What do you get when you cross an Impreza with a Tribeca? An all new Subaru XV, of course! Creating the streamlined Subaru XV has given Subaru another step forward into a growing market of smaller SUV-type vehicles. Certainly, the Subaru Forester has a strong following across Australia – with its light off-roading ability and practical wagon design making it hugely popular. But I think you’ll find that the sleek new Subaru XV provides a bigger, more grown-up appeal. An elevated status appeal pops into a league that the Forester or Impreza won’t quite match. Actually, I’d suggest the Subaru XV’s closest counterpart would be the flagship Tribeca model. Driving the Subaru XV is like driving a small SUV, because that’s just what it is – and a delightful SUV, at that.

If you don’t know by now, then you need to know that Subaru builds a high quality car. What the Subaru XV has is exceptional build quality right throughout the car. There are no sour feelings of prominent shortcuts in the Subaru XV assembly work. The strong chassis design and sturdy construction adds to the XV’s taut handling package and the, all important, five-star ANCAP safety result that it picked up in the recent crash tests. Onboard the Subaru XV models are no less than seven SRS airbags. Other high-tech safety features include the rear reversing-camera that displays what is behind the car on the high-definition screen on the centre console of the dash, and an advanced hands-free Bluetooth communications system.

She goes good, too! Crisp engine response and commanding performance comes from Subaru’s 110 kW, 2.0-litre boxer engine design. Torque peaks in the mid-to-higher rev range – giving easy highway cruising, and punchy performance over forestry tracks – and the like.

Subaru has granted the boxer engine with Start/Stop engine technology. This greatly enhances fuel efficiency, and is a worthwhile feature to the striking Subaru XV models. Speaking of Subaru XV models; currently there are three XV models available. The Subaru XV 2.0-S is the sportiest of the three versions offered, while the Subaru XV 2.0-L is the luxo model. The 2.0-L has most ingredients onboard to make your trip full of comfort and entertainment.

I like the Subaru XV exterior design. It is a sexy design that competes well with the Mazda CX-7 and Mazda CX-5 variants. Notable Subaru XV prowess is found in the Symmetrical-All-Wheel-Drive system, which can take this beauty plenty of wild and woolly places you wouldn’t take your Legacy, Accord or Commodore Berlina.

Smartly designed, and very practical, the lengthy roof racks give excellent load carrying ability on the roof. It is so easy to snatch on a couple of bikes, a kayak or your skiing gear. In the back is a handy bit of luggage space. The rear seats fold down neatly to create a huge luggage area, when required. Leg, bum and shoulder space are good in the rear seats, while the seats, themselves, are very good, indeed. A multi function display is the hub for all onboard entertainment and travel information. A massive panoramic sunroof can be opened at the touch of a button, and the awesome-sounding audio system puts the Subaru XV into one of the most wanted portable music systems for when beach volleyball, cricket or Frisbee is the order of the day at the church picnic or beach outing with your mates.

Leather seats are available with a heating function for any softies amongst you. And the overall design package on the Subaru XV is stunning. A rear spoiler, prominent wheel arches, suave alloys and intimidating grille say plenty as a picture.

You have a choice of transmissions. I like the CVT because it is so nice and easy to use. CVT transmissions are growing on me. Their smooth acceleration and seamless, silent gear changing make travel a very relaxed affair. Drive the six-speed manual Subaru XV versions, and the excellent gear ratios and brisk slotting between gears make for fun driving for the enthusiast. Dynamic handling and plenty of active systems are always working to keep you on the road safe and sound – giving the Subaru XV quite an agreeable driving appeal.

The current Subaru XV models include the:

• XV 2.0i
• XV 2.0-S
• XV 2.0-L

For anymore information on the Subaru XV 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!

Back to Subaru Car Reviews