All-new Subaru XV launched in Taiwan, coming to M’sia as CKD by 2018!



After its global debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru Vehicles across nine countries in Asia, has just launched the second-generation Subaru XV in Taiwan.

With the all-new XV, changes happen mostly underneath the skin. Subaru has taken an evolutionary step with the design instead of a revolutionary one to maintain its bold and active image. Looks aside, let’s find out what the second-gen XV is all about.

QUICK FACTS

Name Subaru XV 2.0i Subaru XV 2.0i-S
Engine 1,995cc; 4-cylinder Direct Injection Boxer
Transmission Lineartronic CVT
Max Power 154 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque 196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price TBA

EXTERIOR

Underpinning the new XV is the company’s brand-new Subaru Global Platform that first debuted on the fifth-generation Subaru Impreza. Exterior dimensions now measure at 4,465 mm (+15 mm) in length, 1,800 mm (+20 mm) in width, 1,615 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,665 mm (+30 mm). Subaru claims that the crossover is over 70 percent more rigid and has 50 percent lesser body roll than the model it replaces.

Thanks to the redesigned front and rear bumper and the new front grille, the new XV has a wider and lower stance while maintaining the 220 mm ground clearance. The base 2.0i comes equipped with halogen headlamps, front fog lamps, LED combination tail lamps, blacked out spoiler, roof rails, keyless entry and 17-inch alloys wrapped in 225/60 profile tyres.

Stepping up to the 2.0i-S, it adds LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, power folding door mirrors with LED turn signals and larger 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/55 profile tyres.

INTERIOR

Inside, the cabin layout is similar to the one on the Impreza and comes with a number of goodies to play with. The base 2.0i variant features fabric upholstery with orange stitching, multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, single zone automatic climate control, electronic parking brake, keyless start, reverse camera and a retractable cargo cover.

Upgrade to the 2.0i-S and you’ll be greeted with leather upholstery with orange stitching, dual-zone automatic climate control, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, powered sun roof, auto dimming rear view mirror and aluminium sport pedals. While the features are abundant, Motor Image has hinted that some of the features may be omitted when the car arrives to our shores to maintain a competitive pricing.

Thanks to the larger dimensions of the car, Subaru has freed up 27 mm more leg room for rear passengers and created a larger trunk aperture (+100 mm) for added comfort and convenience. Boot space is rated at 385 litres.

PERFORMANCE

Powering the all-new XV is an updated 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder direct injection Boxer engine that produces 154 hp and 196 Nm of torque. The Lineartronic CVT has also been revised with a new final drive ratio to offer better performance. Both the revised engine and transmission are lighter than the outgoing model and Subaru claims that the new powertrain offers six to 10 percent better fuel economy.

Power is channelled to all four-wheels via the famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Like the facelifted Forester, it now comes with X-Mode which offers greater traction for challenging terrains as well as Hill Descent Control.

With the all new chassis design, Subaru has also revised the steering ratio to give the driver a more responsive steering feel and straight-line stability. Fuel tank has also been expanded to 63 litres (+13 litres).

SAFETY

As standard, the new XV gets seven-airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDCS), ISOFIX mounting points, Brake Override, Engine Immobiliser and side door reinforcement beams. This helps the XV achieve 199.7 points in the Japan NCAP crash safety assessment, the highest score ever awarded to a passenger car.

WHAT ELSE?

The second-gen Subaru XV can be had in nine exterior colours – Pure Red, Quartz Blue Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Cool Grey Khaki and Sunshine Orange. Subaru Malaysia said the CKD operations for the XV will begin sometime in December this year, with initial deliveries beginning in early 2018.


IMAGE GALLERY

Subaru XV 2.0i-S

Subaru XV 2.0i