2013 Subaru XV Reviews

The Subaru XV is a compact SUV from the Japanese company that has featured AWD in virtually ever model sold in Australia for the last 25 years.

Graham Smith reviews the 2011, 2012,2013 and 2014 Subaru XV as a used buy.

NEW The XV was new to the range when Subaru launched the all-new Impreza in 2011/12, but you won't find an Impreza badge on it anywhere. Yes, it was based on the Impreza, but the XV was so different to the small Suby that the company wanted to move it away into its own market space. Conceived as a sub-compact SUV the XV slotted in between the Impreza hatch and the compact Forester SUV. It was a sporty looking wagon, riding high in the style of an SUV, and came in a choice of three models.The range kicked off with the 2.0i, and climbed through the mid-range L to the burger-with-the-lot S at the peak. All were well equipped, with the 2.0i even having Bluetooth, rear-view camera and a sunroof. Take the step up to the L and you got sat-nav, while those who went all the way to the top got leather trim and heated rear seats. The safety story was also impressive, with all models in the range qualifying for a five-star tick from ANCAP thanks to seven airbags, including full-length curtain airbags and a driver's kneebag.Power came from a new long stroke version of the Subaru boxer four, this one of 2.0-litre capacity punching out 110 kW and 196 Nm. Bolted to the back of the new engine was either a six-speed manual gearbox, boasting a taller top gear for better economy, or a CVT type auto with six presets and paddle shifters. As with all Subarus the final drive is through all four wheels.Inside, the cabin is light and airy with good vision out thanks to a higher seating position and thinner pillars. The cargo space is a little cramped, and the spare is a space-saver mounted underneath the cargo floor in the rear.NOWThe XV is still quite new to the market, so there is little to report in terms of problems and issues, and given Subaru's overall reputation soundness of design there is good reason to think it will perform admirably over the longer time.Subaru's boxer four can use oil, so it's a good idea to keep a watchful eye on the oil level in the engine. Owner criticisms focus on the small boot space, and some knock its lack of mid-range overtaking performance. Some of those who have owned the previous 2.5-litre engine in the Impreza say the new, smaller engine lacks grunt.To date there has been one recall of the XV. It related to the routing of the engine wiring harness on the MY12 models, which could interfere with other engine components. At best it could cause the engine to idle roughly, at worst it could cause the engine to stall and not restart. Check that the recall has been carried out.Be sure to thoroughly test the CVT transmission during your test-drive. Take particular note of any shuddering at low speed or on take-off from a standstill. Also note any hesitations, surging or other driving issues. Make a careful check of the bodywork looking for any evidence of crash damage that has been poorly repaired.SMITHY SAYSAttractive little Suby is safe, economical and drives nicely.Subaru XV 2012-2013Price new: $28,490 to $36,990Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, 110 kW/196 NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, CVT, AWDEconomy: 6.9 to 7.3 L/100 kmBody: 5-door wagonVariants: 2.0i, L, SSafety: 5-star ANCAP

More and more people are downsizing vehicles and that means even SUVs are getting smaller and more urban focused. The original tiddler, the Suzuki Jimny, is now ridiculously outdated and silly costly at $20,490, but the newly arrived Holden Trax and a run of others are providing good driving at prices close to the small cars that are providing their basics. They're all about the city and suburbs, which means front-wheel drive mostly instead of the all-wheel drive needed for Outback work.The current sales leader is the Hyundai ix35, based on deliveries of 11,021 cars in Australia through July, but things are changing on both size and refinement. We're also looking at a class where the Trax slides in below Holden's family-focused Captiva couple, the 5 and 7, and is more likely to be shopped against a Subaru XV or a Mitsubishi ASX or a Nissan Dualis. Even the ix35 is bigger and more adult than most compact shoppers want, and fits more easily into the bigger family class with its Kia Sportage clone, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.But back to the Trax, which looks good and has a funky name that will resonate with 20-something shoppers, as well as the Holden badge that works for security and that ‘Aussie’ tick. It's priced from $23,490 and makes the grade with everything from five-star safety to a reversing camera across the line, a 1.8-litre engine and an infotainment system with a seven-inch touch screen and imbedded Pandora, Tune-In Radio and the potential at extra cost for a navigation app called BringGo.If you're wondering about the basics of the Trax, they are shared with the Barina hatch, but the SUV twist means its similar in size to a Nissan Dualis and there has been plenty of local testing and development work to ensure it drives like a Holden.It's the Dualis that usually gets the Carsguide tick for people who want a small SUV that's really just a high-riding hatchback, although the Subaru XV looks best and would do much better if it had a worthwhile boot and a CVT transmission that did a better job with its 2-litre engine. As for the ASX, it's not as refined as its rivals and let's leave it at that.We also like the new Ford Kuga, particularly as a drive, although it's also rated in the bigger class where the Mazda CX-5 sets the pace on class and sales, with 11,731 deliveries to the end of July. There is plenty of upside in the Trax and Holden is predicting big things as it finally gets the baby SUV it has needed in recent years. Now we, and they, are just waiting for the full-sized family hauler that will eventually roll in above the Captiva.Holden Trax Price: from $23,490Output: 1.8-litre four, 103kW/175Nm; 5-spd manual/6-speed auto, front-wheel driveThirst: 7.0-7.6/100kmA funky new SUV contender that's going to do well in Australia, especially as it's a fun drive and reflects the improving quality of Holden's cars from Korea.Nissan Dualis Price: from $24,990Output: 2-litre four, 102kW/198Nm; 6-speed manual, CVT auto, front/all-wheel driveThirst: 8.1-8.4L/100kmA smart family choice and practical, with a Dualis+ for people who need more cabin space. Not as trendy as some, but solid, sensible and a nice ride.Subaru XVPrice: from $28,490Output: 2-litre four, 110kW/196Nm; 6-spd manual, CVT auto, front-wheel driveThirst: 7.3L/100kmA good looker with an impressive badge, but getting well up in price. Hurt worst by a tiny boot and a fiddly CVT auto that dulls the performanceMitsubishi ASXPrice: from $24,990Output: 2-litre four, 110kW/197Nm; 5/6 speed manual, CVT auto, front/all-wheel driveThirst: 5.8-7.9L/100kmTime has left the ASX well behind, despite chunky looks that appeal to some and an available diesel engine. It's just too rough and ready, especially as a city runabout.

The company that pioneered the softroader concept has reinvented the formula with a high-riding, go-anywhere hatchback. VALUE The Subaru XV is, in essence, an Impreza hatch in hiking boots. The range starts at $28,490 plus on-road costs and stretches to $36,990 for the leather-bound version. We're testing the