Subaru Crosstrek replaces XV in line-up

It’s always a risky move to change the name of a strong selling vehicle, but a bold new look and a technology update should ensure it’s a success.

It might have a new name, but Subaru’s Crosstrek follows a familiar formula. The compact SUV, which replaces the XV, has all the essential Subaru ingredients for success: all-wheel drive, the latest and greatest driver assistance technology and top-notch build quality.

Changes under the new sheet metal are more subtle than earth shattering, although steps have been taken to improve driving characteristics and comfort. Buyers hoping for a great technological leap forward will be disappointed, though. There’s no Toyota rivalling hybrid efficiency, no punchy turbo engine and no flashy in-car tech.

The Crosstrek range has five variants: three petrol and two hybrid.

Prices start at about $39,500 drive-away for the base 2.0L version and rise to $43,000 for the 2.0R and $46,200 for the 2.0S. Hybrid power is available on the L and S variants and adds about $4000 to the price tag.

Subaru’s new Crosstrek is sharply priced compared with rivals. Picture: Supplied.

That’s sharp pricing when compared to all-wheel drive rivals such as the Kia Seltos and Toyota Corolla Cross.

Subaru’s local boss, Blair Read, says the brand also has something some rivals can’t match: a healthy supply of vehicles from the factory.

The Crosstrek is a little more svelte than the XV, but it still has plenty of sharp panel creases, a chunky rear end and big black wheel-arch guards to help it stand out in the traffic.

Buyers of the cheapest 2.0L versions can expect 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and black roof rails.

Inside you’ll find manually adjustable cloth seats, an 11.6-inch tablet-style central screen that is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a wireless device charger.

Step up to the 2.0R and there are 18-inch alloy wheels, more advanced LED headlights and heated door mirrors. The driver’s seat is electronically adjustable, both front seats are heated and other goodies include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, sports pedals and a bird’s eye view camera.

The cabin is dominated by a tablet-style centre screen. Picture: Supplied.

Range-topping 2.0S variants add a sunroof, leather accented seat trim, satnav and a 10-speaker stereo.

Absent from the range are modern features such as a fully digital instrument display, power tailgate and a head-up display that projects vital information such as your speed and safety warnings onto the windscreen in front of the driver.

Subaru’s safety tech is excellent, though, covering all the bases with nine airbags and a range of collision avoidance features.

The cabin looks well built, the comfortable seats provide plenty of support and quality materials have been used throughout. Rear passengers are treated to above average leg and head room, although the boot is smaller than rivals.

There’s plenty of rear leg and head room but boot space is limited. Picture: Supplied.

The hybrid version has slightly more luggage space than the standard petrol model but there’s a catch: it has a puncture repair kit, while the petrol version has a temporary spare under the floor. Neither is very useful if you plan to venture off the tarmac.

The Crosstrek is covered by a five year/unlimited km warranty. Servicing is on the expensive side at $2373 over five years.

We only sampled the petrol versions on the media launch. They are powered by Subaru’s familiar four-cylinder boxer engine matched to a CVT auto. Outputs are identical to the XV at 115kW and 196Nm.

Around town the Crosstrek is a polished performer with well sorted suspension that does a great job of smoothing out pockmarked city streets. It’s exceptionally quiet, too, with less engine and road noise than before. The engine lacks punch, though and can feel breathless climbing hills and overtaking on the freeway.

The engine is quiet but can feel a little breathless when asked to overtake. Picture: Supplied.

It’s a predictable and easy machine to drive with good cornering balance and accurate, well weighted steering.

It’s more competent than most rivals off-road, too, thanks to class-leading ground clearance and permanent all-wheel drive. It won’t tackle sand dunes but it made short work of a heavily rutted, rock-strewn uphill dirt track on the launch. In X-mode, clever electronics alter throttle response, stability control settings and transmission characteristics to limit slippage and maximise traction.

Read says one in five Crosstrek owners will choose a hybrid model, despite the hefty premium. The hybrid uses a claimed 6.5L/100km, compared with 7.2L/100km for the standard model.

Neither of those numbers is particularly impressive compared with rivals. Toyota’s petrol-powered Corolla Cross sips 6L/100km and the hybrid version uses just 4.4L/100km.

The Crosstrek is more capable off-road than most compact SUVs. Picture: Supplied.

SUBARU CROSSTREK 2.0R

PRICE: From about $43,000

ENGINE: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, 115kW and 196Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING: Five years/unlimited km, $2373 over five years

SAFETY: Nine airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep and blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, fatigue warning, radar cruise control

THIRST: 7.2L/100km

SPARE: Temporary

LUGGAGE: 291 litres.

VERDICT

Three and a half stars

Safe, reliable and comfortable, the Crosstrek is a dependable choice for compact SUV shoppers.