Crossovers - a new breed of vehicles with multiple personalities. It represents a different interpretation of purposefulness and style, key ingredients which spark new interests for the models.
Riding on the bandwagon is Subaru, the brand that was once synonymous with rally racing, and carpark races in the local motorsports scene. With the Forester as the brand's first, the new XV is actually the marque's second model in the compact SUV segment. This must have taken great effort of the market research team to have produced sufficiently convincing forecasts for the XV to turn reality.
Exterior
Exterior wise, the XV bears little resemblance to its elder sibling. Subaru attempts to capture a younger audience with the new crossover, substantiating with the fresh, bold styling.
Though it is hard to gauge from the pictures, up close and personal, one would definitely notice the tall preposition of the body, which has been visually enhanced by the high-arching wheel wells with off-road-style plastic surrounds.
At nearly 4.5 metres long, 1.8 metres wide and1.6 metres tall, the XV has better road presence than many of its competitors. What is more noticeable is the 220mm of ground clearance, bestowing the XV with a true-blue off-roader looks.
Riding on the bandwagon is Subaru, the brand that was once synonymous with rally racing, and carpark races in the local motorsports scene. With the Forester as the brand's first, the new XV is actually the marque's second model in the compact SUV segment. This must have taken great effort of the market research team to have produced sufficiently convincing forecasts for the XV to turn reality.
Exterior
Exterior wise, the XV bears little resemblance to its elder sibling. Subaru attempts to capture a younger audience with the new crossover, substantiating with the fresh, bold styling.
Though it is hard to gauge from the pictures, up close and personal, one would definitely notice the tall preposition of the body, which has been visually enhanced by the high-arching wheel wells with off-road-style plastic surrounds.
At nearly 4.5 metres long, 1.8 metres wide and1.6 metres tall, the XV has better road presence than many of its competitors. What is more noticeable is the 220mm of ground clearance, bestowing the XV with a true-blue off-roader looks.
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The unique rim design further accentuates the funkiness of the car, though when applied in 17-inch, it does look a tad small in those sizeable arches. Hatch-back style cut-off rear end combines function with form, great for parking and at the same time portrays sense of urban-chic.
Front facet is well-proportioned with careful integration of headlamps, while the fog lamps are tugged neatly underneath. What seem to be lacking though, is the day-running LEDs which you would spot on most models that come with the 'New' tag.
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Interior
Unlike the fresh new exterior, the layout and feel of the instrument panels are instantly recognisable as a Subaru. Instrument cluster does look slightly dated, albeit the aluminium trims around the dual-meters, providing good readability in a no-fuss manner.
Overall, there is a greater use of darker colours, such as the black-chrome steering wheel axle, and the audio head unit finished in dark brushed aluminium.
Dimensionally, the XV will satisfy most occupants, with more-than-adequate allowances in both the head and leg rooms. The rear bench, too, seats three adult abreast with ease. Boot space does suffer a hit from the abruptly ending tailgate.
Unlike the fresh new exterior, the layout and feel of the instrument panels are instantly recognisable as a Subaru. Instrument cluster does look slightly dated, albeit the aluminium trims around the dual-meters, providing good readability in a no-fuss manner.
Overall, there is a greater use of darker colours, such as the black-chrome steering wheel axle, and the audio head unit finished in dark brushed aluminium.
Dimensionally, the XV will satisfy most occupants, with more-than-adequate allowances in both the head and leg rooms. The rear bench, too, seats three adult abreast with ease. Boot space does suffer a hit from the abruptly ending tailgate.
The XV packs an impressive list of standard equipment, such as the sunroof, reverse camera and a connectivity package that is usually found only on premium models. Sited deep in the centre armrest box are the auxiliary input and USB port. Also standard is the Bluetooth telephony and wireless audio streaming for smart phones.
The 4.3-inch colour LCD displays a range of information, such as travelling range on remaining fuel, temperatures, and acts as an interface for the infotainment system.
The 4.3-inch colour LCD displays a range of information, such as travelling range on remaining fuel, temperatures, and acts as an interface for the infotainment system.
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The Drive
Made of lightweight material, Subaru continues to seek for break-though technologies for its legendary boxer engine. This 2.0-litre unit on the XV delivers 150hp, which tugs the 1.4 tonne crossover around the urban landscape with relative ease, especially when cruising on the highways. However, the engine does reply with grumpy reluctance if you should attempt to drag race the comfort-blue Sonata on the next lane. Overtaking manoeuvres can be sluggish at times too.
Fans of eco-friendly techs will be happy to know that the XV packs auto engine-start-stop function, which helps improve fuel efficiency especially when driving back-to-back around our sunny island.
Like other models in the lineup, the XV features a low centre of gravity, which is brought about mainly by the iconic boxer engine. The car aces in body-roll control and when coupled with the afore mentioned low CG, provides driver-exhilaration when the car is put through bends at above-average speeds.
The cabin is put together nicely, feels premium and is sufficiently insulated from road noise. This however, is dulled by the less quiet CVT transmission, which causes more of a shake than stir.
Made of lightweight material, Subaru continues to seek for break-though technologies for its legendary boxer engine. This 2.0-litre unit on the XV delivers 150hp, which tugs the 1.4 tonne crossover around the urban landscape with relative ease, especially when cruising on the highways. However, the engine does reply with grumpy reluctance if you should attempt to drag race the comfort-blue Sonata on the next lane. Overtaking manoeuvres can be sluggish at times too.
Fans of eco-friendly techs will be happy to know that the XV packs auto engine-start-stop function, which helps improve fuel efficiency especially when driving back-to-back around our sunny island.
Like other models in the lineup, the XV features a low centre of gravity, which is brought about mainly by the iconic boxer engine. The car aces in body-roll control and when coupled with the afore mentioned low CG, provides driver-exhilaration when the car is put through bends at above-average speeds.
The cabin is put together nicely, feels premium and is sufficiently insulated from road noise. This however, is dulled by the less quiet CVT transmission, which causes more of a shake than stir.
Conclusion
The XV packs a long-list of technologically-advanced gadgets both in the drivetrain and creature comfort departments, proof of Subaru's effort in building vehicles that are current to the market's needs and wants.
What the XV lacks in outright performance, it makes up for with good all-round practicality, handsome looks and quality cabin. A good all-rounder then, is what the new kid on the block is.
The XV packs a long-list of technologically-advanced gadgets both in the drivetrain and creature comfort departments, proof of Subaru's effort in building vehicles that are current to the market's needs and wants.
What the XV lacks in outright performance, it makes up for with good all-round practicality, handsome looks and quality cabin. A good all-rounder then, is what the new kid on the block is.
