First Drive: Subaru's thirsty XV can tackle any terrain while still offering practicality
Subaru is back with a new, overhauled version of its XV compact crossover. The Japanese carmaker claims its all-wheel-drive system makes it as good on the road as it performs off-road. Will Rimell heads to the Cotswold countryside to test it out.
What is it?
The XV badge has only been around since 2012, and this is the first time the brand has reworked it since its initial launch. Subaru says this new model is aimed at younger drivers who enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle.
However, the carmaker makes a point that it is “not a facelift” but a complete overhaul of the previous XV.
What’s new?
The new XV is built on Subaru’s new global platform, which the Japanese carmaker says improves safety as well as performance, offering “superior driving capabilities”.
The XV is the second car that this new platform has been fitted to, and Subaru says all future models will use it.
A host of safety tech is packed into the crossover, including the driver assistance system, EyeSight. Also equipped on the Outback, this set-up uses two cameras that capture 3D images to map out the road ahead. This allows the car, depending on its speed, to avoid or reduce the severity of accidents. Subaru says the system acts as a “second pair of eyes for the driver”.
The XV also boasts an upgraded interior and reworked exterior, to give it a sportier and more aggressive look.
What’s under the bonnet?
However, on the 2.0-litre model we tested, which has a great kick to it, the car is let down by that automatic transmission, which holds on to gears far too long.
It’s a shame, because ignore the gearbox for a moment, and the highlight of the Boxer engine is that it’s quick to respond to throttle inputs and offers decent acceleration.
And after averaging around 24mpg – and driving in a fairly normal fashion – this is something I am sure families and commuters won’t be happy about, especially as Subaru claims a fuel economy of 40.9mpg combined. Maybe a diesel version is needed.
What’s it like to drive?
The XV is still a lovely machine to drive – especially if you’re not the one paying for fuel!
Careering around winding Cotswold country lanes gave us a great chance to test the XV’s handling, which impressed us. The all-wheel-drive system meant we took every corner without hassle, and allowed us to shoot out the other side without losing much traction. Compared with its previous model, the XV is far sharper and more refined.
Thinking it would be rude not to test out the car’s off-road-friendly X-Mode and Hill Descent Control features, we ventured off the beaten track. With heavy rain battering the countryside over the past few days, the terrain was extremely boggy to say the least.
Now standard in the XV, the features make tackling these tricky conditions as easy as driving on tarmac. X-Mode takes control of the engine, transmission, AWD, brakes and other components, allowing the driver to focus on not sliding into a tree, stone wall or some furry creature. And the Hill Descent Control maintained a constant speed when travelling down inclines. These extra features not only improve safety but make the XV feel more like a serious 4×4.
How does it look?
The carmaker says it is looking to target a younger demographic and you can see it has tried to do this with its styling. The new front end has been refined with sharper edges, a lower nose and sleek headlights, and the rear has had similar treatment.
Gone are the boring ‘polygon’ lights, replaced by a new rectangular shape.
Subaru has also squared up the body, moving away from the previous model’s more rounded look.
But, even with all these style changes, it still looks like a school-run family car.
What’s it like inside?
On the dash, there’s an additional screen which displays satellite navigation directions if the main eight-inch touchscreen is being used for another one of its many functions – including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and DAB radio.
But this 4.3-inch dashboard display gets even more use when you venture off-road. Apart from informing the driver about fuel economy, temperature and driving conditions it also shows wheel alignment, so you never lose track of where the wheels are pointing when the going gets particularly tough.
What’s the spec like?
There is also a choice to improve the quality of the interior, with leather seats, a sunroof, satellite navigation, and eight-point power-adjusted driver’s seat. These are priced at an additional £2,000 for both engine types.
We drove the high-spec SE Premium trim and the leather seats were a great addition. The sat nav is a decent system, so an extra £2,000 for that and the other kit does seem worth it, although that prices the 2.0-litre model up to £28,495 – quite a bit of cash.
Verdict
The drive was smooth on road and rugged off, although the CVT gearbox is a disappointment, particularly since it’s mated to impressive engines. If you do a lot of motorway miles and are considering an XV, expect hefty fuel costs.
But, that aside, the XV has the capabilities to tackle pretty much anything that can be thrown at it, but it doesn’t shout about it. It doesn’t really need to. That’s its best feature.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Model as tested: 2.0i SE Premium Lineartronic
Price: £28,495
Engine: 2.0-litre Boxer petrol
Power: 152 bhp
Torque (Nm): 196 Nm
Max speed (mph): 120 mph
0-60mph: 10.2 seconds
MPG: 40.9 combined MPG
Emissions (g/km): 155 g/km