Subaru XV Crossover will head to Europe; the United States of the future

Perhaps foreseeing the ambiguity of the car category, Subaru is an early adapter for the truck-like attributes of its cars. Remembering the old Subaru advertisement of Australian actor Paul Hogan escaping off-road trails in the first generation of Outback and Forester allows us to see the powerful new image of the Japanese car brand in the 1990s. The higher profile and all-wheel drive system introduced on the Subaru can be attributed to the breeding product now known as the crossover. As the crossover segment has developed into multiple models, major automakers now have multiple models to compete for the huge global market.

For the European market where small, fuel-efficient crossover vehicles are in fashion, the Subaru XV was presented at this past month’s 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. A dignified yet sporty product, the Subaru XV compact crossover vehicle preserves the more car-based demeanour. Said to harness the creative direction Subaru designers ventured in the Protren concept, the Subaru XV crossover presents their “Confidence in Motion” stance. With exception of riding on a noticeably high ground clearance, the XV crossover reveals the fun to drive look of the Subaru Impreza. A careful use of body cladding highlights the wheel openings as well as the lower rocker panels to deepen the car connection with the Subaru XV crossover vehicle.

With passenger room for five, careful planning inside the Subaru XV insures space used most effectively. Starting with sizable door openings for passengers as well as cargo, entering and exiting the Subaru XV is accomplished with minimal discomfort. Subaru instrument and control design inside the compact crossover vehicle is also created with a focus on conveying roominess. The Subaru XV cabin features an optional 4.3 inch, full-colour Multi-Function Display with information on ‘eco-driving’ and other important details. Protecting the occupants, the crossover is equipped with a multitude of standard airbags including a driver’s knee device.

The European version Subaru XV is powered by their latest batch of Boxer engine propulsion using gasoline or diesel fuel. Smaller than the engines North American customers are used to at the showroom, the gasoline-burning powerplants range in size of 1.6 and 2-liters in displacement. A diesel engine choice is also available on the Subaru XV. For the European marketplace, diesel-powered vehicles have actually outsold gasoline equivalents of the same automotive product. Dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS) and Auto Start Stop technology carefully and efficiently extracts power from the Subaru XV Boxer engine.

The Subaru XV compact crossover’s engine power is derived through a Lineartronic CVT unit boasting lightness and high fuel economy. Fuel economy for array of Subaru Boxer powerplants is yet to be revealed. The presence of all-wheel drive is guaranteed to make the XV a formidable traveler in various challenging road conditions.

While the Subaru will be found in European markets (pleasing the car dealers Edinburgh residents frequent), the plans for sending the XV compact crossover to North America is not immediate. Reports have the Subaru XV coming stateside but will not arrive until at least the 2013 model year. Resting on a wheelbase about 0.7 inches wider than a Subaru Impreza and 4.4 inches shorter in overall length compared to a Forester, the Subaru XV positioning could be complex placement in their model line-up. In Europe and Australia, the new compact crossover vehicle should be ready for release early next year.

Source of information and pictures: Subaru Global