New Subaru XV... the Impreza compact crossover

13 Sep. 2011 : The new Subaru XV SUV received today its world premiere at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show.

In its European specifications, the Impreza-based Subaru XV crossover welcomes its five passengers with their luggage in an elevated body (minimum road clearance at kerb weight is 220mm) which is 4,450mm long by 1,780 width and 1,570mm height. The wheelbase dimension is 2,635mm on 1,525 /1,525mm tracks tracks (front/rear).

Subaru says that the door opening dimensions have been enlarged and the higher seat position allows easier ingress and egress.

The exterior design aims to blend SUV functionality with an urban face. The hexagon grille and hawk eye headlights emphasize the identity of Subaru vehicles. The Japanese brand says that the corners of the front and rear bumpers were designed with special edges to enhance the aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency.

Inside, the instrument panel is styled horizontally, with a Multi-Function Display in the upper middle section of the instrument panel. An optional 4.3 inches full-colour LCD is equipped with advanced infotainment such as eco-driving and vehicle information display.

As far as the engines are concerned, the new generation Subaru boxer engine (flat, or horizontally opposed cylinders), which was introduced last year with a totally new design, is installed in 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol models.

Along with the usual merits that horizontally opposed engines inherently possess, this engine has improved fuel efficiency and exhaust performance, especially with the adoption of the new Lineartronic (CVT) and a newly developed Auto Start / Stop System. A 2.0-litre boxer diesel engine was also developed for the European market.

Standard (passive) safety equipement in all models include driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags and drivers knee airbag, in addition to the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC, with a brake assist function) with control logic for better avoidance manoeuvres.

Subaru Ireland, which issued this information, will preview the Subaru XV to customers November 2011 with pre selling, and first deliveries mid January 2012. Retail prices to be announced shortly.