On the surface, the 2018 Subaru XV may seem familiar and largely unchanged, but the truth is it’s as new as they come. It rides on the new Subaru Global Platform which ups body and chassis rigidity by 70%, and the platform will underpin all future Subaru models to come.

The XV is available in two variants – 2.0i and 2.0i-P, and both share the same 2.0 litre direct injection four-cylinder Boxer engine producing 156 PS at 6,000 rpm and and 196 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The company’s famous symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard fitment, as is the seven-stepped continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters.

Styling-wise, it’s more pleasant to look at compared to the older model, and that’s achieved without veering too far off from the first-gen XV‘s dimensions. The cabin on the other hand, is the most impressive aspect of progress to this writer.

In terms of safety, the crossover comes with seven airbags (with driver’s knee airbag), ABS with EBD and brake assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) as well as rear Isofix child seat anchors. You can have it in six colours, starting with Sunshine Orange, Dark Blue Pearl, Pure White, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic and Crystal Black Silica.

Interested? Watch the video review and read the written version to find out what we think of the car. You may also compare the specifications of both 2018 Subaru XV variants at CarBase.my. What do you think of the XV, guys?