The second generation of Subaru’s popular compact crossover is almost entirely new
Almost all-new and lower-priced, too Subaru’s 2018 Crosstrek is the second generation of the AWD brand’s popular compact crossover, and it’s almost entirely new. The Crosstrek is built on the Japanese automaker’s new global platform, which is stiffer and lighter than before, and safer too – it absorbs impacts in a crash more effectively, to better protect the occupants. It’s also less expensive this year, because there’s a new basic trim level called the “Convenience” package that starts at $23,695. That’s $1,300 less expensive than the most basic 2017 Crosstrek. By Mark Richardson ▲
In its own habitat We drove the new Crosstrek at Subaru’s testing grounds at Tochigi, built on the top of a mountain a few hours’ drive north of Tokyo. There’s a high-speed oval and several dirt and gravel roads, as well as areas off-limits to curious journalists. ▲
Same platform as the Impreza The new platform, as seen here, was introduced last year as a foundation for the new Impreza and many of the improvements made to the Impreza sedan and hatch are found on the new Crosstrek. It shares similar suspension, though the geometry is adjusted to work best for a taller vehicle that’s more capable off road. ▲
“X-Mode” Every trim level of the Crosstrek now includes active torque vectoring, for greater stability in corners. They also include what Subaru calls “X-Mode”, which assumes greater control of the throttle and drivetrain for many of the off-road functions at speeds below 40 km/h. ▲
CVT mimics 7-speed auto X-Mode is standard in Crosstreks equipped with a continuously variable transmission, which is designed to mimic a 7-speed automatic. All CVTs include steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, and cost an extra $1,300. ▲
6MT still available There’s a 6-speed manual transmission available in the three least-expensive trim levels – Convenience, Touring and Sport – but the top-of-the-line Limited package includes the CVT as standard. It starts at $31,695. The CVT is worth the extra cost over the manual, which is stiff and thirstier on fuel. ▲
Engine output tweaked The 2.0-litre engine is not especially powerful, though it’s 80% new and its peak output is up 4 hp for a total of 152 hp, and 145 lb-ft of torque. Subaru says peak torque is now reached at 500 rpm lower in the rev range than before, making acceleration more responsive, but we couldn’t really tell any difference between the old and new vehicles. ▲
Good fuel economy for AWD Fuel consumption is very good when you remember that all Crosstreks are all-wheel-drive. The CVT, seen here, helps return a claimed 8.8 L/100 km in the city and 7.2 on the highway, for an official combined figure of 8.1. The 6-speed manual returns a claimed 10.5 L/100 km in the city and 8.1 on the highway, for a combined average of 9.4. Subaru expects only 10% of buyers to choose the manual transmission. ▲
Extended driving range The gas tank is a little larger, up three litres to 63 litres, which gives a range of almost 800 kilometres on a full tank. That’s a fair bit farther than the Impreza, which has a 50-litre tank. ▲
AWD of course All Subarus are AWD, except for the BRZ sportscar that was developed with Toyota. It’s what helps set Subaru apart from its competition for those drivers who want AWD in a smaller, affordable car. An AWD car is less likely to get stuck in snow and mud, and can be more composed on loosely-surfaced dirt roads – as well as on snow and ice. ▲
Power to the right wheels The new X-Mode senses wheel slippage and makes sure the right amount of power, or braking, goes to each of the four wheels to keep the vehicle moving. A Subaru engineer demonstrated this by putting two diagonally-opposite wheels on loose rollers while on a 20% slope. The X-Mode sent power to the two wheels on a firmer surface and made sure the Crosstrek would not be stuck. ▲
Software tweaks enhance capability The software is tweaked now to make sure it even keeps the rear driving wheels moving when the front wheels are turned at full lock. The old Crosstrek might have got stuck in this case, but not the new one. ▲
Quieter and smoother There was no snow on this Japanese mountain, but the gravel road was rutted and pot-holed. We drove both the previous generation, seen here in blue, and the new-generation Crosstreks on the same road to compare the two, and the new model was noticeably quieter and smoother. ▲
More sure-footed It was also more sure-footed, keeping the wheels against the ground on the bumpiest of tracks. Another engineer demonstrated how the new suspension keeps the Crosstrek flat and doesn’t allow it to bounce more than necessary, even when one wheel is completely in the air. ▲
Convenience trim level Inside the cabin, only the most expensive Limited trim gets leather upholstery, while the other three trims have textile seats. The new Convenience trim, seen here, does not include heated seats, but it does include air-conditioning, cruise control, and a 6.5-inch central display that offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. ▲
Roomier all-around The new Crosstrek is 15 mm longer and 20 mm wider than before, which allows a bit more space all around for passengers. Inside the cabin, there’s a little more space between the seats, more headroom and more legroom. Like the Impreza, the base of the front seats is redesigned so there’s additional room for a rear passenger’s feet. ▲
A lot of cargo space Dogs won’t like the Crosstrek if they have to ride in the back, because the rear lip into the cargo area is quite high, but there’ are 588 litres of capacity with the seats up and 1,565 litres with the seats down – that’s 95 litres more than before. The base of the door opening is now much wider, by an extra 10 cm, so it’s easier to get wide objects in and out, and the wheel wells protrude very little into the luggage area. ▲
Improved NVH We set out onto the high-speed oval, and found again that the new crossover held the road better than the previous edition. It was still much quieter: Subaru says its rating for “noise, vibration and harshness” is improved by 10%. ▲
Firmer steering The new model has firmer steering, sharing the 13:1 ratio of the Impreza, and that made it more rewarding to drive on a twisting road, even with bumps and manhole covers. ▲
Exclusive ‘Eyesight’ technology The two most costly trim levels, Sport and Limited, offer Subaru’s exclusive Eyesight package for an extra $1,500. This is a camera-based sensor system that helps steer the Crosstrek back into its lane if the driver loses concentration for any reason – surely not texting – and also includes blind-spot warning and active cruise control. It even includes rear traffic alert, sensing if there’s another vehicle approaching from the side, like in a parking lot, and will brake the Crosstrek to help avoid a collision. ▲
Adaptive headlamps The Eyesight system even dips the headlights automatically when another vehicle is approaching at night, to not dazzle the oncoming driver. The Sport and Limited trims both have headlights that respond to the steering wheel, turning with the front wheels to better illuminate the road. ▲
Competitive in class All of these changes make the Crosstrek a very competitive crossover. It’s not the cheapest vehicle because others come with even fewer features, but it stands up well against the Mazda CX-3, Jeep Renegade, Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR and Nissan Qashqai. ▲
In-between size It even compares well to larger vehicles like the Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue. Subaru is reluctant to label the new Crosstrek as either a sub-compact or compact SUV, since it falls somewhere in the middle. Most Crosstrek shoppers, however, are couples or young families and looking for something smaller rather than larger. ▲
More comfortable, more capable and cheaper to buy Like the Impreza last year, the new Crosstrek is a considerable improvement over the previous generation. It’s more comfortable, more capable, and now even a little cheaper in the base model. It’s sure to prove a popular and rewarding choice for drivers who want all-wheel drive, but without the size of a Forester or Outback. ▲
Keyword: We preview the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek on its home turf