Subaru is dabbling in hybrid powertrain technology for the first time in its smallest SUV, but is the XV Hybrid good enough to be Car of the Year?

android, subaru xv hybrid: carsales car of the year 2020 contender
android, subaru xv hybrid: carsales car of the year 2020 contender
android, subaru xv hybrid: carsales car of the year 2020 contender
android, subaru xv hybrid: carsales car of the year 2020 contender

Why is the Subaru XV Hybrid a carsales COTY contender?

The second-generation Subaru XV is built on a modular platform shared with the Impreza small car and is proving to be a popular model in Australia, currently holding down fifth place in the ultra-competitive small SUV market segment for 2020.

One of two models in the Subaru range to offer a hybrid-drive variant – the other being the larger Forester – the XV Hybrid went on sale in Australia at the start of the year, making it eligible for the 2020 carsales Car of the Year, proudly presented by Bingle.

Who will the Subaru XV Hybrid appeal to?

Buyers will be attracted to the city-focused XV Hybrid for its uniquely ‘Subaru’ engineering qualities, its practical packaging, ‘active’ safety attributes and reasonably frugal fuel economy in built-up areas.

Professional or semi-retired buyers will appreciate the XV’s hip point, something like an extra 90mm of ground clearance over the Impreza small car.

The XV may be the principal family car for a couple of Subaru-loyal empty-nesters, one of them commuting to work through heavy traffic every day, using the hybrid-drive EV mode to the fullest extent.

How much does the Subaru XV Hybrid cost?

At launch, Subaru priced its standalone XV Hybrid model at $35,580 plus on-road costs, near the figure of $36,530 plus ORCs for the conventional XV 2.0i-S flagship.

At that time it was available in just one trim level and with just the one powertrain.

For the money, the XV Hybrid buyer was handed a highly competitive array of safety features, including an airbag for the driver’s knee (along with the usual side-impact and curtain airbags), all-speeds autonomous emergency braking – in reverse also – plus lane keep assist and rear cross traffic alert.

On the comfort and convenience front, the XV Hybrid was equipped as standard with climate control, six-speaker audio with CD player/digital radio (DAB+), Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, trip computer and voice recognition.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Subaru announced an MY21 update for the XV range, which breaks out the XV Hybrid into two grades: entry-level XV Hybrid L (from $35,490 plus on-road costs) and flagship XV Hybrid S (from $40,790).

Among the changes, the hybrid models gain what Subaru terms ‘e-Active Shift Control’ for more responsive performance in differing situations, as well as a front view monitor and side view monitor for all-round viewing and the two-setting X-Mode off-road traction control system.

android, subaru xv hybrid: carsales car of the year 2020 contender

What have we already said about the Subaru XV Hybrid?

Being a variant within a model range, the XV Hybrid wasn’t the subject of a local media launch, but writer Nadine Armstrong did pen a review based on her seven-day test of the vehicle.

“The Subaru XV Hybrid nails the inner-city brief in a hatch-meets-SUV body style, while its all-wheel-drive credentials make it ideal for people who like to take their city SUV off the beaten track (a little bit),” Nadine reported.

“We kept our test vehicle on the tarmac, where it performed exceptionally well on Melbourne’s unforgiving roads. Here, ride comfort and handling was commendable, and its balance of crisp handling and supple ride comfort are hard to match in this segment.”

All of those are virtues that will stand the XV Hybrid in good stead for the carsales Car of the Year for 2020, proudly presented by Bingle.

Subaru XV Hybrid at a glance:Price: From $35,580 (MY20)Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-electricOutput: 110kW/196Nm (electric motor: 12.3kW/66Nm)Fuel: 6.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 147g/km (ADR Combined)

Keyword: Subaru XV Hybrid: carsales Car of the Year 2020 contender

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