Earlier this year, Motor Image top brass revealed that an all-new Subaru XV would be introduced real soon. True enough the brand’s official Asian distributor flew a bunch of motoring journalists to Taiwan to witness the global launch of the second-generaton Subaru XV.
Built using the new Subaru Global Platform, the model is the second veicle to utilize the said architecture, after the latest-generation Imrpeza. This makes the second iteration of Sbuar’s compact crossover more rigid, less prone to body roll, and essentially, more fun to drive. This is backed up by an improved version of the 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated boxer engine, as well as an improved Lineartronic transmission and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
The engine now develops 156hp and is mated to an upgraded Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The gearbox now has auto step shift control and a 7-speed manual mode. In layman’s terms, this equates to more driver control. Apart from this, the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is now paired with X-MODE to better cope with varying road and terrain conditions. This gives this little urban warrior true all-terrain capability.
Stepping inside the cabin rreveals a sophisticated interior with touches such as an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen system and other goodies and soft touch materials. It now features Apple CarPlay that allows occupants to pair and use their mobile devices safely. Moreover, the seats offer flexible configurations for the utmost in cargo and passenger carrying capability.
And being the Subaru, safety is at the forefront, with such goodies as Steering Responsive headlights, High Beam Assist, and a body structure that is touted to be 70% more rigid. This has earned the XV top honors from the Japan New Car Assessment Program .
All this is wrapped in an evolutionary design of the first-gen model’s sleek body. This time, however, the XV is bolder, with cues like the trademark hexagonal grille, blacked-out lower section, new aluminum wheel design, and the brand’s C-shaped headlights. It’s a design that has been dubbed as ruggedly sophisticated.
The Subaru XV will be available in our market by September of this year.
