Subaru brings All-Wheel-Drive and Dynamic Chassis Control to the crossover market!

At launch time, Subaru said that the XV will be manufactured with three engine options for the European market: A base 1.6-litre engine as well as two 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines. The petrol engines boast a improved fuel economy of about 10% when compared to previous Subaru engines. Factors such as a lighter body, improved aerodynamics, the adoption of a new CVT, and auto start stop function helps in getting better fuel efficiency..

While the 1.6-litre model gets a traditional 5-speed manual option, the 2.0-litre engine gets a 6-speed Legacy-sourced manual shifter, albeit with tweaks to improve the gear ratios. A Lineartronic CVT gearbox is also available, featuring a 6-speed manual override mode.

Power is delivered to all four wheels via Active torque split AWD on the Lineartronic models. The electronically controlled all-wheel drive system integrates a MP-T (Multi-plate transfer (multi-plate clutch)) into the transfer used to distribute torque to the rear wheels. Based on a 60:40 (front:rear) split, it can be adjusted in real time. Manual models get the Centre differential AWD with viscous LSD which splits torque 50/50 and has a viscous coupling for limited slip differential.

Stability is further aided with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), which is standard on all models. By monitoring all vehicle’s behaviour, ABS, TCS (engine control and brake LSD for traction control) and VDC systems are controlled flexibly. This time, the longitudinal G sensor, transverse G sensor, and yaw rate sensor were integrated into the VDC ECU to reduce the overall weight of the VDC.

Inside, the XV features good interior space a result of moving the A-pillars forward, which gives more knee room to rear-seat occupants, who can now also place their feet inside the large open areas underneath the front seats. Thanks to these enhancements, the new XV has more rear-seat knee room than any other vehicle in its class. The boot features a floor that can be inclined by connecting its straps to specially provided hooks. As such, the size of the step at the opening can be reduced.

Depending on the trim levels: Standard or High-Grade, the Multi-Function Display (MFD) displays information such as outside air temperature, time, fuel efficiency as well as travel time and average vehicle speed. On vehicles equipped with an auto start stop system, it shows engine-stop time and cumulative stop times. High-Grade models will sport a large 4.3” full-color LCD, with Eco-driving display, pop-up warning notifications and a rear view camera. In car entertainment systems start from a standard single CD player, to an optional Navigation system which features traffic information and voice recognition functions, and added compatibility with Bluetooth, iPod, USB, and digital media.

Yasuyuki Yoshinaga, President of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd said “the Subaru XV embodies this “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind”. The product concept of the XV is “Urban Adventure”. In the globally expanding C-segment crossover market, I believe the XV responds to diversifying customer needs. We have positioned it as a strategic model, offering new values in a package that is unmatched by competitors.”