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New Subaru XV tops segment

"XV is a clear indicator of what's to come from Subaru in terms of new technology and design..."

Car manufacturers also dream of a new model going straight to the top of the segment in the first month.

That dream is a reality for Subaru with its new XV selling 1005 in the first full month of sales, representing 20.46 per cent of the category or one in five.

But the figures are not quite reflective of performance, because it is part of a new category in the official VFacts figures.

The previous compact SUV category had ballooned to 27 models with sizes varying from the little Chery J11 to the Holden Captiva with one each from the US, UK, Thailand, France and Germany, two from the Czech republic, three from China, six from South Korea and the rest from Japan.

Compact SUVs last year accounted for almost half of all SUV sales and 12 per cent of all new vehicle sales, increasing 5.8 per cent to 121,387 in 2011 while the whole market dropped 2.6 per cent to 1,008,437.

The growing sub-compact SUVs now have their own segment called "SUV small under $40,000'' with just 11 models listed and the Mazda CX-5 entering this month for a round dozen models. Subaru Australia spokesman David Rowley says XV sales were going "through the roof''.

"We'll await this month's results, but it's been very very strong,'' he says. Rowley says customer feedback shows a strong reaction to the styling and frugal economy of 7L/100km for the six-speed manual and 7.3L/100km for continuously variable transmission.

"It's urban friendly while having that bit of go-anywhere ability as well, plus the feedback we are getting is that its fuel economy is quite a buying factor. From our point of view the early indications are that just as Forester and Outback pioneered new niches for us, this is heading in the same direction.''

Subaru's advertising has heavily featured the new orange (Tangerine Orange Pearl) paintwork, which Rowley says has been popular. "I've run a check with sales on XV colours and orange is presently running third to white and silver at just over 15 per cent, which is a healthy number," he says.

Subaru is one of the few companies that does not charge extra for metallic or pearlescent paint. Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior says the XV appeals to people who enjoy "expansive lifestyles''.

"People who are active and enjoy new experiences,'' he explains. "They don't want to drive a large SUV, instead they demand car like ride and handling, and convenient cutting edge technology, to enable a fast-paced, adventurous lifestyle with comfort.

"XV is a clear indicator of what's to come from Subaru in terms of new technology and design, so it's fair to say we're very excited about our future.'' Rowley says that despite the strong level of buyer interest, the waiting list is short.

"Sales tell me range-topping S variants in particular are in great demand and the network is working closely to meet demand, but we can meet for now, at least," he says.