Road Test : Subaru XV 2.0i-L (Manual)

Review by Tristan Tancredi - 2 May 2012

If you recognise the XV badge, that's probably due to the Subaru Impreza XV. The Impreza XV entered the market in 2010 and 2 years later in 2012, the Impreza XV has been replaced with the Subaru XV, a compact SUV with similarities to the Impreza range.

The Japanese brand has launched this vehicle to compete in a strong and growing compact SUV market in Australia and it sure does give the compact-SUV market a real shake-up.

Utilising a Horizontally-opposed Boxer 4-cylinder, petrol engine, the folk at Subaru have pitched to the public that the XV is the result of a combination of all the best bits of their previous cars. 

"The best things we've ever done, in the best thing we've ever done".

Available in 3 different specs: 2.0i, 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S, the Subaru XV offers plenty of bang for your buck. We were lucky enough to get a hold of a bright tangerine-orange Subaru XV 2.0i-L manual for a week. Let's see if it really is the best thing Subaru "has ever done"?

Drive: 4/5

Always having a soft sport for Subaru (My first car purchase was a Subaru Impreza RS Sport), we were really looking forward to getting behind the wheel in what we believe to be the best looking Subaru (We don't think we're alone here) for a long, long time.

It may have a rugged yet sophisticated design that symbolises both on-road and off-road driveability, but do the looks translate into action?

Sweeping through turns and zipping up straights with symmetrical AWD and the Subaru XV easily passed all of our on-road testing. It is a smooth ride that is gentle on bumps and can give generous, yet not unbelievable bursts of speed both on and off-road.

The 6-speed manual transmission is smooth and quiet yet some of the lengths in between gears is questionable. We had to laugh at Subarus own little catch phrase for the XV: An S.U.V that is F.U.N. Despite being cheesy, it is spot on. The Subaru XV is seriously fun to drive.

Start-Stop technology is implemented across the XV range. For the manual transmission, the engine shuts itself off when the car is stationary and the gearstick is in neutral. This is barely noticeable, saves emissions and saves fuel. Positives all around.

Hill Start Assist is also a great feature for the 6-Speed Manual Transmission. On those steep, near vertical inclines based out in the North Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne, Hill Assist lived up to its expectation. As the clutch is firmly planted to the floor, the car will hold its position for a few seconds or until it feels a gentle thrust on the accelator. No more L-Plater hand-brake start nightmares.

Check out our review of the Subaru XV CVT here.

Engine: 4/5

The Subaru XV boasts a Horizontally-opposed Boxer 4-cylinder, petrol engine utlitising DOHC with dual AVCS (basically enabling less restricted airflow at higher speeds).

The Boxer 4-Cylidner petrol engine has a maximum power output of 110kW at 6200rpm and maximum torque of 196Nm at 4200rpm.

Available in Lineartronic CVT Automatic transmission and 6-speed manual transmission the engine performs with little complaints. Not glaringly fast at any stage, the XV is still far from sluggish.

The 6-Speed Manual transmission gets from 0-100kmph in 10.5 seconds whilst the Lineartronic CVT auto transmission is a touch slower at 10.7 seconds. Not too shabby for a Compact SUV.

Fuel consumption too is respectable. Driving the 6-speed manual XV in peak hour traffic and along open freeways combined to total the figures established by Subaru of 7.3 litres per 100 km. The Lineatronic transmission has slightly better fuel consumpsion figures of 7.0 litres per 100km (combined).

Exterior: 4/5

Despite the bright, attention seeking tangerine-orange that glistened over this particular exterior of the compact SUV, the car is still a head turner.

Personally, the tangerine (orange) and black colour scheme works immensely well and to tremendous effect, but we won't get caught up in the colours too much, as the XV is available in an assortment of colour options. We will just say, black rims add heaps of character to this crossover.

As a compact SUV, the Subaru XV offers an authentic, agressive design that pits it against worthy competitors. Let's just say, based on the exterior design this car holds its own in terms of style against world class competition.

17" Alloys, roof rails, stylistic colour tones, style lines, an electric sunroof (with the 2.0i-L) and a long list of remaining attributes combine to make a ridiculously modern yet rugged vehicle.

The Subaru XV measures in at 4450mm long, 1780mm wide and 1615mm tall.

Safety: 5/5

The Subaru XV has a 5 star ANCAP safety rating, scoring a whopping total score of 35.33 out of 37 on the safety report.

Perfect scores (16/16) for the side impact crash test and 14.33/16 for the offset crash test with findings stating that, "The passenger compartment held its shape well. There was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver and passenger".

The XV is packed with a host of collision avoidance technology, including Symmetrical AWD. A Vehicle Dymanics Control System features all of the now standard safety features (Stability Control, ABS, Brakeforce Distribution and Traction Control).

With great seat positioning and viewpoints the safety in the XV is at the very top of the range.

Interior: 4/5

Inside the compact SUV and you instantly feel a sense of comfort. The seat positioning is near perfect for any size as you feel in total control of the vehicle.

There is plenty of space up front for 2 adult passengers. Down back and a couple of kids will fit nicely yet the problem is boot space.

Good luck trying to fit a couple of prams in the boot, it's not cut out for a hell of alot of luggage. Despite this, the seating is comfortable and a 60/40 split offers heaps more room if travelling minus the backseat passengers.

Black interior trimmings line the dash and side panels of the cabin and are aesthetically pleasing.

A 4.3" Multi-Function Display Unit sits near the speedo and features all the vehcile settings, data, trip information and fuel economy. A 5.1" Touch screen features a Navigation System and a reversing camera.

Whilst we had no problems with the touch screen, we have heard a whisper of a few technical problems with them, so your best to try one out and see it if it's to your liking.

6 speakers deliver enough of a sound to please your everyday listener. Hardcore bass or metal rockers best stick to their ipods.

All the usual entertainment needs are included. Bluetooth (Handsfree calls and sms reading), Voice command recognition, MP3, ipod, USB and an Auxillary input all come standard.

Overall: 4/5

The Subaru XV enters the compact SUV market with a bang. Unlike its competition, the XV comes jam-packed full of features across all specs.

The symmetrical AWD is standard across the range is one of the vital selling points as it creates a balanced, safe, smooth ride. The manual 2.0i-L enters the market at $31,990* yet the base model 2.0i is priced at $28,490* and the top of the range 2.0i-S Lineartronic CVT transmission costs $36,990*

The Subaru XV is well worth looking into. It sure is F.U.N to drive.

* Prices are manufacturer list prices only, for the drive away price please contact your local authorised Subaru dealer.