Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza: They go everywhere

New name, new success? Raider is now called Twix, and Cinderella makes it big? In any case, the previous Subaru XV is now called the Crosstrek. Like in the USA, where the Japanese manufacturer’s SUV has been called that for a while and is selling like hotcakes there. Marketing experts must have thought to themselves that there could be more in Germany.

To date, the 4.50-meter-long crossover has been partially sold in this country. By 2023 there are only 1,483 copies sold. There’s a lot more to it – and the new Crosstrek that’s now on sale has a lot of good points and an attractive overall package to offer. This also applies to the subcompact Impreza hatchback, which is largely identical to the Crosstrek and is now in its sixth generation offered to German dealers.

Under the radar

Although Subaru is the world’s largest manufacturer of all-wheel drive passenger cars, it flies a bit under the radar of public perception in this country. This is also because the brand with the six stars in the logo does not present itself at the IAA international motor show in Munich, but at the “Jagd und Hund” trade show. In addition, Subaru does not necessarily follow the trends of designing concepts and models, but it comes across as a little boring. Wrong. In any case, the manufacturer enjoys a legendary reputation among Subaru customers for its rock solid and indestructible vehicles. It is not without reason that Subaru guarantees its cars for five years or 160,000 kilometers.

Subara doesn’t just mean all-wheel drive as standard. Since 1966, all models have had boxer engines. We know this in this country from the blessed days of the VW Beetle. But, you remember, the bugs ran and ran and ran. Subaru also has this feature. Unfortunately, only one manufacturer in Germany still uses a boxer engine – Porsche in the 911. It is not a bad memory, because the smooth movement, smooth running and low mechanical stress speak for the boxer engine.

It can also be small

The new Crosstrek and Impreza are equipped with a two-liter boxer engine that produces 136 hp – 15 hp less than its predecessors. As a small hybrid, where the combustion engine is supported by a 17 hp electric motor, both models can also drive several kilometers fully electric; Subaru has not specified a range. This aims to reduce consumption; When testing at high speeds on the highway as well as on bumpy roads, 7.6 liters accumulated. Since spring 2023, Subaru has also been offering a fully electric model, the Solterra. The company announces that it wants to push forward electric power and plans a total of eight new models by 2028.

© Photo: Subaru

The new generation of Impreza and Crosstrek looks a little more than their predecessors; Dimensions have remained unchanged, each measuring 4.50 meters long. The small Impreza hatchback sedan is aimed at customers who don’t want to drive an SUV. The new radiator grilles with narrow LED lights and wide wheel arches – covered in plastic on the Crosstrek – look powerful. The large tailgate makes it easy to load the trunk, which has a capacity of up to 1,314 liters when the rear seat is folded down. Models are available in ten colors; New is the stylish Oasis Blue, which Subaru doesn’t look like a gray rat.

Always in good condition with all wheel drive

Not only on forest paths, but also on highways, Impreza and Crosstrek cut a good figure with a durable wheel drive. At 170 km / h the sharp and direct driving looks great. Driver’s assistants are also in good condition. Normal lane warning notifies you with a voice and guides you on the way with surprising sharpness. Anyone who looks too often at the front passenger or the display about 30 centimeters above the center console runs the risk of being severely warned by the drowsiness warning system. It then immediately suggests a relaxing break through the show. For the first time, both models have a center console airbag.

Most noteworthy is the standard Macho front radar, which now has three cameras and can also be used to detect pedestrians or cyclists approaching from the side. This means that Subaru clearly stands out from the competition – some of which are more expensive – and where there is nothing comparable.

It is also good that various functions such as the air conditioner can be set using the sensor button on the display without entering the menu. There’s also an automatic transmission, two-stage automatic climate control, a reversing camera and seat heating as standard, along with an emergency braking system, side-step assist and LED cornering lights. Intelligent cruise control reacts to traffic signals and brakes the car automatically. Newly developed seats, in which the transfer of vibrations caused by driving movements have been carefully reduced, provide good comfort. This is very interesting when driving on uneven terrain.

22 centimeters of ground clearance

The Crosstrek also scores with a very high ground clearance of 22 cm and short overhangs, which allow it to pass through deep terrain unscathed. It goes without saying that the Crosstrek also brings great towing power to the road, which also makes it attractive to boat owners or horse lovers. With the management of all wheels at the touch of a button and three settings – “Snow and Gravel”, “Normal” and “Deep Snow and Mud” – the two models of all wheels are immune to all dangers.

© Photo: Subaru

The price is also attractive: Crosstrek starts at 34,790 euros; The Impreza costs at least 34,990 euros. That is something to be proud of. Competitive prices are sometimes higher; The VW Tiguan 2.0 TSI 4Motion compact SUV with all-wheel drive that has entered the market costs at least 49,000 euros – with minimum equipment.