What We Like
Sharp looks
Comfortable cabin that feels much improved
Pliant and composed ride
Now has X-MODE as standard
What We Dislike
Don't expect to go anywhere too quickly
Here's the second generation Subaru XV. On first glance, it may look relatively similar to its predecessor. However, this isn't just a facelift. It's actually a brand new model, one that sits on the new Subaru Global Platform (which also underpins the new Subaru Impreza).
It's a nice-looking one!
Design-wise, the new XV doesn't deviate too far from its predecessor. There have been some subtle tweaks, such as a new front grille, as well as more sculpted lines across the body. At the rear, the redesigned tail lamps make the car look sharper. In a way, the XV manages to disguise its Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) proportions well under a stylish and compact skin - you could be forgiven for thinking it looks like an Impreza on stilts.
The interior is much improved from before. It feels more premium and better put together. The redesigned centre console, with vertical air-con vents, makes the interior look sharper and less clumsy. On top of that, the 8.0-inch infotainment system has an improved interface, while aluminium pedals add an extra touch of sportiness.
It's a stiff one!
On the go, the benefits of the new SGP are immediately apparent. The improvement in chassis rigidity (more than 70 percent, according to Subaru) means that the comfort and ride quality is markedly better than before. There's less vibration and bounce, which make the overall driving experience more refined. Additionally, it's also pleasantly quiet.
When you take the XV through some corners, body roll is well-controlled. Yes, the steering is on the vague side, but the car still handles with competence and confidence.
The XV now also comes with X-MODE as standard, the electronic assistance programme borrowed from its bigger Forester brother. Designed for off-road situations, X-MODE regulates five different systems (engine throttle, transmission, all-wheel drive, vehicle dynamics control system and hill descent control) to limit tyre slip in low-grip conditions.
It's a nice-looking one!
Design-wise, the new XV doesn't deviate too far from its predecessor. There have been some subtle tweaks, such as a new front grille, as well as more sculpted lines across the body. At the rear, the redesigned tail lamps make the car look sharper. In a way, the XV manages to disguise its Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) proportions well under a stylish and compact skin - you could be forgiven for thinking it looks like an Impreza on stilts.
The interior is much improved from before. It feels more premium and better put together. The redesigned centre console, with vertical air-con vents, makes the interior look sharper and less clumsy. On top of that, the 8.0-inch infotainment system has an improved interface, while aluminium pedals add an extra touch of sportiness.
It's a stiff one!
On the go, the benefits of the new SGP are immediately apparent. The improvement in chassis rigidity (more than 70 percent, according to Subaru) means that the comfort and ride quality is markedly better than before. There's less vibration and bounce, which make the overall driving experience more refined. Additionally, it's also pleasantly quiet.
When you take the XV through some corners, body roll is well-controlled. Yes, the steering is on the vague side, but the car still handles with competence and confidence.
The XV now also comes with X-MODE as standard, the electronic assistance programme borrowed from its bigger Forester brother. Designed for off-road situations, X-MODE regulates five different systems (engine throttle, transmission, all-wheel drive, vehicle dynamics control system and hill descent control) to limit tyre slip in low-grip conditions.
Yes, it's a feature that will have sparing use on Singapore roads, but it's good to know it's there when you need it.
Our biggest bone to pick with this car would be the drivetrain. The 1.6-litre unit, while in itself passable, feels slow when considered in the context of the modern car landscape, one in which turbocharging has become commonplace. The fact that the XV has all-wheel drive doesn't help, as this means extra rotational inertia is needed to move four wheels instead of two.
Also, the continuously-variable transmission dampens the driving experience somewhat. When accelerating hard, it lacks the punch you would get when a torque converter gearbox downshifts.
The XV isn't exactly a car that rewards enthusiastic driving. Instead, it's much better when you employ a measured foot.
It's a pretty good one!
All in all, this new Subaru XV marks a noticeable improvement from its predecessor. The improvement in interior quality and driving refinement make it a much more pleasant car to own. Priced at $104,800 (as of 11th August), the XV continues to be a value-for-money option for drivers who are looking for a stylish, comfortable and sensible crossover SUV.
However, if you're looking for a more spirited drivetrain and additional straight-line oomph, we suggest you hold out and wait for the 2.0-litre variant, which is slated to arrive in early 2018.
Our biggest bone to pick with this car would be the drivetrain. The 1.6-litre unit, while in itself passable, feels slow when considered in the context of the modern car landscape, one in which turbocharging has become commonplace. The fact that the XV has all-wheel drive doesn't help, as this means extra rotational inertia is needed to move four wheels instead of two.
Also, the continuously-variable transmission dampens the driving experience somewhat. When accelerating hard, it lacks the punch you would get when a torque converter gearbox downshifts.
The XV isn't exactly a car that rewards enthusiastic driving. Instead, it's much better when you employ a measured foot.
It's a pretty good one!
All in all, this new Subaru XV marks a noticeable improvement from its predecessor. The improvement in interior quality and driving refinement make it a much more pleasant car to own. Priced at $104,800 (as of 11th August), the XV continues to be a value-for-money option for drivers who are looking for a stylish, comfortable and sensible crossover SUV.
However, if you're looking for a more spirited drivetrain and additional straight-line oomph, we suggest you hold out and wait for the 2.0-litre variant, which is slated to arrive in early 2018.
