rear lights, the front and rear air intakes, which have aesthetic and aerodynamic value, and the spoilers. Internally, the linearity and cleanliness of the design have been respected.
The interior has been designed to give a feeling of practicality and comfort at a high level. On the center console, there is a large 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen, which includes a wide range of functions. The more modern interface common to all of Subaru’s latest models has been adopted. Underneath the central display is an illuminated USB socket and further back, for easy insertion and grip, there are two useful cup holders. The design ensures functionality and comfort around the driver and passenger seats.
Special attention has been paid to the construction of the seats. In collaboration with doctors and specialists in the field, the technicians’ attention focused mainly on the structure of the seats themselves. To this end, a support was added in the pelvic area that supports the base of the cervical spine. Another interesting intervention carried out, again with a view to driving comfort, is the assembly of the seat. It is now connected directly to the rail and no longer on a support. This has resulted in a consequent reduction in weight, but also damping of lateral oscillations and vibrations. The seat’s internal heating has been maintained at two temperature levels, with some improvements in terms of comfort and energy savings.
The multimedia center is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps with What3words technology, which locates a location by typing in three keywords to simplify navigation. Cargo capacity ranges from 328 liters with the backrests in the standard position to 1,314 liters with the backrests folded down – unchanged from the XV.The Subaru Crosstrek e-Boxer features the suitably modified 2.0l FB20 hybrid Boxer gasoline engine under the hood. Its main components have been optimized to reduce internal friction for smoother, more rounded operation, with reduced emissions and consumption. It has 1,995 cm³, with four Boxer horizontal opposed cylinders), four valves per cylinder and now a thermal power of 136 hp at 5,600 rpm, an electric power of 16.7 hp and a torque of 18.5 kgfm at 4,000 rpm. In combination, 150 hp and 19.8 kgfm. The electric motor/alternator engages the internal combustion engine in Start & Stop mode and switches between purely electric driving and assisted driving combined with the two engines. The whole is managed by a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission, specially developed for the hybrid version.
The powertrain is completed by a symmetrical AWD permanent drive system with active torque distribution. The well-known X-Mode traction control system is present with two modes: Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud. In normal conditions, the system is not in operation and the rider can activate it directly on the central display. The operation and configuration of X-Mode is highlighted to the rider on the information display located between the rev counter and speedometer on the instrument panel and also on the central information display.
In this case, in addition to the level of intervention in traction, a longitudinal inclinometer of the vehicle is also displayed. This system intervenes in the car’s main components, such as the engine, the AWD all-wheel drive system and the braking system, in order to better cope with bad roads or slippery surfaces, moving the intervention thresholds appropriately to the grip conditions.
Subaru has raised the bar in terms of active and passive safety and, above all, preventive safety, with a stereo front camera, which increases the EyeSight field of view especially at low speed to avoid pedestrians, animals or cyclists in critical situations. A small radar in the central cockpit monitors any driver distraction or drowsiness and triggers an alert to bring the driver back to full attention. All this to achieve the goal of reducing fatal accidents to zero in models produced from 2030 onwards.
Driving impressions
Any terrain
When you get into the new Subaru Crosstrek, the clean, elegant lines are striking. Even the plastics are pleasant, of very good quality, and the one above the glove compartment has a particularly interesting carbon texture. The version we tested was very complete, with 18-inch wheels, a panoramic roof, leather seats and native navigation. The route in the Bergamo region of Lombardy was very varied. It started in urban areas, with very smooth asphalt, moved on to less well-kept suburban areas and even went off-road. In the city, it relies on light and precise steering, which follows the path perfectly. The car has significant dimensions, but is surprisingly agile in bends, whether they are long or short radius.
The Crosstrek showed the same control on the dirt road, even in the narrowest, steepest bends and with wet surfaces (the test took place in heavy rain). The X-Mode system works well with the all-wheel drive and the brakes, allowing you to overcome any reasonable difficulty. In Normal mode, everything is more in the driver’s hands, as it is less invasive. In short, it always gives the pleasant sensation of having everything under control, making drivers remain active and not become passive passengers.
What we didn’t like so much was the response of the engine, which could have been a little stronger. Subaru chose to reduce the thermal power from 150 hp to 136 hp, to recover the full 150 hp when combined with 17 hp from the electric motor. On the highway, the Crosstrek manages to pick up speed, but suffers a little when taking off. You can feel the engine straining, but the response is not what you expect. A venial sin for a car suitable for multiple use, from everyday life to long journeys with the whole family, including a few episodes on dirt roads.
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