Subaru has just unveiled the all-new 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. Currently known as the Subaru XV in Malaysia and some markets, Subaru has decided to use the “Crosstrek” name globally and forego the XV name entirely moving forward. According to Subaru, Crosstrek is the combination of the two words, “Crossover” and “Trekking”.
Built on an improved version of the Subaru Global Platform, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek utilises a new full-inner-frame construction design. Besides that, expanded applications of structural adhesives, greater rigidity in suspension connections, and other refinements can be found on the latest iteration of the Subaru Global Platform.
As for the powertrain, Subaru has only announced the 2.0-litre e-Boxer hybrid powertrain for the new Subaru Crosstrek. No further details have been provided yet, apart from the use of Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT.
Subaru says the driving dynamics and ride quality have been improved. The Crosstrek’s steering features a dual-pinion electric power steering system. This system reduces initial steering resistance, thus enabling linear and smooth transmission of torque. It also keeps the variable gear-ratio design (from its predecessor) for precise control at low speeds and stability at high speeds. Another improvement is the electric brake booster that enhances brake responsiveness in emergency situations.
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The new seats in the Subaru Crosstrek support the pelvis which prevents the vehicle’s swaying motions from being transferred to the head. The cabin environment has also been designed to minimize fatigue. Among the cabin improvements is the use of an elastic adhesive between the roof panels and braces to absorb vibration.
Looks-wise, the new Crosstrek is more aggressive, more angular, and features more prominent claddings. Illuminating the way is a set of LED headlights with LED Cornering lights. In its highest variant, the new Subaru Crosstrek sits on 18-inch aluminium wheels. A total of nine exterior colours are available, including new colours like Offshore Blue Metallic and Oasis Blue.
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The cabin remains familiar, with the Crosstrek featuring a large 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen head unit. Wireless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) is also available, as shown in the world premiere.
Subtle ergonomic changes have been made, with Subaru elevating the top of the center console and improving the door design so that they can be opened while maintaining a natural posture. Subaru has also improved the cabin’s clever storage-space design. Upholstery options include fabric seats with silver stitching (high-grade model), tricot seats with silver stitching (standard-grade model), and optional factory-installed leather seats.
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Safety features on the new 2023 Subaru Crosstrek include a digital multi-view monitor and LED cornering lights (a Subaru first). Subaru’s EyeSight cameras now consist of a new stereo camera unit and a wide-angle mono-camera. Subaru EyeSight’s image recognition software has also been improved to enable object recognition at wider angles and farther distances. The new wide-angle mono camera is capable of intitating pre-collision braking in an even wider range of situations.
Subaru says the crossover market is now a saturated one. With the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, the company has decided to prioritise meeting customer expectations instead of blindly conforming to current trends.
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