We’ve witnessed the regional launch of the second-generation Subaru XV in Taiwan in the middle of 2017 and subsequently saw the introduction of the all-new crossover in Malaysia. Now we join Motor Image in Singapore to grace yet another launch of the all-new XV. But this XV is a special one – it comes with the brand’s famed EyeSight Advanced Driver Assist Technology.
The new XV is now available in the 2.0-iS guise for the Singaporean market, joining the existing 1.6-litre variant which was launched in July 2017. Much like the top-spec XV we have in Malaysia, the Singapore-bound XV 2.0i-S comes fully loaded with features such as LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, roof rails, LED combination taillamps and keyless entry.
Inside, it gets all the same kit as our local XV – touchscreen infotainment system, fabric combination seats with orange stitching and multifunctional steering wheel. Unique to the EyeSight-equipped XV are the adaptive cruise control functions found on the right side of the steering wheel.
Motivation comes from the updated 2.0-lite horizontally-opposed four-cylinder direct injection Boxer engine that delivers 154 hp and 196 Nm of torque mated to an improved Lineartronic CVT to drive all four-wheels via Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System. The enhanced powertrain is not only lighter than the outgoing model but also offers six to 10 percent better fuel economy. X-Mode and Hill Descent Control are standard issue here.
Safety is where the Singapore-spec XV blows our XV out of the waters as it comes with the EyeSight system. The Advanced Driver Assist Technology uses stereo cameras to identify the vehicle’s surrounding, scanning for other vehicles, obstacles, traffic lanes and other items. Models equipped with EyeSight will benefit from these six features:
Pre-Collision Braking – Warns the driver with a buzzer and a light on the dash if an imminent collision is detected. If the driver does not take evasive action to avoid the collision, the car will autonomously apply brake force to reduce or, if possible, prevent the collision altogether.
Adaptive Cruise Control – Aside from the conventional function of maintaining a set speed, the stereo camera will scan the car ahead and keep a set distance between you and the car in front.
Pre-Collision Throttle Management – When EyeSight detects an obstacle in front and you put the vehicle in Drive, the system will suppress engine output and send audible warnings to avoid a frontal collision.
Lane Departure Warning – Warns the driver if the car is starting to depart from the lane without signalling at speeds of 50 km/h and above.
Lane Sway Warning – Sends a Buzzer and flashing indicator to the driver if the car starts to sway uncontrollably at speeds of 60 km/h and above.
Lead Vehicle Start Alert – After coming to a stop, the system prompts the driver to take action when it detects the car in front has started moving again.
It is worth noting that the XV does not come with the more advanced Touring Assist function that allows for semi-autonomous driving for speeds up to 120 km/h. However, all 2017 Subaru models that are equipped with EyeSight received the highest possible rating for front crash prevention by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States.
Tan Chong International Limited, Managing Director, Mr Glenn Tan said: “We are thrilled to finally launch the award-winning Subaru Eye-Sight technology at the Singapore Motor Show 2018. EyeSight completes Subaru’s (four) core technology pillars (Boxer Engine, Symmetrical AWD, Subaru Global Platform and EyeSight) to present a wholesome and attractive package for customers who are looking for the highest standards of safety, driving performance and comfort in a car.”
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