Subaru announced the introduction of an all-new model in their lineup in 2011 when it revealed the XV crossover concept. Fortunately for the Japanese automaker, the concept was met with warm response. Not long after that and at the Frankfurt Motor Show later the same year, the Subaru XV was officially launched. The Subaru XV, as the name might suggests, is a crossover SUV and as such, borrowed its underpinnings from the Impreza.
The XV underwent its first major update in 2018, when it was given a slight facelift along with additional equipment and some mechanical changes to keep it competitive. It has now ditched its old architecture in favor of the more modern Subaru Global Platform. In the UAE, the 2019 Subaru XV goes up against the Jeep Renegade, Nissan Kicks, Mazda CX-3, and Audi Q2.
Exterior
It’s quite clear that the Subaru XV isn’t like most other crossover SUVs in the market. It isn’t particularly tall nor does it come across as intimidating. Its stance is more akin to that of a hatchback on stilts rather than that of a regular 4x4. However, that’s not to say that the XV’s design is uninteresting or drab. The front end gets a pair of sophisticated LED headlights and daytime-runners, a clean hood design, an almost rectangular grille bisected by a chrome bar, plus a brawny bumper with circular fog lamps and a ton of black plastic cladding.
The Subaru XV’s side wears even more body cladding and a hint of chrome along the underside of the windows. The XV’s bold 17-inch alloy wheels, enlarged wheel well, flared fenders and prominent roof rails convey a sense of adventure, while the door-mounted mirrors and sloping roofline add some flair. The rear is adorned with a roof spoiler, funky wraparound taillights, and a burly bumper with integrated foglights. The 2019 Subaru XV bears dimensions of 4.450 meters in length, 1.780 meters in width, 1.615 meters in height, and boasts a wheelbase of 2.634 meters. The five-seat XV can haul around 630 liters of cargo, and with the seats folded, that goes up to 1,290 liters.
Interior
The interior of the 2019 Subaru XV is a fairly decent place, and its design is similar to that of many other Subarus. It doesn’t hold any special aces under its collar as far as styling is concerned, but it’s easily spacious enough to carry five adults. The NVH levels and overall cabin insulation is average, though the seats are supportive and offer great comfort. Also quite nice is the use of soft-touch materials on the most-frequented places, though there’s quite a bit of tacky plastic as well.
Being a Subaru, the XV’s build quality and fit-and-finish is beyond satisfactory. The XV also offers conveniences such as adaptive LED headlights, electric sunroof, dual-zone climate control, parking sensors with rearview camera, keyless-entry & go, an 8-inch touch-infotainment system with navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and leather upholstery among others. There’s also a wide array of passive and active safety features and kit to keep the occupants safe.
Engine and performance
The 2019 Subaru XV is fitted with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 150 hp and 196 Nm of torque. This is sent to all fours via a CVT which translates to a top speed of 190 km/h, while 0-100 km/h is achieved in roughly 11 seconds. Though not quick, the XV’s fuel consumption of 6.4 L/100 km is commendable.
Verdict
Prices for the 2019 Subaru XV start at AED 89,900 for the Standard version and AED 103,900 for the Premium trim. Cost of insurance for the same cars range between AED 1,401 and AED 1,619, respectively.
