Subaru’s long-awaited All-Wheel Drive XV crossover vehicle has broken cover at the Frankfurt motor show.

A new standalone model in Subaru’s line-up, the XV is targeted at the sub-compact Sports Utility Vehicle category. It is expected in New Zealand early next year.

Drawing on the theme of “urban adventure” Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), the maker of Subaru vehicles, has focused the XV on fun; producing an exciting, lively car with stand-out, sleek design and smart style.

XV Highlights include the new generation Subaru design with hawk-eye headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels with a pattern unique to the model, and classic hexagonal grille.

There is an advanced easy-to-operate Multi-Function Display - information and entertainment systems offer great driver interaction and encourage economical driving, with extensive efficiency updates available.

Excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions from the new generation 2.0 litre horizontally-opposed Boxer engine – light, smooth and compact, with great torque from low speed.

There are new super-efficient and smooth transmissions – choice of Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with paddle shift and frugal six-speed manual.

A spacious, convenient cabin with excellent ride comfort and quality – attention to detail in soft finishes, switch gear, seating and instruments.

Full Subaru safety suite of seven SRS airbags, including driver’s knee airbag and a fantastic field of vision with A-pillars and wing mirrors specifically positioned to minimize blind spots.

There are Significant engineering advances in structural strength - latest application of Subaru’s Dynamic Chassis Control Concept and the use of high tensile steel plate means reduced weight – the body is one of lightest in class, but strength and bending stiffness optimized for crashworthiness.

“XV offers a clear indication of Subaru’s design direction from now on,” said Wallis Dumper, the Managing Director of Subaru of New Zealand.
“There’s lots of great new Subaru technology in this sub compact SUV, making it a real fun machine.

“It delivers the driving feel and handling that only the latest Subaru symmetrical All-Wheel Drive platform can, as well as the latest Boxer engine, offering significant fuel efficiency and emission improvements.

“XV also has the newest manual and auto transmission technology, and there’s a new approach to cabin finishes, with incredible attention to detail on soft-touch surfaces, switch gear and instruments.”

“Combine that with our customers’ favourite Subaru qualities of All-Wheel Drive, durability, safety and retained value, and XV represents a formidable package. Early next year the XV provides a vehicle to welcome these customers to our own Kiwi SAS (Subaru Adventure Squad)”

FHI designers have produced an attractive, aerodynamic and sporty exterior while inside; the extended wheelbase - in combination with A-pillars positioned further forward - produces a significant sense of space.

There’s great room for rear-seat occupants, who also benefit from large open foot areas beneath the front seats.

Shoulder and legroom are also maximized by compact internal door structure design.
Seats are designed to mould themselves securely to the occupant’s body and feature supportive flat-mat springs. Low resilience urethane cushioning also helps absorb driving vibrations.

Child seat anchor points are built into the rear seat backs, with zero intrusion into the cargo area.

Large door openings make for easy entry and exit.
All XVs feature Multi-Function Displays, with range-topping versions adding a larger screen and comprehensive information suite. MFDs across the range include a fuel efficiency indicator to aid economic driving.

XV SPECIFICATIONS (Europe Specifications)
Type - Horizontally opposed
Cylinders - 4
Displacement - 1995cc
Bore x stroke - 90x84
Compression ratio - 10.5
Cam-train system - DOHC 16 valves
Fuel system - Multi point sequential injection
Maximum power - 110 kWs @ 6200 rpm
Maximum torque - 196 Nm @ 4200 rpm

Transmission – six-speed manual
First 3.545
Second 1.888
Third 1.296
Fourth 0.972
Fifth 0.780
Sixth 0.695
Reverse 3.636
Final reduction 4.444
Exterior dimensions and weight
Overall length mm 4450
Overall width mm 1780
Overall height mm 1570
Wheelbase mm 2635
Tread – front mm 1525
Tread – rear mm 1525
Min. ground clearance mm 220
Kerb weight kg:
XV 2.0i manual - 1370 kgs
XV 2.0i Lineartronic™ CVT - 1400 kgs

Fuel consumption (L/100km) combined:
XV 2.0i manual - 6.9
XV 2.0i Lineartronic™ CVT - 6.6

Carbon dioxide (g/km):
XV 2.0i manual - 160
XV 2.0i Lineartronic™ CVT - 153

Fuel tank capacity 60 litres
Steering, brakes, tyres & towing
Steering Pinion assist type electric power
Turning circle (metres) 5.3
Suspension:
Front - MacPherson struts
Rear - Double wishbone

Brakes (mm):
Front - Ventilated discs
Rear - Discs

Tyres: 225/55 R17 x 7 J
Rim: 17-inch alloy
Towing capacity (kg):
1600 (manual)
1200 (auto)