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Many SUVs look and sound as if they can cut it off road however, a shocking amount couldn't get out of a rough car park. This is due to the SUVs either only having front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive only some of the time. Frustrating as this maybe, the mainstream SUVs still gather large amounts of attention due to brand they come under and a high budget marketing campaigns.
The Subaru XV is a different breed of SUV. Looking like a hatchback on stilts but equipped with the power of a 2.0 e-BOXER engine allowing you to go wherever you like in any condition.
From 2012 the Subaru XV (Subaru Crosstrek) has been a solid foundation on what it means to drive a Subaru car. Reliable, modern and safe, just to name a few, are some of the reasons why the XV has been so successful for over 10 years.
The 4.4m x 1.7m x 1.5m crossover SUV equipped with full-time four-wheel drive system that makes the XV strikingly agile in conditions that would stop rival vehicles in their tracks.
This is not the only thing that makes the XV great. The hybrid engine boosts the XV's performance and aiding in fuel economy.
The XV as standard has more than enough tech and features to keep up with, if not beat, its competitors when it comes to the SUV crossover category. We are going to dive into the XV and why you should be considering it for your next car.
The XV is equipped with a 2.0 litre e-BOXER engine that works in conjunctions with an electric motor which will contribute towards improved fuel economy without the need to plug-in. The XV pumps out around 160bhp (including 17bhp from the electric motor) which is more than enough to tackle any terrain in any condition.
When it comes to transmission, the XV is equipped with lineartronic CVT (short for continuously variable transmission) which is a type of single-speed automatic gearbox providing the driver with a smoother driving experience and again contributing to improved fuel efficiency.
Also featured on the XV is Subaru's Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) which is an advanced engine management system providing the driver with selectable modes to suit differing conditions & moods depending on whether you're craving a sporty response or a more economic drive.
With Suzuki's always-on Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) system, you're in control of the XV no matter what the road or weather conditions.
X-MODE with Hill Descent Control further adds to the XV's 'any terrain' and 'any condition' abilities. At the push of a button, the engine, transmission, AWD, brakes and other components are all taken care of allowing you the driver to concentrate solely on steering and on the road ahead.
Subaru have certainly upped their game in recent years but never really shouted about it. The entire range now comes packed with tech & spec as standard and the XV is no exception: -
Sitting inside the XV you'll find tactile and soft-touch material in prominent locations. With a combination of gloss and matt black finishes the image above displays the clean and modern finish you get with the XV. Spacious for both passenger and driver the XV allows for more than enough head room and the adjustable seats go back far enough for the taller drivers.
The steering wheel mounted controls help drivers focus on the road with little distraction when it comes to using the infotainment system.
Whne it comes to safety, Subaru are World renowned so it's no surprise that the XV has the highest possible 5* Euro NCAP rating.
Let's start with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist which is fitted as standard on the XV. Acting like a second pair of eyes on the road, EyeSight uses two cameras which are constantly scanning the road ahead tracking other road users and vehicles to identify potential hazards. A combination of six safety systems which provide warnings and even braking assistance to help avoid & reduce the risk of any potential collision.
There's a host of other active safety systems including a Driver Monitoring System, Rear Vehicle Detection, Reverse Automatic Braking, Front and Side View Monitors and Reversing Camera.
Whilst there may only be a choice of 2 trim levels (SE and SE Premium) you get plenty of spec as standard so there's not really much else to decide. All XVs come with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights and of course, four-wheel drive but move up to the Premium model and you'll get leather seats and sat nav to add to your comfort and convenience.
We know there's a great choice of family SUVs on the market today and whilst the XV may not be the cheapest, we're pretty sure it offers the best value when you consider everything it includes as standard. We also can't rate it enough when it comes to build and the quality of the interior, and of course when it comes to keeping your family and passengers safe. The CVT transmission and 2.0 litre eBoxer engine make for a smooth and seamless drive with the added benefit of all wheel drive to keep you on the road all year round.
But as always, seeing is believing and taking a drive is the only real way to experience everything the Subaru XV has to offer so why not book a test drive at one of our Subaru dealerships?
