Subaru has just updated the XV—more commonly known as the Crosstrek on the other side of the globe—in the US, and we definitely wouldn’t mind seeing those same updates here in our market. You see, what Subaru has given the XV is a bigger and more powerful engine along with some nifty tech upgrades.
The XV Sport and Limited variants now pack a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that’s capable of 182hp and 238Nm of torque and mated to a Lineartronic CVT. For a bit of comparison, that’s 28hp and 42Nm more powerful than the 2.0-liter flat-four that we get in our market.
That smaller engine will be retained in the XV’s Base and Premium variants and will come mated to either a CVT or a six-speed manual. Meanwhile, all CVT-equipped models across the line now come with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist tech as standard, which includes features such as pre-collision braking and throttle management, lane departure warning, lead vehicle start alert, and auto start-stop function. The suite of safety features now also comes with automatic lane centering and adaptive cruise control.
These same CVT models also get X-mode and hill-descent control for improved handling in off-road conditions. Subaru’s SI-Drive technology is also available, which allows shifting between Intelligent and Sport driving modes. Paddle shifters are available along with these CVTs as well.
Design-wise, the XV only gets some minor tweaks up front with a new grille and redesigned front fascia, while wheel options now include new-look 17- and 18-inch alloys. Inside, the top-spec XV gets yellow accents around the cabin.
In the entertainment department, the SUV gets a standard 6.5-inch Subaru Starlink infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The top-spec Limited variant adds an option for a bigger 8-inch touchscreen display with a TomTom and Harman Kardon audio setup. There’s also an optional power moonroof available with this variant.
What do you think of the changes made to this Subie? Would you want Motor Image Pilipinas to bring these updates here?
