Test drive Subaru XV 2.0d Executive Plus, an unconventional crossover

Name: Subaru XV 2017
Brand: XV

Daniel Valdivielso @valdi92 10 February 2017 8 min.

Test drive Subaru XV 2.0d Executive Plus, an unconventional crossover

This week in Highmotor’s road test section we have as our guest a very original crossover, rarely seen on our country’s roads, which packs plenty of technology.

We’re talking about the Subaru XV, which, equipped with a 2.0 diesel engine and the top-of-the-range Executive trim, becomes a great alternative to the kings of the segment.

Exterior design, typically Subaru

The XV is, to this day, the entry-level model in the Japanese manufacturer’s range. This small crossover is now a veteran model, with several years behind it. However, thanks to the slight updates the brand has applied over time, it has managed to withstand the passing of time without suffering excessive ageing.

The front of the XV is instantly recognisable as a Subaru. The six-sided grille is a nod to the brand’s boxer engines, completed by the logo in the centre, placed on a kind of “wings”. The XV’s bumper features a simple yet attractive design, with plastic protectors in black and silver, thus enhancing the adventurous character of the model.

The Hyper Blue colour highlights the lines of a crossover measuring 4.45 metres long, 1.78 wide and 1.54 high

The light clusters feature xenon technology that is now outdated, projecting the light from the bulb through a parabolic reflector, a system that has long since fallen out of use. The quality of illumination, while not brilliant, is adequate. High beam is provided by halogen bulbs, while the daytime running light sits in the lower optic of the fog lights.

Overall, the bodywork shows simple lines, without too many creases or embellishments. The glazed area is generous, more than is common today, giving the cabin adequate light. If we look at the XV from the side, we again find black and silver plastic protectors both beneath the doors and in the wheel arches, which house 17″ alloy wheels in a two-tone finish.

The only concessions to styling are found in the steeply raked windscreen, the tinted rear glass, the indicators integrated into the wing mirrors and a small chrome strip running along the base of the side windows. A discreet spoiler on the rear window is also noteworthy.

At the rear, the first thing that catches the eye is the tail lights, which in the 2017 version feature a silver background. LED technology has been introduced for the brake light, while the rest of the lighting systems remain bulb-based. The fog light sits in the centre of the bumper, ensuring good visibility.

Interior design, sobriety and space

The XV’s interior ambience can be described as sober, understated and well built. Similarly to what happened with the Subaru Levorg we tested a couple of months ago, the XV’s cabin is designed to be predominantly practical, forgoing ornamentation and visible extras.

The dashboard, well constructed, has a simple design that favours straightforwardness. A housing at the upper centre contains two small displays from which we control the on-board computer and the climate control status. It is an “unusual” position but ends up being comfortable for checking information on the move, as it hardly requires taking your eyes off the road.

A discreet yet spacious and well-built cabin

The on-board computer has only two flaws: the location of the switch used to operate it, a small rocker button between the central air vents, and the reflections on the windscreen at night, which can be uncomfortable in certain situations.

The entertainment system -Subaru Starlink- has a simple operation, without major complications, although it is occasionally somewhat slow. The automatic two-zone climate control is very easy to use, with large, precise buttons. Beneath the dashboard, a large storage compartment houses the USB and 12V connections.

The instrumentation is very simple, but the information it provides is insufficient, as it has no temperature gauge. It does, however, feature a curious consumption indicator that instantly shows whether we are consuming more or less than the trip average.

The steering wheel, of new design, offers a pleasant feel, with well-placed multimedia and cruise control controls. In this version, the seats are upholstered in black leather with contrasting orange stitching. They are very comfortable and hold the body correctly during normal driving. The driver’s seat has electric adjustment, and both front seats also have two-level heating.

Interior space is good, with generous rear seats in both headroom and width, while also maintaining good legroom. However, the absence of rear air vents and the bulk of the central tunnel, which takes away footroom from the middle passenger, are drawbacks.

The boot has a decent capacity of 380 litres, expandable to more than 1,200 litres with the rear seat backs folded down. However, the floor does not sit flat, leaving a small step at the height of the seat backs. Beneath the boot floor, a generous compartment offers space for smaller items.

Driving dynamics, an exotic engine and car-like handling

Getting down to business, it’s time to start the XV and bring to life its distinctive 2.0 four-cylinder diesel engine, a boxer-layout unit like all Subaru models. It produces 147 CV and 350 Nm, a fairly generous torque figure for a two-litre engine. Although it appears identical to the one fitted to the XV before the last redesign, numerous components have been modified to make it smoother and more efficient.

It is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox with fairly long ratios. The homologated performance figures quote 0 to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, with a top speed of 198 km/h. Homologated consumption is 6.8 litres per 100 km urban, 4.6 litres extra-urban and 5.4 litres/100 km combined, which, together with a 60-litre tank, gives a range of around 1,000 km in predominantly motorway use. In our test, the final average consumption was 6.6 litres/100 km.

The XV moves along competently, although at very low revs the engine falters. The solution is to keep it always above 1,300 rpm, at which point the powerplant starts to pull strongly. The engine barely vibrates, and it also produces a distinctive tone when we press the accelerator hard, which clearly filters into the cabin.

The powerplant also has a “not very diesel” character because, due to the low linear speed of its pistons -something inherent to boxer engines- the engine has very little rotational inertia, responding very quickly when we lightly blip the throttle in neutral, for example to match revs when downshifting.

The gearbox has a not particularly pleasant feel due to the lack of precision when engaging gears. The steering is also adequate, as is the braking system, which performs competently in normal use. This Subaru is one of the crossovers in its segment with the greatest ground clearance, reaching 22 centimetres. This height allows it to tackle broken surfaces with confidence, making off-road excursions easier and safer.

This height, however, is not a determining factor when driving quickly on the road, where the XV shows exemplary behaviour thanks to a good chassis combined with soft suspension yet capable of effectively controlling body movements. The ESP only intervenes when required, although it cannot be switched off completely.

As always, the presence of Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive makes the XV’s traction exemplary in any situation, maintaining composure at all times.

How much does the unit you see cost? How is the range configured?

The Subaru XV 2.0d is available in three different trims: Sport, Executive and Executive Plus. The unit you see is fitted with the top one, the Executive Plus, which starts at €28,850. The only option available is metallic paint, which on this unit is called Hyper Blue, priced at €550, bringing the final price to €29,400.

Standard equipment is very comprehensive, including items such as xenon headlights, the electric glass sunroof, tinted glass, the Subaru Starlink multimedia system, 17″ wheels, light and rain sensors, the multifunction steering wheel, keyless start and cruise control, among others.

Three engines are available: two petrol units, the 1.6i and 2.0i with 114 and 150 CV, along with the aforementioned 147 CV 2.0d diesel. The more powerful petrol engine is paired with a Lineartronic CVT automatic gearbox.