When Subaru launched the XV crossover in Singapore back in 2012, it was the perfect fit for buyers looking for a smaller Forester and Outback without compromising on space and style. Of course at that time, it was also a perfect alternative to other crossovers such as the Nissan Juke and the Kia Soul.
Now, with the crossover segment seeing more interesting and popular models like the Honda HR-V and the upcoming Mazda CX-3, Subaru has taken the necessary steps to ensure it doesn't lose out, emphasising on the XV's improved handling as well as off-road capability via circuit 'exercises' that were created for test drivers in Bangkok, Thailand.
Up close and Personal
Design wise, changes are easily detectable up front. The crossover has a new and more aggressive grille, as well as a pair of tweaked headlamps that are flanked by L-shaped chrome that frames the fog lamps. Taillights as well rim design have also been restyled a tad to nicely match the overall changes.
The dimensions of the car, however, have remained the same, which is no bad thing. At 4,450mm long, 1,780mm wide and 1,570mm tall, the XV does seem to have the perfect size for the family man without having any difficulties manoeuvring around tight spaces like multi-storey carparks.
Now, with the crossover segment seeing more interesting and popular models like the Honda HR-V and the upcoming Mazda CX-3, Subaru has taken the necessary steps to ensure it doesn't lose out, emphasising on the XV's improved handling as well as off-road capability via circuit 'exercises' that were created for test drivers in Bangkok, Thailand.
Up close and Personal
Design wise, changes are easily detectable up front. The crossover has a new and more aggressive grille, as well as a pair of tweaked headlamps that are flanked by L-shaped chrome that frames the fog lamps. Taillights as well rim design have also been restyled a tad to nicely match the overall changes.
The dimensions of the car, however, have remained the same, which is no bad thing. At 4,450mm long, 1,780mm wide and 1,570mm tall, the XV does seem to have the perfect size for the family man without having any difficulties manoeuvring around tight spaces like multi-storey carparks.
Where the car really comes to life is the cabin, where changes are more significant. New orange stitching adorns the seats, door trim, steering wheel as well as the gear lever, bringing out the sporty character of the XV that was previously lacking in its predecessor.
In fact, speaking of sportiness, the steering wheel of old has been swopped for a sportier one with more intuitive controls and better grip. Elsewhere, plasticky surfaces are still evident but quality has significantly improved, complemented by piano black as well as new silver trimmings.
Space wise, the XV certainly won't disappoint. With a wheelbase of 2,635mm, rear legroom is more than adequate even for lengthy adults while headroom will satisfy even the most demanding critic. The 380-litre boot space, while adequate for most, remains to be smaller than the Suzuki S-Cross' 430 litres.
In fact, speaking of sportiness, the steering wheel of old has been swopped for a sportier one with more intuitive controls and better grip. Elsewhere, plasticky surfaces are still evident but quality has significantly improved, complemented by piano black as well as new silver trimmings.
Space wise, the XV certainly won't disappoint. With a wheelbase of 2,635mm, rear legroom is more than adequate even for lengthy adults while headroom will satisfy even the most demanding critic. The 380-litre boot space, while adequate for most, remains to be smaller than the Suzuki S-Cross' 430 litres.
The Drive
It was during our pseudo-circuit and man-made off-road courses that undoubtedly brought out the capabilities of Subaru's crossover. At launch, only the 2.0-litre four-pot boxer engine was available, which develops a healthy 150bhp and 196Nm of torque to fulfil a 10.7-second 0-100km/h timing.
Delivery is silky smooth too. Mated to Subaru's eager and responsive Lineartronic gearbox, the car never feels sluggish. In fact, the car feels spritely, both on the straights and around corners.
There isn't a time when you'll feel a lack of confidence even as you push the car to its limits, thanks to a sharp and well-weighted steering that's quick to respond to directional changes. The only complain we have about the steering wheel is the lack of feedback, which does take away that little bit of enthusiasm when tackling the off-road obstacles.
Still, it's really a mere quibble considering how sturdy the XV really is. Body roll is kept in check. According to Subaru, slight tweaks have been done to the suspension, resulting in a sweet spot between sporty and comfy. Additionally, external noises are kept well at bay - a significant improvement over its predecessor.
It was during our pseudo-circuit and man-made off-road courses that undoubtedly brought out the capabilities of Subaru's crossover. At launch, only the 2.0-litre four-pot boxer engine was available, which develops a healthy 150bhp and 196Nm of torque to fulfil a 10.7-second 0-100km/h timing.
Delivery is silky smooth too. Mated to Subaru's eager and responsive Lineartronic gearbox, the car never feels sluggish. In fact, the car feels spritely, both on the straights and around corners.
There isn't a time when you'll feel a lack of confidence even as you push the car to its limits, thanks to a sharp and well-weighted steering that's quick to respond to directional changes. The only complain we have about the steering wheel is the lack of feedback, which does take away that little bit of enthusiasm when tackling the off-road obstacles.
Still, it's really a mere quibble considering how sturdy the XV really is. Body roll is kept in check. According to Subaru, slight tweaks have been done to the suspension, resulting in a sweet spot between sporty and comfy. Additionally, external noises are kept well at bay - a significant improvement over its predecessor.
Conclusion
In more ways than one, it seems like Subaru has managed to retain the goodies and improved on the weaker fragments from the previous XV to step up to the stiff competition. It's rather likeable, considering how well it does its job as a car with ample space and good driveability.
The only problem now is that Singapore will be launching the 1.6-litre variant at the Singapore Motor Show on the 14th of January 2016. Nothing is confirmed yet for the 2.0-litre variant that we tested here.
Nonetheless, the Subaru XV is no sports car by any means but it's certainly sporty and capable, and will no doubt have the ability to muscle its way to the top of its segment, regardless of engine displacement.
In more ways than one, it seems like Subaru has managed to retain the goodies and improved on the weaker fragments from the previous XV to step up to the stiff competition. It's rather likeable, considering how well it does its job as a car with ample space and good driveability.
The only problem now is that Singapore will be launching the 1.6-litre variant at the Singapore Motor Show on the 14th of January 2016. Nothing is confirmed yet for the 2.0-litre variant that we tested here.
Nonetheless, the Subaru XV is no sports car by any means but it's certainly sporty and capable, and will no doubt have the ability to muscle its way to the top of its segment, regardless of engine displacement.
