Subaru Crosstrek: New name, tried and tested virtues

New face, new technology, new name – what was called Subaru XV is now called Crosstrek. In the United States, the 4.50-meter long SUV under this name has long been a part of everyday street life. But no matter what it was called, the coupe-shaped crossover is also the best-selling Subaru model line in Europe. About 40 percent of customers bought it last year. And two out of three were first-time buyers, which means the car can be described as a real winner.

In Germany, too, it regularly fought with Outback and Forester for the top position of approval. Now it’s up to the new Crosstrek to continue the success with a new look, new storage and more infotainment functions. Its professional sedan version, the Impreza, may also look forward to the same update.

In fact, the most striking thing about the Crosstrek is the front and rear fascia that is more strongly curved with a larger grille, a high hood with LED headlights and taillights, flared wheel arches and different plastic boards, giving it a more muscular appearance. The latter models are absent from the newly launched Impreza companion model, which is based on the same technical base, but is almost five centimeters flatter and also has less ground clearance.

The Crosstrek, on the other hand, with 22 centimeters between the floor and the road, easily follows full-size off-road vehicles up hill and dale. Permanent symmetrical all-wheel drive does the rest. Especially with the X-Mode off-road driving program, which is automatically activated below 40 km / h and now also improves traction when reversing. When it comes to the trunk, however, both models are no space miracles – but the 315 liters can be expanded to around 1297 liters by folding down the seats.

Like all-wheel drive, a boxer engine is also part of every Subaru model. However, the version here is limited to a 2-liter electric box, and the 1.6-liter engine without electric support has been deleted without replacement. In addition, the limited hybrid system, which now produces 100 kW (136 hp), has also lost 14 hp of power compared to its predecessor. The small electric motor, which is integrated into the continuous variable transmission, provides additional power with 12.3 kW of power and 66 Newton meters of torque during the start and intermediate sprints.

The Crosstrek takes less than eleven seconds (10.8) from standstill to 100 km/h – that’s not sporty, but it’s powerful enough to handle steep climbs with ease or exit curves quickly on slippery surfaces. Balanced steering executes short changes of direction directly and cleanly. However, Boxer is not a utility miracle. Despite the electricity, the standard value is quite high at 7.7 liters and, as we could experience, it increases by a good two liters depending on the driving style in practice.

A continuously variable Lineartronic automatic transmission is responsible for power transmission as usual, which is both a blessing and a curse. In mixed urban traffic it provides a good glide, but if you want things to go a little faster, the consistent sound of the transmission-like rubber belt is annoying. The selection of SI-Drive driving mode does not help much, because the increase in the torque curve in Sport mode is displayed in the cockpit, but it is not very noticeable.

The new seats, which are now more separated from the body, ensure comfort, which helps reduce head and body movements caused by concussion by up to 40 percent. This means less back and neck pain, especially on long journeys. An eye-catching highlight in the interior is the 11.6-inch full HD touchscreen as the main control element for all infotainment features. Smartphones connected via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control and device-based navigation are also controlled via the screen. For the first time, this also includes a “what3words” map, where three words are enough to find even the most remote places – very helpful for regular Subaru customers of hunters and foresters in a wide area.

The extended Eyeglass System, which now has three lenses, promises more safety. This creates a large detection area, which has almost doubled compared to the previous version. For example, pedestrians and two-wheelers are now registered to the left and right of the vehicle and the adaptive cruise control can also interpret traffic signals and automatically adjust speed to applicable limits. The Eye Assist Monitor, available for the first time, also displays warnings directly on the windshield

Advanced emergency brake assist prevents collisions when backing up, while driver detection responds to fatigue, distraction and inattention. Subaru Crosstrek safety equipment is completed with lane change, blind spot and cross traffic assistants and rear seat reminder. In the event of an emergency, nine airbags provide protection, including an airbag in the middle between the front seats, a knee airbag for the driver and an airbag seat for the front passenger.

The Optical System is part of the standard equipment, which is also interesting in other ways. In addition to the security arsenal and automatic transmission, even the basic version includes, among other things, 2-zone automatic climate control and an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen including DAB + radio digital, six speakers, two USB ports and wireless smartphone integration. But electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, a 4.2-inch display behind the multifunction leather steering wheel, electric windows, light and rain sensors, heated seats, a rear camera and 17-inch aluminum wheels are also part. of the standard.

The top equipment lines add, among other things, a high beam assistant, an automatic dimming interior mirror, a heated steering wheel, electric adjustments for the driver’s and front passenger’s seats, a navigation system, a glass sunroof electric and leather seats front and back. Prices for the Crosstrek, which will be officially launched in Germany on January 27, 2024, start at 34,790 euros. The top Platinum version we drove costs 40,390 euros. (or)

Data Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Platinum:

Length x width x height (m): 4.50 x 1.80 x 1.60
Wheelbase (m): 2.67
Drive: four-cylinder petrol engine, 1995 cc, (12.3 kW-E), AWD, CVT automatic
System performance: 100 kW / 136 HP at 5600 rpm
Maximum: 182 Nm at 4000 rpm
Top speed: 198 km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 10.8 seconds.
WLTP average consumption: 7.7 liters
Production standard: 6d-ISC-FCM
CO2 emissions: 174 g/km
Empty weight / payload: 1628 kg / max 397 kg
Trunk volume: 315-1297 liters
Maximum trailer load: 1250 kg
Base price: 34,790 euros
Test car price: 40,390 euros