Subaru XV manual vs auto 2012 review

Subaru will rattle some cages with the new XV compact Sports Utility Vehicle.

Why? Because it has priced the angular, all wheel drive, dirt demon at roughly the same point as most of its competitors front wheel drive models.

Faux-wheel-drives are all the rage in this class because people are buying basically a people mover with more attitude than a "mum bus." And simply, many buyers don't need or want all wheel drive capability. But they'd have it if it was "free."

Explore the 2012 Subaru XV range

• Subaru XV CVT 2012 review
• Subaru XV 2012 review
• Subaru XV manual vs auto 2012 review
• Subaru XV L 2012 review
• Subaru XV manual 2012 review

All three versions of the Sooby XV are all wheel drive, all have engine stop/start technology and all have some light weight components to aid fuel economy, particularly the CVT auto. The manual is a six speeder.

HOW MUCH?

Pricing starts at $28,490 for the XV 2.0i manual with Lineartronic CVT auto adding $2500. The L model adds dual zone climate control, satnav, electric sunroof sliding centre console and rear privacy glass for a $3500 premium while the leather equipped S model is another $2500 up the scale.

UNDER THE BONNET

There's a new 2.0-litre, petrol, boxer, four cylinder engine in XV with 110kW/193Nm output. It features dual active valve control and is a long stroke design to optimise fuel economy and minimise emissions. It passes Euro 5 exhaust regulations. Engine internals are lightened and there's a timing chain instead of belt for longevity. Internal friction is reduced and the engine runs on regular 91 RON petrol.

It does not have direct fuel injection nor auto decoupling ancillaries. That will come with the BRZ sports car later this year and presumably other Soobies later on.No diesel is available.

WHAT YOU GET

It's broadly based on the new gen' Impreza but is actually a different car with a slightly shorter wheelbase and other detail differences. XV has an impressive 220mm ground clearance which leads the class and the all wheel drive system is constant 50/50 unlike the on-demand systems in its competitors.

The auto stop/start system on all models both manual and CVT helps reduce fuel consumption in city driving. There's a new multi-function display in the middle of the dash which itself is a quantum leap in terms of materials, look and function compared to other Soobies. 

XV is a five seater with folding rear pews for more load space. The body and chassis structure is strengthened for rough roads and heavier than normal use.

SAFETY

Like all Soobies, XV has a five star crash rating thanks in part to its seven air bags and stability control system. All variants have reversing cameras and rugged new 17-inch alloys with robust tyres, wide field of vision and retractor pedals.

FEATURES

There's plenty of kit inside with Bluetooth phone and audio, multi media connection box, comfortable seats, multiple storage areas, 12-volt plugs, a security blind, hill start assist, cargo hooks, remote central locking, cruise and plenty more.

UNDERNEATH

The suspension is strut front and double wishbone rear. It has some STi technology and the dynamics have been locally calibrated to offer the best compromise between sporty on road and safe, comfortable rough road driving.

THE DRIVE

We'd go for the CVT model every time because the manual falls readily into a torque hole delivering dull engine response. The CVT (with wheel paddles) flicks between "ratios" and masks any lack of response while also aiding fuel economy rated as low as 7.0-litres.100km.

We were really impressed by theXV's dirt road ability and its level of comfort on a searching drive through Tassie's back blocks. It's smooth and quiet and can eat distance with minimal fatigue.

But the manual is too slow, particularly when overtaking. The interior is a revelation compared with earlier Soobies. There's plenty of room inside and generous level of standard equipment. We even like the look of it better than the Impreza.

VERDICT

Should sell its socks off given the all wheel drive, stop/start, genuine soft road capabilities oh and super sharp pricing. We prefer the CVT.

SUBARU XV

Price: from about $28,490
Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited km
Service: 6 months/12,500km
Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cyl petrol boxer, 110kW/196Nm
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, CVT; AWD
Economy: 7L/100km (man) 7.3L/100km (CVT) CO2 168g/km (man) 168g/km (CVT)
Safety: 7 airbags, stability control, ABS
Dimensions: 4450mm (L), 1780mm (W), 1615mm (H), 2635mm (W)
Fuel: 60L tank, 90RON
Turning Circle: 10.6m
Suspension: independent McPherson struts (front), independent double wishbone (rear)
Tyres: 225/55 R17 97V Yokohama Geolander
Towing: 1400kg (brakes), 750kg (unbraked)