Presentation and test drive of the new Subaru XV: call it a 4x4, not an SUV

The Japanese brand has presented the new Subaru XV to the national press, the only off-roader on the market (SUV falls short as a name for this XV) that comes as standard with permanent symmetrical all-wheel drive. The changes in this new generation of the XV affect not only the design: the platform used is also completely new.

Safety is an important pillar of the new Subaru XV, which comes as standard with the EyeSight system, offering multiple active safety functions designed to prevent a foreseeable accident. Another novelty is that there will be no diesel version: the Japanese firm takes a bold giant step by offering two petrol variants, both with automatic gearboxes.

Renewed exterior, higher-quality interior

The exterior of the Subaru XV changes quite a lot compared with the previous generation, from its front with a new grille, headlights and bumper to the rear, where the new taillights give it a greater sense of width while keeping the off-road design. The biggest change is inside, where the main design lines are kept, with the central screen of the multimedia system, the screen at the top of the console and the instrumentation, but the materials are now of higher quality.

The new platform also provides more interior space, with good room in the rear seats, both for legs and for head. The quality is also noticeable in new soft-touch plastics, new trim finishes and even the seats, which have been completely redesigned for greater ergonomics.

New Subaru XV: EyeSight as standard and safety as a priority

Some brands have historically been associated with safety (such as Volvo, for example), but others have been investing in safety for years without being as readily remembered for it as Subaru. Indeed, in its commitment to safety, Subaru offers its own EyeSight system as standard across the whole XV range, and it will later be standard on all its models.

Unlike other safety systems developed by third parties and rolled out across several brands and models, eyeSight is designed and built by Subaru itself, which has been working on this type of technology in Japan since 1989.

It consists of two parallel cameras and a laser, which constantly monitor the road and what happens on it, so they can act immediately, braking if necessary. Its functions include automatic braking in the event of a frontal collision, adaptive cruise control, accelerator control in the event of an imminent collision, lane departure warning and forward vehicle departure warning.

To EyeSight we must add other safety equipment available across the XV range, such as adaptive headlights, high-beam assist, rear traffic alert and blind spot warning on the mirrors. All of this has once again earned the Subaru XV five stars in the famous Euro NCAP test, as its models always have.

New dynamics, unbeatable off the asphalt

The XV is completely new, as proven by the improved behaviour on several fronts that you notice at the wheel. Inertia has been reduced, making it more agile than the previous generation, and interior soundproofing has improved (which, combined with the petrol engines, creates a particularly comfortable atmosphere of silence). Changes have also been made to the steering, which is now more direct and precise.

What has not changed is the off-road capability of the Subaru XV, which, thanks to the permanent symmetrical all-wheel drive, responds off the asphalt better than its SUV rivals, and we are obliged to call it an off-roader, given its capabilities. The generous ground clearance also helps (which does not affect stability thanks to the boxer engine’s lower centre of gravity), as does the X-Mode system, which, combined with the automatic gearbox, makes the most of the electronics to guarantee safe progress in any kind of circumstance.

The X-Mode system emulates a low-range gearbox, combining the braking system and optimising traction distribution in the most effective way to get through difficult areas. During the test, we did a short extreme 4×4 route, where, thanks to X-Mode, any driver could get through with complete confidence. Indeed, on one of the extremely steep descents of the test, you just had to trust the car and engage X-Mode so it would regulate the descent control, without needing to do anything else.

Another of its virtues is its traction on any type of surface, especially mud or snow, where the permanent symmetrical all-wheel drive acts from the very first moment, guaranteeing progress in any circumstance. We were able to test it in mud, with summer tyres, and even so it moved forward without problems. Fortunately, it comes as standard with M+S tyres, which help you get even more out of the traction.

Engine range: petrol only, 114 and 156 CV

The engine range of the new Subaru XV consists of just two petrol engines: the 2.0 Boxer with 156 CV and the 1.6 Boxer with 114 CV. A diesel engine will still be available, but only from the remaining stock of the previous generation.

On the motorway we tested the 156 CV 2.0 Boxer, which is paired with the Lineartronic automatic gearbox, highlighting the smoothness of the whole package. As it is a non-turbo engine, you need patience with its response, which is linear and progressive, although it is by no means lacking. This engine has improved its responsiveness, has a timing chain and complies with the Euro 6c emissions standard.

The 1.6 Boxer 114 CV variant will be available with LPG, undoubtedly the most economical option, keeping its 4×4 characteristics intact while considerably reducing fuel costs.

Price and equipment of the 2017 Subaru XV

The range starts with the Sport trim (available only with the 114 CV engine), which comes as standard with 7 airbags (including a knee airbag), EyeSight system, permanent symmetrical all-wheel drive, automatic gearbox, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, air conditioning, heated seats, among other equipment. All of this for a starting price of 21,900 euros.

The 156 CV petrol variant starts at 26,200 euros, in the Sport Plus trim, which adds steerable LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, rear-view camera, an 8-inch touchscreen, rear privacy glass, 18-inch alloy wheels, among other equipment. Meanwhile, the diesel, only available until summer 2018 and from the previous generation, starts at 25,275 euros in the Sport trim.

Petrol is in fashion, and Subaru has wanted to be a pioneer by offering a range that is entirely petrol, although in the short term more will follow, given the high cost of producing and adapting diesel engines to anti-pollution regulations and the current pressure on diesel.

Beyond the fuel, this Subaru XV is a very interesting car for anyone looking for a real 4×4 that is very usable day to day, but that can also handle adverse conditions (snow, mud…), without going to large 4x4s that, on the other hand, cost more.

Photos | Subaru Spain, Test team