The new Subaru XV Crosstrek is arriving, although it holds no surprises... apparently

Only a few months ago we had the chance to see the Subaru XV Concept, the model on which the new Subaru XV Crosstrek will be built. And at last, it seems we will see it in its definitive form very soon. Although, yes, it seems it will not be a spectacular change compared with the previous model. In fact, the plan is to keep the model’s exterior look, and the differences will be minimal.

According to the company’s project director for the product portfolio and the high-level planning division at Fuji Heavy Industries, Masahiko Inoue, this model, like the Impreza, has reached a very high level of quality, and they want to maintain that impression among future customers. Thus, the new version of the model will be an evolution of it, but apparently it will add little that is new.

But, being an update of the car, we know they will not limit themselves to changing the generation number; there will be changes that enhance the car’s personality. As for the bodywork, although it will not be anything truly spectacular, there will be a series of small differences that will genuinely make it stand out on its own. The main difference between the Impreza and the XV Crosstrek is a spirit more geared toward the countryside than the city.

To that end, the main feature will be the ground clearance, which will be increased on this model to allow it to tackle off-road terrain with greater ease and poise. Will this be the only change this model brings for 2017? We suspect not. Although the conservative option seems to have become the winner, we are convinced that inside it will have improvements that make driving more interesting.

We have no real data on what this new version will offer, but we do suspect some change to the engine, adapted to meet Euro 6 regulations and with some option aimed at surprising. Equipment has also changed in recent years, so this model will undoubtedly feature driver assistance systems and greater connectivity. Do you think it will be better than the current version, or will it be limited to small changes?