2023 Subaru Crosstrek revealed: XV name dead with new generation, Australian plans unclear

The next-generation Subaru XV has been revealed – but it will wear a new name once across the globe: the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek.

The XV has worn the Crosstrek badge in the US since the first generation launched in 2012 – but for the third generation, Subaru is taking the name global, replacing the XV name in all markets, including Australia.

Australian details are yet to be confirmed, with the company saying in a statement: "The latest global reveal from Subaru Corporation is very exciting! Details for the Australian market to come soon."

But with the Crosstrek expected to replace the old XV in Japan, an Australian launch appears highly likely, after Japanese deliveries begin next year. The current XV costs $33,190 plus on-road costs in Australia.

The new Crosstrek will also preview what to expect from the next-generation Subaru Impreza hatch and sedan, which Japanese reports suggest will be revealed before the end of the year.

The new small SUV sits on the same Subaru Global Platform (SGP) as the current model, though it’s dressed in a new body with smoother surfaces, and sharper LED lights.

The body cladding – with vents behind the front wheels – is reminiscent of the new WRX, while buyers in Japan can choose between 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, and nine exterior colours, including Offshore Blue Metallic and Oasis Blue.

Inside, the XV benefits from the same 11.6-inch centre touchscreen inside the WRX and Outback, oriented in portrait with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, and digital climate controls.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in Japanese-market Levorg wagons (or WRX Sportswagon in Australia) and WRX sedans isn't fitted to the new Crosstrek, instead featuring a set of analogue dials with a small screen in between.

Fabric or leather is used to trim the seats – with silver stitching in some models – while other highlights include an electric parking brake, what appears to be a wireless phone charger, and a 360-degree camera with a 3D view

The rear seats fold in a 60:40 split, and the boot sill and door sill plates feature a mountain-inspired texture designed to prevent feet and items slipping.

The sole engine option in Japan will be a carry-over 'e-Boxer' hybrid system, with a 2.0-litre non-turbo four-cylinder and an electric motor.

Outputs are yet to be revealed. The outgoing XV produced 110kW/196Nm from its engine and 12.3kW from its motor – with a continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT) sending power to all four wheels.

It's unclear if reports of a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine – intended to replace the ageing 2.0-litre non-turbo unit in today's car – published in Japanese media before launch will eventuate.

The new Crosstrek measures 4480mm long, 1800mm wide and 1580mm tall, riding on a 2670mm wheelbase – 15mm longer overall, no wider, 30mm taller and 5mm longer in wheelbase than the outgoing model.

There's 200mm of quoted ground clearance – 20mm less than the current model in Australia – while the car weighs 1540kg to 1620kg, depending on variant. Independent suspension features front and rear.

A full suite of advanced safety aids are available, including autonomous emergency braking with intersection support, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The Crosstrek's safety systems incorporate a new stereo camera unit with a wider angle of view, and a wide-angle mono camera – a first for a Japanese-market Subaru model – enabling better recognition of pedestrians and motorcycles at even wider angles.

The car's chassis has been upgraded to be stiffer for a sharper driving experience – with a "full inner frame" construction claimed to reduce vibration and body flex – while there are new adhesives and seat base designs to reduce noise and vibration.

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is due in Japanese showrooms next year. Australian availability is yet to be announced.