Motor Image has officially launched the new Subaru XV at the 2015 Thailand Motor Expo. The updated crossover makes its debut in the ASEAN region after initially being unveiled at the recent Tokyo Motor Show. Prices for the updated XV in Thailand will start from 1,098,000 baht (RM129,391).
Available in two variants – 2.0i and 2.0i-Premium (2.0i-P), the XV carries on the Subaru DNA. Under the hood, you’ll find the familiar 2.0 litre DOHC four-cylinder boxer petrol engine, which develops 150 PS at 6,200 rpm and 196 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm.
Power is transmitted through a six-speed Lineartronic CVT, with drive being sent to all four corners of the XV (AWD) via the brand’s iconic Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) system. The active AWD system still retains its 60:40 front/rear power split as before.
As what was shown in Tokyo earlier, the Subaru XV gets upgrades in a few departments starting with its looks. The Impreza-based crossover still retains its familiar sporty outlook, albeit some revisions have been made to its front fascia.
The hexagonal grille has been revised with a new design, flanked by new halogen headlights with C-shaped LED daytime running lights. Moving lower, there are now L-shaped positioning lights that take up occupancy near the fog lamps as well. The rear taillights are now clear-coloured, as opposed to the current model.
The 17-inch two-tone machine-finished alloy wheels have also received slightly revised design as well, while the roof rails are now aluminium-finished. On the 2.0i, the side mirrors do not have signal indicators for the driver, whereas the 2.0i-P does.
Inside, the car retains its familiar layout. However, there are a few differences in terms of features that separate the variants. For starters, the 2.0i-P gets a 6.2-inch touchscreen multimedia unit with a multitude of inputs (Bluetooth, AUX and more).
There is also keyless entry and start for the driver. Additionally, a 4WD monitor is located just above the air-con vents for the driver’s reference. The driver also benefits from alloy pedals, multi-info display, additional steering controls and electric powered seats.
The 2.0i misses out on the above-mentioned features but retains the contrast orange stitching on the steering wheel, gear knob and various trim pieces. Leather seats are still in place but the multimedia unit has been swapped out for a Kenwood double-DIN unit.
As for safety, the Subaru XV still comes with dual front airbags, knee airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, ABS (with EBD, BA) and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
As for the Malaysian market, no official launch date has been confirmed as of yet. However, Glenn Tan, executive director of Tan Chong International, has confirmed that the crossover will be launched sometime in January 2016. The XV will still continue to be a locally-assembled (CKD) model, with tentative prices marked at RM130,000.
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Current XV is noisy inside. Hopefully motor image bring this FL version with better sound deadening material for better NVH
CVT noise level is terrible. Impossible to ignore the high pitch noise through ALL gears..unless you are an old fart with busted eardrums.
Agreed on this, I wonder why the CVT whining so loud? Nissan, Honda & Toyota did better in this area. I have tested the XV and HRV in same day and I am surprised that HRV CVT has better response than XV, CVT noise is not that loud as XV.
I seriously think the model look prettier than the car.
are you sure they are even ori? This is THAI!
Check your own mama
It’s one of times when the original model looks much better than it’s facelifted replacement.
I beg to differ. Maybe the clear tail light is abit ricer-ish. That was for the Hybrid model elsewhere.
Hopefully Malaysian specs get 7 airbags and the Hyper Blue color, and please not the aftermarket head unit shown here. Looked cheap.
Why dont proton do this to suprima like subaru did it to Impreza?
Still only with 3 airbags and poor transmission.
This car can’t really compet with the others, can it?
Will give this vehicle a miss since it is only 6 airbags. Most of TC’s cars nowadays only have 2 airbags eg. Nissan Xtrail. It’s a pity.