We are with the Subaru XV.
The XV, which is the compact crossover model of the Subaru,
pulls away from its rivals by its 1.6-liter petrol engine, automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive specialties.
Let’s see if the XV with these strong points will be able to deliver more than its rivals in this class?
Let’s analyze it together...
The Subaru XV is perceived at first glance as an Impreza with a high road clearance,
which as a matter of fact is so.
The quite a change bumper design, bicolor wheel rims
and plastic plating over the fenders makes the XV look distinctly adventures.
At the rear of the car crossover appearance has been reinforced.
I’m behind the wheel of the Subaru XV.
The cockpit of the XV is not as ostentatious as European cars that we are accustomed.
But this does not mean that the quality of the materials used is low.
Because it is at the level to satisfy the class expectations.
Due to A/C buttons and the touchscreen music system is within an arms reach, it is easy to use.
The screen of the high resolution colored trip computer has been positioned in the center of the mid-console and easily pursued.
There are wide areas for your small items at the front and back of the gear lever.
The living space at the front is trouble-free, and quite good knee and headroom is offered at the rear.
I can say that the knee room is better than its rivals in this class.
Even though 380-liter boot capacity is not assertive it is wide enough to satisfy the expectations.
Let’s consider the engine and the driving features of the XV.
The Subaru XV is imported to our country with only 1.6-liter petrol engine,
continuously variable transmission CVT and four-wheel drive system.
This horizontally reciprocal positioned engine called ‘boxer’ develops 114 HP and 150 Nm of torque.
The values put forth to begin with that the engine of the XV is not assertive.
The best comment for the performance of the XV will be, in my opinion, is that it is sufficient.
If performance is your precedence in a car then it is better that you keep clear of the Subaru XV.
Since CVT doesn’t give a chance for manual usage you have to drive at full throttle to accelerate rapidly;
and this raises the rpm exceedingly and the engine noise increases.
And this to my mind offers a negative effect to driving comfort.
I can say that, as the XV is continuously four-wheel drive it holds the surface of the road better than its rivals.
Especially in daily use you feel the difference clearly on wet and muddy surfaces.
Not only that but as the Subaru is an expert on four-wheel drive it naturally transfers the cornering ability that is in its DNA to the XV.
The suspensions have been set a bit firm for high ground clearance and good road handling.
However these settings are not at a level to give discomfort at daily usage.
Not only the boxer engine doesn’t have lively character but also it is not frugal.
I have been driving the Subaru XV for 5 days and have covered 350 km at that time.
And the trip computer at the moment indicates 9.8-liter fuel consumption averages.
Even though this value may look acceptable for a car with an automatic gearbox and continuous four-wheel drive system,
I think it is a bit high because this value will possibly be increased according to the way you drive.
The XV becomes prominent since it is one of the rare models that offer automatic gearbox
and four-wheel drive system in a compact crossover class.
If economy and performance is not your precedence in a car
then the XV with its roomy interior, rich accouterments and driving features can make you happy.
See you…