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The new Subaru XV is as practical and roomy as ever, and is now more inviting to sit in. Shame it isn't more athletic

What is it?

The new Subaru XV is the firm's first billion-dollar car. That’s not what you’ll pay for it – the latest XV is expected to start at around £23,000 – but it’s what this admirably individual Japanese car company has spent developing its new Subaru Global Platform (SGP).

SGP will provide a solid foundation for all future Subaru models. And very solid it turns out to be, with the XV achieving the highest-ever rating in Japan’s recently toughened NCAP tests, scoring 199.7 out of 208 points.

Among the many features contributing to this is a crash structure capable of absorbing 40% more energy than previously and the latest evolution of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance package of pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.

Other SGP benefits include torsional rigidity gains of 70-100% over present models, an even lower centre of gravity (by 5mm) than the boxer engine layout already afforded, more rigid suspension mountings, a 50% bodyroll reduction and improved off-road ability. 

Subaru xv rear 0

What's it like?

More obvious than any of this, however, is the substantial improvement in the fit, finish and ambience of the XV’s interior. There needed to be, admittedly, since this has long been a Subaru weak point, but the result is nevertheless pleasing. The XV’s interior is now an environment you can enjoy in its own right rather than as a black, plasticky place from which to access Subaru’s more physical talents.

As a crossover, the XV aims to be big on the more down-to-earth elements of these physical talents than a Subaru Impreza WRX. And it immediately registers a few points with its exceptionally roomy interior for both rows of passengers and their luggage. You also get all-wheel drive as standard, an 8.0in infotainment screen, the aforementioned EyeSight features, torque vectoring and the same generous 8.7in ground clearance as before.

You also enjoy improved refinement (to the point that the direct injection 2.0’s four-cylinder boxer beat has almost been expunged, disappointlngly). But performance is decent rather than memorable. 

Subaru xv dashboard 0

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Should I buy one?

Hopefully, the new platform allows plenty of dynamic tuning, because in XV trim it produces safe, mild understeer and very little lift-off adjustability. But of confident stability, there’s plenty. Despite the XV’s shortage of dynamism, this is nevertheless an appealingly compact, useful and distinctive machine.

Subaru XV 2.0i Lineartronic

Where Tokyo, Japan; On sale February 2018; Price £25,000 (est); Engine 4 cyls, 1995cc, turbocharged petrol; Power 154bhp at 6000rpm; Torque 145lb ft at 4000rpm; Gearbox 7-spd CVT; Kerbweight 1920kg; Top speed 116mph (est); 0-62mph 10.2sec (est); Fuel economy 44.4mpg (est); CO2 rating/BIK 140g/km, 27% (est); Rivals Nissan Qashqai, Seat Ateca, Mazda CX-5

Subaru xv cornering 0

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Tengu 28 February 2018

2.0 flat four!

Isnt the 2.9 litre flat four the same one that is used in the Toyota GT86/ Subaru BRZ. I feel a need to bring this up as there is a lot of tuning options for this car the only thing that will restrict the options available to use is the cvt transmission. Even so Cosworth has a supercharger setup using this engine. The standard BRZ  using Toyota fuel injectors put out just under 200 bhp

Tengu 28 February 2018

my 0 and 9 are too close

keyboard got confused with 9and 0 

xxxx 3 November 2017

All on the website

Diesel 147 ps, petrol 150ps

DVB78 3 November 2017

Re: I may be wrong -

2.0t 154bhp suggests diesel to me rather than petrol?