Subaru’s hottest selling model in the region has just been given a new lease of life, and this one is making its debut at Geneva. Its design remains very much familiar, but the biggest changes happen under the skin.
The new XV sits atop the new Subaru Global Platform, a brand new semi-modular architecture that gave the Impreza the Japan Car of the Year award. The chassis is much more rigid, reducing body roll by up to 50 percent while increasing suspension performance and steering feedback.
Telling apart the new and old XV is like playing spot the difference on a caffeine high. The new face is distinct – if not a bit underwhelming – and tastefully done. It gets a sportier front face with LED DRLs and halogen projector headlamps. Inside, there cabin is basically lifted off the new Impreza, so there is a new 8.0-inch touchscreen as well as electric parking brake.
Powering the car is an updated 2.0-litre direct injection horizontally opposed engine, producing 154 hp and 196 Nm of torque, an improvement of 6 hp over the old mill. Also maintained is the seven-speed Lineartronic CVT gearbox and Subaru’s signature Asymmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The X-MODE is a new addition, which optimises the car’s entire mechanics to provide the highest level of traction when required.
Also making its debut here is Subaru’s EyeSight safety system, comprised of Pre-Collision Braking Control, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist function. There’s active headlights and rear vehicle detection system as well!
No pricing was announced for the 2017 Subaru XV, but sales will commence later this year. Meanwhile, Subaru Malaysia is planning to introduce the second-generation XV later this year, and it will very likely be locally assembled.
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