Test drive: Subaru XV GLP, an urban crossover with an ECO label

In the test of the Subaru XV GLP we drove the version as a petrol and LPG hybrid vehicle, the most urban SUV from the brand

The Subaru XV arrived on the market back in 2011. When the SUV craze was beginning to show its dominance over the market, the Japanese manufacturer set out to offer a crossover halfway between the brand’s benchmark compact, the Subaru Impreza, from which it takes its architecture, and the more off-road model, the Subaru Forester.

The result was, and still is, the Subaru XV, or Subaru Crosstrek, depending on the market where it is sold, which blends the best of driving a compact and an SUV with the essence of traditional mechanics from Subaru: a petrol boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive. Because that is exactly what it is.

More specifically, driving the Subaru XV is typical of a crossover vehicle: a seating position higher than in a compact, a line of sight above the end of the bonnet, a cabin with up to five seats, or better, four comfortable seats if two people sit in the back, with a boot that makes few concessions to carrying bulky loads, comfortable for trips outside the city, agile on urban roads and with sufficient capability for light off-road use on unpaved surfaces, but far from the attitudes of a true off-roader, as its sibling demonstrated one generation later during its road test, the Subaru Forester GLP.

Behind the wheel of the LPG Subaru XV

Despite having Symmetrical All Wheel Drive, the brand’s hallmark, its 1,600 cc engine delivers adequate power and torque that is not especially overwhelming: 114 CV and 150 Nm.

These figures, for a car weighing more than 1,500 kg, are appropriate for uncomplicated terrain, but a bit of extra punch is missed, especially on roads with uphill gradients, and that is when the Subaru XV with its CVT automatic gearbox shows its worst side.

With a continuously variable transmission that, depending on how it interprets the driving situation, makes various speed changes within “a few” metres and seconds, searching for the right engine speed in a way that is little or not at all pleasant or efficient.

That is when it is worth considering using the selector lever from “D” to “L”, which puts the Lineartronic gearbox into engine braking mode, either to hold the engine speed already reached in a situation where you know you will need to make the most of the petrol explosions in the four opposed cylinders, thereby maintaining a steady rev range and gear that helps you keep a constant speed in a situation where the engine could drop revs if the CVT’s operation is not managed.

Either way, the impression left by the Subaru XV GLP test in ordinary traffic situations, such as commuting at peak hours, daily use as a family car or on leisure trips, is, broadly speaking, a comfortable and easy car to drive, despite the CVT.

Assistants that help but do not replace human activity

Although the driver assistance systems are limited, they are appropriate in that you do not feel an intrusion that, in other brands, turns driving into a mere formality, since on this car they are effective but not intrusive.

The EyeSight from Subaru proves an exceptional companion and lookout, especially when its good work is combined with cruise control. The combination of the two then makes for more pleasant driving, focused on steering and monitoring the correct relationship between safety distance and speed, which the Subaru XV in our test handled to perfection.

As for drivability, as we said, although more power is missed at certain moments, the overall response is balanced and the steering correct. It is not a sports car, but it handles well on winding routes thanks to its low centre of gravity.

The Subaru XV bi-fuel, a petrol and LPG hybrid, doubles its appeal

Although it arrives five years later, it is impossible not to think of its most direct rival, a car that also passed through our hands and on which we carried out the test, the Lexus UX 250h. Although the original Toyota is a hybrid with an electric assist system, both carry the blue and green DGT badge and enjoy the advantages of the ECO label, since this Subaru XV is a bi-fuel car, a petrol and LPG Subaru XV.

Using gas made it possible to cover almost 500 km running solely on LPG and, with a range of more than 650 km on petrol, the Subaru XV 1.6i GLP is capable of exceeding 1,100 km covered, especially on medium and long distances. The average fuel consumption was 8.2 litres of LPG per 100 km and 7.1 with 95-octane petrol.

Interior space of the Subaru XV

The space for its occupants, in our case, of no more than 1.80 metres in height and of average build, offers more than adequate and very comfortable room. Especially in the front seats, where, thanks to seats with ergonomic design and faux-leather upholstery, the sense of enjoyment in using the Subaru XV increases.

In the rear bench, using our measurements cited in the previous paragraph as a reference, although freedom of movement is not compromised, the space available for shoulders and knees is reduced, mainly behind the C-pillar.

The interior conveys a sense of quality and comfort. The use of materials pleasant to the touch and the eye gives it a feel close to other “premium” crossovers.

Once again, the Achilles’ heel of Subaru technology is its multimedia system. A system that, although it relies on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, did not sync properly with the Google devices used during the test of the Subaru XV unit we are bringing you.

The boot intended for carrying luggage accepted one large suitcase that took up four-fifths of the total, leaving little room for little more than a few bags or small items.

The boot of the Subaru crossover therefore measures 385 litres and has no spare wheel, since under the floor, in the space where it would be, the liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, tank is fitted.

Conclusion

SUVs are in fashion, and crossovers offer a look that sets them apart from compact cars but is far from the off-roader look of the former.

Alternatives like the Subaru XV in this test bring to market cars that are practical in town and competent outside it, but that lack real capability for demanding activities off tarmac.

Specifically, the test of the Subaru XV GLP can be summed up as a car that is pleasant to use every day and, although the CVT automatic gearbox is a drawback, it does not hold it back, and it requires a period of learning to get used to how it works.

The good traction provided by all-wheel drive of the Subaru is somewhat tarnished by the limited power of the engine, which would welcome more muscle without needing to reach figures close to sports cars such as its siblings the Subaru BRZ or, from far away, the Subaru WRX STI.

The price of the LPG Subaru XV starts at 23,650 euros, after applicable discounts and promotions, while the outlay for the equivalent without the LPG kit starts at 21,900 euros for units in Sport trim. In any case, it is a very attractive sum, all the more so given the definitive impression that this car is worth it.