The Subaru XV was launched in 2011, though it only came to Singapore in 2012. Touted as a smaller and cheaper alternative to the Forester, it played the role well and looked the part, too. The car’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive was available with a 1.6- or 2-litre boxer engine.
(Click here to see how the previous XV fared against the Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip and Nissan Qashqai.)
The mildly updated XV comes only with the 1.6-litre horizontally opposed 4-cylinder. The 114bhp motor and its Lineartronic CVT have been carried over into the refreshed model. A quick drive reveals adequate power, but nothing more. The 2-litre version driven in Thailand has more grunt.
At the same media launch, I put the renewed XV and its predecessor through their paces in back-to-back slaloms, hard brakings and sharp lane changes.
Most noticeable to me are the increased heft of the (closer-ratio) steering and how the car is more confident through the slalom course. I’m surprised at how well the relatively tall and comfortably sprung XV can handle.
Help is provided by its Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system. If one charges too fast into a corner, the system will brake the appropriate inside wheel independently to counter understeer. It works, but most drivers are unlikely to invoke it.
The vehicle rides in a pliant yet controlled manner, with its recalibrated springs-and-dampers and generous suspension travel absorbing most bumps and potholes.
XV’s Impreza-derived interior has been improved in presentation and standard equipment.
Should you decide to go off-road, the car’s all-wheel-drive works seamlessly, without requiring any intervention (or interest) from the driver. And the vehicle’s ground clearance is decent.
Subaru’s facelift of the XV was really light – reshaped bumpers, clear (instead of red) rear lamps and slightly redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels. That’s about it.
A less light touch was applied to the cabin, whose upgrades include keyless entry/start, a sleeker transmission console, neat touchscreen audio entertainment, a multi-function (including cruise control) steering wheel, a prettier instrument cluster and orange stitching on the leather upholstery.
The refreshed XV isn’t the best-looking or sportiest Subaru in Singapore (that would be the Levorg and WRX respectively), but people who lead – or look like they lead – active lifestyles could do a lot worse than the “deja vu” XV.
Subaru XV 1.6 (A)
ENGINE 1600cc, 16-valves,flat-4
MAX POWER 114bhp at 5600rpm
MAX TORQUE 150Nm at 4000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 80.1bhp per tonne
GEARBOX CVT
0-100KM/H 13.8 seconds
TOP SPEED 175km/h
CONSUMPTION 15.9km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 146g/km
PRICE INCL. COE $104,800 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
