2018 Subaru XV – new looks, better dynamics, safety

2018 Subaru XV – new looks, better dynamics, safety

After an unplanned leak by a Japanese magazine, the 2018 Subaru XV has finally been revealed at the on-going Geneva motor show. There’s nothing really surprising here, of course, as it’s essentially a jacked-up Impreza that we’re already familiar with. Still, it’s our first real look at the next-generation XV, an update to model that has been reasonably successful here in Malaysia.

Looks wise, the new version has all the XV’s trademark SUV-inspired add-ons, namely matte black plastic cladding over the base Impreza. The second-generation model brings on more shapely headlights, a bolder grille and a set of bigger, chunkier, dual-tone wheels (now 18-inch items).

It’s now based on the new Subaru Global Platform, which promises enhanced safety, ride comfort and agility compared to the original 2012 model. The new platform is 70-100% more rigid than before, and the new XV manages to have a lower centre of gravity despite maintaining the same ground clearance of 220 mm. Rear stabilisers that are now directly mounted to the body also reduce body roll by 50%.

Inside, the entire dashboard is new, fully adapted from the latest Impreza. As before, the XV’s “active” character is emphasised by the use of bright orange contrast stitching and varying shades of grey throughout the cabin. Subaru claims that refinement has been significantly improved too, while an electronic parking brake takes over from the old XV’s handbrake unit.

The steering wheel size has been reduced to for a more snappy feel, to go along with the quicker steering ratio (from 14:1 to 13:1). Active Torque Vectoring further enhances the XV’s driving dynamics, together with Subaru’s trademark Symmetrical AWD system. The latter is now equipped with X-Mode for better control in loose surfaces, bringing it in line with the larger Forester.

Under the hood is a revamped engine and gearbox combo. The engine remains a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated flat-four unit, but Subaru says around 80% of its parts have been updated. The new direct injection motor makes 156 PS and 196 Nm of torque, and it’s said to be up to 12 kg lighter than before.

2018 Subaru XV – new looks, better dynamics, safety

It’s a similar story with the Lineartronic CVT gearbox. While it sounds like a carry-over unit, it now has an expanded ratio coverage (from 6.28 to 7.03) for better acceleration and fuel economy, and it’s also lighter by 7.8 kg. The new transmission employs an auto-step shift control, plus a seven-speed manual mode.

On the safety front, the new XV boasts standard active and preventive safety technologies (in Europe, at least), including the Subaru EyeSight suite (Pre-Collision Braking Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist function). High Beam Assist, Steering Responsive Headlights and Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection are also offered.

2018 Subaru XV – new looks, better dynamics, safety

Beyond that, Subaru claims that with its lower centre of gravity and improved suspension system, the vehicle now offers outstanding hazard avoidance capabilities “on a level with a high-performance sports car.” Increased use of high-tensile steel plates, including materials formed by hot press forming also improved the XV’s impact energy absorption by as much as 40% over the outgoing model.

Market-specific details will be announced soon, with Japan and the US (where it will continue to be called the Crosstrek) first in line. It’s expected to arrive in Malaysia before the end of the year. So, what do you think of this new Subaru XV, folks?

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Hafriz Shah

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

 

Comments

  • Kunta Kinte on Mar 07, 2017 at 8:34 pm

    S stands for sophisticated, sleek, superior. This is Subaru. Their symmetrical AWD is pretty neat. Just wished they bolt on a turbo and used a conventional auto or dual shift tranny. I think the Volkswagen Tiguan is a better bet here with its lightning shift dsg and turbocharged pot. Nevertheless this Subaru is still perhaps one of the best Japanese contender out there.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 4
    • Jimmy on Mar 07, 2017 at 10:41 pm

      No use. And useless.

      Any car with just two or three airbags is a junk car.

      You don’t support means you like it to be that way. By 2050, we will still have car with 2 + 0.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 23
      • seancorr (Member) on Mar 07, 2017 at 11:19 pm

        Lol exactly my thoughts on it. Everyone else is slowly making 6 airbags standard kit but Subaru still can’t get their shite right here.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 10
  • Iriz aircon stack, eh?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 6
  • transformer on Mar 07, 2017 at 8:36 pm

    nothing to be huh ha abt this XV as C segment sedan like Civic already has equipped with Force induction engine….. wished Mitsubishi will make a new Airtrek Turbo soon…..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 16
    • VolvoCEO on Mar 07, 2017 at 11:33 pm

      Compare apple to apple thanks.

      Look at that HRV and CRV junk

      Subaru XV is like a few tier higher. The fatty bom bom Tan Chong boss probably will cut out the eyesight for malaysia launch, but even then it is still the best budget crossover SUV

      Dont over praise civic because ford focus can lap faster than the civic. also more tech, actual usable tech, not just flashy speedo and headlamp like civic

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 26 Thumb down 7
      • camtakpro on Jun 01, 2017 at 10:28 am

        2018 is coming soon and cut out EyeSight?! Say bye bye to Subaru.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Kunta donald tipu kelab on Mar 07, 2017 at 8:47 pm

    Subaru has picked up its market share

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 1
  • nabill (Member) on Mar 07, 2017 at 9:03 pm

    How can it be 100 times more rigid?Was da old one made from rubber band?? Seems like a marketing thing to brag about….The interior looks better now…More refined..I jus hope it doesn’t feel cheap..The current one does feel low rent actually..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 19
    • Henry on Mar 08, 2017 at 10:09 am

      Do you know how to read? It us 70% to 100% more rigid. It is not 100 times more.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 0
    • subaru fan on Mar 08, 2017 at 11:06 am

      100% more rigid means twice as rigid, not 100 times more rigid.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 1
  • Brutus on Mar 07, 2017 at 9:42 pm

    Would love to see Subaru utilizes the flat 4 1.6L and turbocharged it instead of the sole 2.0L engine. More HP and torque with the benefit of paying lower road tax here.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 3
  • seancorr (Member) on Mar 07, 2017 at 11:16 pm

    Now if Subaru can up the safety kit of the XV locally while not uppping the price then all should be okay. The current gen XV spec list is not up to par with its rivals for the money they are asking out of it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Mar 07, 2017 at 11:44 pm

    needs a more powerful engine

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 5
  • Nazli on Mar 08, 2017 at 12:25 am

    Love it, with 220mm clearance good for Malaysia road with potholes, speed bumps and floods. 2.0 is enough power for Malaysia roads and sometimes over curbs. I shall pre booked it

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 2
  • lost78 on Mar 08, 2017 at 6:13 am

    another iriz/persona-ish dashboard

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 6
  • albert on Mar 08, 2017 at 11:33 am

    awd+flat engine+turbo=Subaru

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Henry on Mar 08, 2017 at 11:44 am

    Nice. I like.

    For me it is either this car or the Toyota CHR.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • passion on Mar 10, 2017 at 8:35 am

    current xv struggles uphill compared to forester despite same power train. is it differently tuned? and the hydraulic power steering feels heavy. hope this fares better.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • They should change it to 1.6L turbo, coz the road tax will be much cheaper. Only way to compete with others and make Malaysian more affordable.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Michael on Dec 01, 2017 at 4:53 pm

    Agreed with one comment that the engine should be 1.6 Turbo. Nowadays 2.0-litre and above natural aspirated engine is already outdated and not the trend. Go with 1.5 Turbo or 1.6 Turbo instead of 2.0 or 2.5-litre.

    No thanks to this new Subaru XV. Fit an updated turbocharged engine in this then we can talk.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
 

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