During the regional launch of the second-generation Subaru XV in Taiwan, Motor Image Malaysia promised that the new crossover will arrive on our shores in early 2018. The company has since hastened its timeline and brought forward the launch of the locally-assembled XV in Malaysia.
First broke cover at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the all-new XV gets most of its underbody revised while maintaining its bold and active image. While the design may not seem like it, rest assured that this is an all-new model change. Malaysians will have two variants of the XV to choose from, priced at RM118,819 and RM125,868 respectively.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Subaru XV 2.0i | Subaru XV 2.0i-P |
| 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 (OTR without insurance) | RM118,819 | RM125,868 |
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 new 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 along with a new front grille, the new XV has a wider and lower stance while maintaining the 220 mm ground clearance. Like our friends over in Taiwan, our locally-assembled XV comes in two variants – 2.0i and 2.0i-P.
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. The only addition in the 2.0i-P are the LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights.
INTERIOR
Inside, the cabin is largely similar to the Taiwan-model with some feel-good features omitted to keep the price down. The base 2.0i variant features leather and fabric combination upholstery with orange stitching, multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six-speakers, single-zone automatic climate control, electronic parking brake, keyless start, reverse camera and a retractable cargo cover.
The more expensive 2.0i-PÂ adds dual-zone automatic climate control, 6.3-inch secondary multifunction display, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, auto-dimming rearview mirror and aluminium sports pedals.
Thanks to larger dimensions in the new XV, rear passengers now have 27 mm more leg room and a larger trunk aperture (+100 mm) for added comfort and convenience. Boot space is rated at 385 litres.
PERFORMANCE
Under the bonnet you’ll find a familiar 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder direct injection Boxer engine but tweaked to produce 154 hp and 196 Nm of torque, 6 hp more than before. The Lineartronic CVT also gets a new final drive ratio for better performance. Both the revised engine and transmission are lighter than the outgoing model and offers six to 10 percent better fuel economy.
Power is channelled to all four wheels via Subaru’s famed Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Like the facelifted Forester, the new XV comes with X-Mode and Hill Descent Control which offers greater traction for challenging terrains.
SAFETY
As standard, all variants of the XV get seven-airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDCS), ISOFIX mounting points, Brake Override, Engine Immobiliser and side door reinforcement beams. However, the EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems were given a miss. The Subaru XV scored 199.7 points in the Japan NCAP crash safety assessment, the highest score ever awarded to a passenger car.
WHAT ELSE?
The all-new Subaru XV will be available in seven exterior shades – Pure White, Dark Grey Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Dark Blue Pearl, Sunshine Orange and Cool Grey Khaki (only available six months after official launch). Every purchase of the new XV comes with a 5-Year or 100,000 km warranty and a 5-Year labour free service package.
IMAGE GALLERY
