The new Subaru XV 2.0i-S is now available for sale, and it looks set to continue the winning formula. When Subaru first used an Impreza to create a small SUV, many people scratched their heads, but this has proved to be a genius move. The chunky Subaru XV slots effortlessly into the lineup and it has attracted a number of new drivers into the Subaru brand. This is the second generation of the XV for 2019, and it now has it’s own variants to examine. Let’s take a closer look at the new XV and see what it has to offer.
At a Quick Glance
The highlights of this latest Subaru XV for sale in Perth is a continuation of the excellent and well-appointed cabin seen in the outgoing car. We also enjoyed the solid feel of driving on the road and off it to a lesser extent. The new XV has a full suite of impressive safety features to keep everyone safer on and off-road. Some people may not like the slightly outdated warranty system, and the tyre noise on the highway was audible. Overall this is a small and solid-looking 5 seater SUV, and the XV 2.0i-S is the flagship model that we will be looking at here.
The Subaru XV 2.0i-S
Yes, you heard that right; there are four variants in the range including a premium model, and yet the XV 2.0i-S is the top model in the range. Aside from this slightly confusing naming convention, there are many things to like about the XV 2.0i-S. As one would expect this is the most expensive model in the lineup and its competition is the well regarded Mazda CX-3 Akari and the Toyota C-HR Koba. Stiff competition indeed, but the Subaru XV 2.0i-S acquits itself well with plenty of features and well rounded out specification delivering an attractive value proposition.
The Subaru XV 2.0i-S is competing in a crowded market, but it has plenty of high-quality equipment, such as front LED lighting, dusk-sensing steering responsive headlights, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, an 8” touchscreen with satellite navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a digital radio, heated power-folding wing mirrors, an eight-way power-adjustable driving seat, leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel, and gear shift and 18” alloy wheels. This is all of the luxury equipment that any driver would expect to get at this fairly modest price point, and it probably delivers a little more. Sadly, there is no HUD, and there is no two-tone paint option found on the C-HR.
As a Subaru, the new XV 2.0i-S has the famed symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. To get the best out of this Subaru have added their signature X-Mode off-road control system. When X-Mode is engaged the XV 2.0i-S can go offroad however, this is not a dedicated rock crawler, and it’s better at jaunts down to the beach or along a trail to a campsite. The hill descent system works well, and overall this feature alone gives the xv 2.0i-S a bit of a rugged edge that the competition simply does not have.
The New XV Exterior
The latest XV designs are certainly at the chunkier end of the spectrum on the outside and inside. This particular model came in the signature Sunshine Orange livery, and it’s certainly a head-turner, and you will never miss it in a crowded parking lot. The XV 2.0i-S has silver roof rails, chrome door handles and an impressive set of 18” alloys that sets it apart from other XV models in the lineup.
The new XV range rides 50mm higher than the Impreza that it’s based on to give additional ground clearance. Subaru has added a plethora of black plastic inserts along the lower parts of the bumpers, round the wheel arches and down the flanks. This adds to the tough aesthetic appeal, and it gives the new XV a sculpted look. From any angle, the new XV looks ready to tackle any adventure.
The New XV Interior
Getting into the cabin is very satisfying, and the chuck aesthetic appeal from the exterior is continued throughout this space. The steering wheel looks like it came from a bumper car and the centre console is trimmed with leather and covered with large switches and buttons. The leather-trimmed seats are a cut above other small SUVs at this price point, and this is contrasted by detailed orange stitching. It’s probably fair to say that the new XV 2.0i-S cabin is the best cabin in the entire segment and that includes some tough competition.
Some drivers may not like the three screens, thirteen buttons and a pair of toggles on the steering wheel. In short, there are a lot of dedicated controls and learning how everything works is a steep learning curve. However, once you get used to the layout everything is close to hand, and it becomes second nature to control every function.
As far as space goes, the XV is an SUV albeit a small one based on the Impreza hatch. As such, there are some practicality issues that are not unusual in this particular segment; it’s likely that drivers attracted to small SUVs already well aware of their shortcomings. In short, cabin space is a little on the snug side, the sunroof is nice to have, but it does limit headroom slightly, and yet there is a surprising amount of legroom. There are some useful cupholders and storage cubbies dotted around the cabin and inside the drop-down armrest.
Engine and Fuel Economy
Every XV in the range is powered by a 2.0L petrol engine that produces 115kW of power and 196 Nm of torque. This is paired with a continuously variable transmission to supply the power to the symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. The fuel economy figure is 7.0L/100km combined, and every XV has a 63L fuel tank giving them a decent range.
