As a sporty looking small SUV the new second-generation Subaru XV looks nice and delivers big on off-road capability and comfort. Now offering an e-Boxer drivetrain, the Subaru XV has some pretty good efficiency as well. Subaru’s new-generation power combines what they call ‘Motor Assist’ with two of Subaru’s fundamental technologies. The beloved Boxer engine and Symmetrical – All Wheel Drive (S‑AWD) now combines with a mild form of hybrid technology to get Subaru into the current and trendy world of eco-motoring.
The 2020 Subaru XV e-Boxer uses a petrol engine with 2.0-litre capacity, 115 kW, and 196 Nm of peak torque that’s available in the mid-range. The Boxer engine is the latest 4-cylinder Boxer design with DOHC and Direct Injection. The addition of the electric motor aids the cars excellent fuel economy, with a combined fuel consumption of around 7 litres/100 km. For a small SUV this economy is good, and it’s a welcome asset when you combine efficiency with the Subarus XV’s off-roading prowess.
What you get is a capable AWD small SUV that can happily tackle off-road tasks with ease. A 200 mm ride height ensures that you can step over plenty of stones and ruts, and if you put the XV onto a slippery surface the AWD system is a gem. Subaru’s clever torque vectoring, a robust four-wheel-drive system and advanced hill-descent control make the most of what little traction there is. This is an ideal vehicle to have when exploring the country; aside from venturing into the scariest parts of our Outback, there is little that will faze the Subaru XV e-Boxer from whatever off-roading task is at hand.
The new Subaru XV e-Boxer is easy to drive, delivering plenty of assurance and confidence for even the newest driver. I think the CVT adds to the XV’s charitable driving character. The only point worth mentioning is that the power might be a little light for those who like to get things done a bit quicker. That said, you can get a long journey done-and-dusted in a relaxed way while on-board a new Subaru XV. Space up front is good – even if you’re tall. Second row seating still offers very good amounts of legroom and a decent amount of space above your head, too. The seats are comfortable, the cabin roomy, all the latest infotainment paraphernalia we seem to require is available as standard, and the cabin cooling/heating system works really well. You’ll find the XV’s 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is big, clear and comes with DAB radio and plenty of connectivity options such as Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
If you want to add the highest luxury trim to the new XV, then the high-spec XV models get leather upholstery and electric front seats that look supportive but are also superbly comfortable.
Around the rear of the vehicle, the XV has a nicely tucked backside, however when you open the rear gate there is a smaller than average boot space with less than 380 litres on offer with the rear seats in place. Fold these flat and the luggage space grows, of course. What you can do if you require the full five seats and more luggage space is go for a roof pod on top, and there is plenty of options for that. If you really want to go for bigger boot space then Subaru has the Forester Wagon/SUV alternative with just as good off-road ability, or you might prefer a Nissan Qashqai or Honda HR-V.
There are plenty of nice exterior colours to choose from, my favourite being Subaru’s vivid orange. Interior upholstery and trimmings offer plenty of variety, too.
Subaru make very safe vehicles, so the latest XV generation is packed with 5-star safety gear. Adaptive Cruise Control, Brake Light Recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Pre-Collision Brake Assist, a Pre-Collision Braking System, a Pre-Collision Throttle Management and Adaptive Cruise Control lead the way. Front and side curtain airbags are standard.
Think Subaru and you can now link hybrid to their great off road package. The new Subaru XV e-Boxer is enjoyable, stable on the road and very well equipped. This might just be the answer to your small SUV requirements. Subarus do have that adventurous streak running through their DNA, hence Subaru’s popularity with those who love an SUV that keeps pace with their active, outdoor lifestyle.
The 2020 Subaru XV e-Boxer models include the:
For any more information on the new Subaru XV e-Boxer or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Subaru dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!