Nor'West News: September 21, 2023

18
Thursday September 21 2023
Incorporating
best motorbuys
www.drivesouth.co.nz
Subaru’s smallest SUV still class-leading
SUBARU’S smallest SUV, the
XV, has been rebranded as the
Crosstrek and offers superior
refinement, safety and standard
equipment to its predecessor. It
retains its class-leading off-road
abilities, built around Subaru’s
legendary symmetrical AWD
system.
The Crosstrek may be all new
in many departments, but its ageing
normally aspirated 2.0-litre
Boxer engine isn’t one of them. It
isn’t the most vibrant of performers
and is comfortably upstaged
by a bevy of newer engines
offered by its rivals. Visually the
Crosstrek looks the modern SUV
part, with the mandatory rugged
cladding and roof rails as well as
a palate of bold colours for those
serious about standing out from
the motoring crowd.
The Crosstrek has taken a
sizeable leap in price over its predecessor
which had a sub $40k
Motoring with Bob Nettleton
model. Not with this newbie
though. It starts at an ambitious
$46,990 for the e-Boxer Hybrid,
while the higher spec petrol Premium
supplied for this road test
retails for $48,990. If that isn’t
enough to make some would-be
buyers grimace, the $51,990 ask
on the Hybrid Premium most
likely will.
Performance from the 115kW
direct injection 2.0-litre petrol
motor won’t set the pulse racing,
but does a passable job. Whether
that’s enough given its premium
pricing only time will tell. The
latest version of this engine has
undergone yet another round
of improvements over its 15+
years. The changes have created a
noticeably quieter and smoother
power plant, but in-gear and
standing start acceleration
remains leisurely. Once up and
rolling at open road speeds it’s a
capable enough cruiser, and rolls
back the kilometres effortlessly
enough on long trips. I feel this
engine is a bit of a treading water
effort. One of the best things
about Crosstrek petrol-only
models is an enhanced and sweet
gear-shifting version of Subaru’s
Lineartronic Transmission.
A wide, flat load floor with
a maximum opening width of
1042mm enables easier cargo.
Another plus is the fold down
rear seat that splits 60/40, providing
a wider range of seating and
load carrying configurations.
Size-wise this model is marginally
larger than before, but far
from best in class with limited
rear seat head and legroom, for
those of above average height.
Many potential buyers will
be tempted to throw their new
car cash behind the Crosstrek
when they check out the updated
technology. Leading the way is a
larger 11.6-inch portrait infotainment
touchscreen with improved
graphics, wireless smartphone
integration, and voice command
functionality. In a first for Subaru,
a 360-degree panoramic view
monitor has also been added to
improve camera and monitor
performance. Two additional
USB ports are provided for rear
seat passengers and can be found
at the back of the centre console.
Heading up a strong list of
safety features is the latest take
on Subaru’s EyeSight technology,
now standard on all Crosstreks.
This improved system uses highresolution
stereo cameras, as
well as a wide-angle monocular
camera, recognizing potential
dangers and obstacles ahead and
warns the driver to act, or even
automatically intervene.
Front and rear springs and
dampers have been retuned
for improved ride comfort and
driving stability under hard
cornering. A proven formula
for decades, Subaru’s legendary
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
resolutely plants the vehicle on
the road providing a safer, more
engaging, and balanced driving
experience across a greater variety
of surfaces.
The Crosstrek retains its classleading
ground clearance, ensuring
sufficient daylight between
the vehicle’s under belly and
ground below to safely negotiate
deep ruts and other confronting
surfaces. Despite such a generous
measure of ground clearance,
body roll is kept neatly in check
during brisk cornering. The
steering is well weighted and
provides plenty of road feel. Most
importantly though, it convincingly
delivers a sense that as the
driver you are in command, and
the steering is your obedient
servant, devoted to give you the
best driving experience it can.
Rating out of 10: Performance 6; Handling 7; Build Quality
7; Comfort 7; Passenger and Load Space 6; Avg fuel
consumption on road test 6.8L/100km; Value for money 5;
Safety – Five Star ANCAP crash rating. Clean car fee $2,530.
Overall points out of 10: 6.5
Vaughan pirie
owner operator
027 565 5577
vpbaeries@gmail.com
www.vpbaeries.co.nz
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