The production version of the 2012 Subaru XV crossover has made its highly anticipated international debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.
Despite being based on the all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza hatch, the off-road-ready XV has broken away from the Impreza range to become a standalone model in Subaru’s global line-up.
Subaru Australia is yet to officially confirm the introduction of the Subaru XV to the local range, but it’s a matter of when, not if, for the new crossover hatch.
CarAdvice has been invited to test drive the all-new Subaru XV in Japan next month, and we expect the car to arrive in local showrooms in the first half of 2012.
Subaru Australia managing director, Nick Senior, said the new XV offers “a clear indication of Subaru’s design direction from now on”.
“It delivers the driving feel and handling that only the latest Subaru symmetrical All-Wheel Drive platform can, as well as the latest Boxer engine, offering significant fuel efficiency and emission improvements,” Mr Senior said.
“XV also has the newest manual and auto transmission technology, and there’s a new approach to cabin finishes, with incredible attention to detail on soft-touch surfaces, switch gear and instruments.”
The Subaru XV features the same drivetrain as the new Impreza. It’s powered by the brand’s new horizontally opposed 2.0-litre Boxer engine and produces 110kW of power (at 6200rpm) and 196Nm of torque (at 4200rpm).
Transmission options include a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters.
In European spec, the XV CVT will use just 6.6 litres/100km of fuel on the combined cycle and emit 153g/km CO2. The XV manual returns figures of 6.9 litres/100km and 160g/km respectively.
The new figures represent a dramatic 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption for the CVT model over the current Impreza XV four-speed automatic, and 22.5 per cent for the manual over the current Impreza XV five-speed manual.
Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru vehicles in Japan, says the sub-compact SUV was designed around the theme of ‘urban adventure’, with an emphasis on driving fun and excitement from a sleek, standout design.
Standard features for the Euro-spec Subaru XV include 17-inch alloy wheels, soft-touch cabin surfaces and switchgear, and seven airbags (including dual front, side, curtain and driver’s knee).
The new advanced multi-function display infotainment display also promises enhanced driver interaction and purportedly encourages economical driving.
Stay tuned for more information on the 2012 Subaru XV in the coming weeks.