Subaru XV News

 SUBARU’S XV Concept runs the company’s trademark boxer engine and all-wheel drive in a tidy ‘crossover’ hatchback offering hints for an-all new SUV based on the Impreza platform.Subaru Australia’s managing director Nick Senior says:”XV Concept clearly flags Subaru’s intentions to capture even more of the crossover market in the future and this stunning new design no doubt provides some clues as to what we may expect.”The XV sits at 4.4m long on a 2335mm wheelbase with two litre engine, CVT transmission and 19-inch wheels.

Its adventurous nature is signalled by cues like the black wheel arch mouldings, roof rails and taller ground clearance – 30mm higher than the standard Imprezas.It also gets a revised grille, rear spoiler, 16-in alloy wheels, exhaust cover and sports bucket seats with ‘mocha accents to distinguish it from other variants’ – and possibly also because it’s a great colour to disguise when you’ve brought some of that adventurous outdoors back into the cabin.  The fit-out includes Bluetooth, iPod-compatible 10-speaker audio system and leather trim to steering wheel, handbrake and gearstick.Priced from $27,490 – with a $2000 premium to add a four-speed automatic transmission – the XV is powered by the 2.0-litre boxer engine carried by the Impreza R, RX and RS, mated to a five-speed manual with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive.The XV is designed to “carry on the spirit of the previous Sportswagon and RV, but with some youthful styling cues that we are confident will add a new dimension to our small car range,” says Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior.He says the carmaker expects the newcomer to add 100 sales per month to Impreza’s tally.