9 December 2011
New car report: Downsizing the SUV
Whether it’s reality or just the way we perceive ourselves, as Kiwis, most of us readily identify with the rugged outdoors and in recent times this extends to our motor vehicle purchasing patterns too.
SUV’s and 4x4’s, some of mammoth proportions, pound our city streets more than ever, but one car maker has an entire range aimed at the sporty outdoor market with vehicles both large and small. Subaru, with their All Wheel Drive car and wagon line-up, quench our thirst for outdoorsy lifestyle vehicles without necessarily going overboard on dimensions.
At the launch of the latest addition to the range, the XV (that’s ex-vee, not the Roman numeral, fifteen) Subaru of New Zealand Managing Director Wally Dumper was clearly upbeat about his company’s newest and smallest mini SUV-esque model to hit our shores.
Although the original plan was to launch the Impreza ahead of the more beefy looking XV, Japan’s tragic tsunami brought a sudden halt to Impreza production. However in highly efficient Japanese fashion, despite the delayed Impreza production, the XV went ahead as planned, bringing it to market a couple of months ahead of Impreza.
Catering for customer demand
With the similarly beefed up Legacy derivative, the Outback being Subaru’s biggest selling current model, Mr Dumper expects big things for the XV. Across all brands, customers are opting for smaller vehicles so with XV interior dimensions having ballooned, it’s likely that the new Impreza derived model will appeal to a wider audience, and Mr Dumper admits, this could include some current Outback drivers.
Three models are offered, all powered by the new third generation 2.0 litre Boxer engine, producing 110kW/196Nm. With reductions in component weight, a Dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS) and various other mods, Subaru claims a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency from the engine alone.
Then there’s the new Subaru Lineartronic Transmission (SLT), or CVT to you and I, which offers a claimed saving of 10% over the superseded four speed auto, the lighter but stronger bodywork and the Auto Start Stop, all playing their part in reducing fuel consumption.
More power, more space, more aerodynamic but less fuel
Aerodynamic body and under-body detailing contributes to the improved fuel-efficiency too, with streamlining of bumpers, the use of under-floor covers and optimised air flow assisted by under-body air flaps. Claimed fuel consumption is 7.0L/100km.
All models are equipped with 17 inch alloys, seven airbags including a driver’s knee ‘bag, reversing camera, Bluetooth, roof rails and front fog lights. Safety being a Subaru strong suit, the XV has achieved a 5 Star Euro NCAP safety rating.
The entry level XV 2.0i can be had with a 6 speed manual ‘box at $38,990 or the SLT automatic trans at $40,990, while the XV 2.0i-L and XV 2.0i-S come in auto only with retail stickers of $44,990 and $48,990 respectively.
The 2.0i-L adds dual zone climate air conditioning, leather steering wheel and gear lever, rear privacy glass, sat-nav and sunroof with the range-topping 2.0i-S adding heated leather seats, electric driver’s seat, HID headlights, alloy pedals and other bright finishes.
Dynamically, the XV delivers everything we’ve come to expect from Subaru. Despite the 220mm ground clearance, handling, stability and road-holding are sure and the ride is firm and comfortable.
Our launch drive programme around some of Northland’s twisty back roads, open state highways and gruelling gravel surfaces demonstrated the sporty and rugged AWD compact hatch is equally capable on the blacktop or tough unsealed terrain.
With decent fuel economy, a high degree of safety, plenty of space and good road manners, Subaru have hit the sweet spot with this one.