We spend some high quality time with the all-wheel drive Crosstrek SUV – Subaru’s entry-level mannequin…
At first look, the all-new Subaru Crosstrek seems very very similar to the Subaru XV – the automobile it replaces.
There’s a great motive for that, as a result of the Crosstrek is, in impact, the third era XV. And because it’s already recognized in North America because the Crosstrek, so the name-change is smart.
A rugged, raised model of the Impreza five-door hatchback, the Crosstrek has massive sneakers to fill, as a result of the XV was the left-field model’s best-selling mannequin.
Frankly, it’s exhausting to pigeonhole as a result of it’s barely smaller than some family-sized rivals (Kia Sportage) and but greater than most compact crossovers (Kia XCeed). In the end, it’s the Nissan Qashqai that’s its closest competitor by way of measurement.
Nevertheless, it’s the Crosstrek’s off-road functionality that units it aside. That 220mm of floor clearance is a clue, however hidden from view is Subaru’s signature ‘symmetrical’ four-wheel drive system – top-of-the-line within the enterprise.
Subarus are of their aspect off-road. Interact ‘X-Mode’ – a drive setting that takes command of the engine, transmission, AWD, brakes and different elements that will help you navigate difficult terrain – and also you’re away.
Regardless of its sporty seems and common highway tyres, it’s remarkably succesful, making mincemeat of deep mud tracks and slippery hills. It also needs to deal with flooding due to I as soon as drove an XV by a shallow river on an off-roading day.
Priced from an affordable £34,995, the Crosstrek comes with a 2.0-litre petrol engine that makes use of Subaru’s trademark ‘Boxer’ flat-four cylinder format.
It additionally will get delicate hybrid help within the type of a small 0.6kWh lithium ion battery and 16bhp electrical motor, taking the e-Boxer’s whole energy output to 134bhp with 184Nm of torque.
Energy is shipped to all 4 wheels through Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT computerized gearbox, which remains to be my greatest bugbear.
Regardless of the simulated ‘steps’, if you happen to push on, the engine revs uncomfortably excessive making for noisy progress.
It’s tremendous at decrease speeds and can even run in electrical mode for brief durations in site visitors, but it surely doesn’t take a lot provocation for the engine to kick in.
There are paddles behind the steering wheel if you happen to desire to alter gear your self, however this answer just isn’t vastly efficient in follow, so it’s simply simpler to drive gently.
On paper, the Crosstrek has a 0-62mph acceleration time of 10.8 seconds and a high pace of 123mph, whereas gas financial system is simply 36.8mpg and CO2 emissions are a disappointing 174g/km. On the plus aspect, I managed round 40mpg in blended driving.
On the highway, the Crosstrek feels substantial and the trip is agency, however fortunately it nonetheless manages to absorb a lot of the lumps and bumps.
The steering is properly weighted and correct and there’s surprisingly little physique roll in tougher corners.
Total, it not as nimble as a normal household hatchback, but it surely does really feel extra agile than most SUVs. Crucially although – it gained’t put a smile in your face as a result of the CVT neuters the automobile.
In case you desire a excessive driving place, then you definately’ll just like the Crosstrek. It’s a tad too commanding for me, however I think I’m within the minority.
That mentioned, the seats are snug with loads of adjustment, whereas the highest spec ‘Touring’ trim (the entry-level is ‘Restricted’) will get elegant leather-based upholstery which seems like will probably be notably hard-wearing.
There’s an 11.6-inch portrait infotainment display within the centre console, which does the job, but it surely’s not precisely leading edge. What’s extra, the ‘Restricted’ trim degree doesn’t even get built-in sat nav.
Fortunately, some bodily buttons have been retained, whereas the analogue dials for the devices forward of the driving force look old fashioned.
Total, the construct high quality of the inside is nice, but it surely seems a bit of dated and there are far too many scratchy black surfaces.
There’s a good quantity of house within the again, although taller passengers could battle for headroom, whereas the boot is a modest 315 litres (effectively down on its rivals), increasing to 922 litres with the 60:40-split rear seats flipped down. For the file, the towing capability is an affordable 1,270kg.
It’s additionally value mentioning that the Crosstrek was awarded a most 5 stars by Euro NCAP and it’s full loaded with security and driver help tech.
So, the Crosstrek 4×4 is a blended bag, however if you happen to can dwell with the CVT computerized gearbox, then you definately’re unlikely to discover a extra cheap, reliable, go-anywhere automotive companion.
Verdict: The Subaru Crosstrek deserves to be in your SUV shortlist if you wish to stand out from the group and drive a automobile that’s secure, reliable and intensely succesful when the going will get powerful.
Subaru UK
