It’s hard to believe that the Subaru XV has been around for a full 5 years, but it’s about time for a proper model change. Being the second model on the Subaru Global Platform at the time (after the Impreza), it also proved to be a hit as the crossover market was just starting to get into the swing of things – the right kind of car at the right time.
This all-new model sits on a brand-new version of the Subaru Global Platform, which is 70% stiffer than the outgoing model. It promises to be both more refined in terms of comfort and have better body control – the latter of which lends itself towards making the car more enjoyable to drive. A quicker steering ratio and a lower centre of gravity also helps in this particular aspect. The ground clearance is maintained at 220 mm, despite these chassis changes.
The all-new Subaru XV still comes with a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre boxer engine, and the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system equipped with X-MODE. The engine itself has been revamped, making it 12 kilograms lighter than before but it is at heart the same direct-injection equipped engine as before. It produces 156 PS at 6,000 rpm, which is 6 PS more than the older engine. The CVT mated to the engine is 7.8 kg lighter than its predecessor, and comes with auto-step shift control and a 7-speed manual mode function.
As for the aforementioned X-MODE, this is a feature that is included for drivers who wish to head off the beaten path- no matter how small that percentage of XV customers is. It is a holistic approach to off-road control, taking care of the engine, all-wheel drive system, brakes, and other functions. There’s also a hill-descent control setting that keeps the driver in control when crawling down slippery steep slopes.
The all-new Subaru XV comes in two variants: 2.0i and 2.0i-P. The 2.0i goes for RM 142,828.00. The 2.0i-P is the higher spec variant, as per before, and goes for RM 150,248.00. For now, there is a special introductory price of RM 118,819 for the 2.0i and RM 125,868 for the 2.0i-P. All prices are on-the-road, with GST, without insurance.
With the 2.0i, you get:
- 7 Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Active Torque Vectoring
- Brake Assist
- Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
- ISO-FIX
- An 8.0-inch Display Audio System
- Paddle Shifters
- Power Folding Door Mirrors with LED Turn Signals
- Multi Function Steering Wheel with Cruise Control
- Power Adjustable Driver Seat
- Smart Entry and Push Start Button
- X-Mode
- Electric Parking brake
- Rear Vision Camera
- Reverse Sensors
- Front and Rear Fog Lamps
- Roof Spoiler
- Roof Rails
- 17-inch Aluminium Alloy Wheels
Going up to the 2.0i-P, you also get:
- Dual-Zone Automatic Air-Conditioning
- LED Headlamps With Auto Leveliser
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- Auto Headlamps
- Rain Sensing Wipers
- Steering Responsive Headlights
- Aluminium Pedals
- Headlamp Washers
It’s also worth noting that the all-new Subaru XV recently won the Grand Prix Award in the Japan New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP) Collision Safety Performance Assessment with the highest score recorded. This is thanks in part to the new platform that allows for 40% more energy absorption in the event of a collision.
The all-new Subaru XV is assembled in Segambut and exported to Thailand as well. It was just launched for the Thai market at the Bangkok Motor Expo- to see what our neighbours up north are getting, check out our story here.
Keyword: All-New 2017 Subaru XV Launched, From RM 142,828