Subaru Crosstrek, a hybrid off-roader

There are those who keep the name, completely changing the car and there are those who change the name while keeping the same (or almost) the car. This is the case of Subaru Crosstrek a mild hybrid, that is natural evolution of the XV, the brand’s best seller, the C-segment SUV that has so far represented almost 50% of Subaru sales: “Since 2011, 2.2 million units worldwide, of which 127,000 in Europe and 17,000 in Italy “. He reveals it Nicola Torregiani who became the first Italian CEO and President of Subaru Italy last December 20. An important realization for the current former sales director, especially in the historical moment of the car that is changing in a “non-linear” way. “Not everything works well in this process of supplying electricity – explains Torregiani – The electricity market in Italy, in fact, has a value of less than 4%. It is too little for an offer that chases for nothing what Europe is asking for. AND The Crosstrek becomes even more important to us because it’s the car that will lead us to electrification“.

Speaking of electrification: Subaru has invested a huge amount of 10 billion euros in the construction of a factory (in Japan) for the production of 100% electric cars with “6 new models by 2026”. At the same time, for Subaru, it is now called Crosstrek (from Crossover and Trekking): a good name, already known in the American market, which emphasizes the character of the car for fun, especially outdoors. Also because it relies on all-wheel drive and the X-Mode management system; systems that, despite being extensively tested, represent the best in their segment. Anything can be said about Subaru except that it does not behave well on the road and, above all, off-road.

Be careful, though: don’t be fooled. The Crosstrek is actually an evolution of the original XV, but it has a lot that is new. For example, we appreciated the physiotherapist-proof chairs; the verticals have been redesigned, now narrower, for better visibility; panels, especially those of the roof, installed with new mastics, noise and vibration proof (Crosstrek is very good at soundproofing). The dimensions remain almost the same: length 4,495 mm (+10 mm), 1,800 mm in width and height of 1,600 mm (+5 mm), with a slightly increased wheelbase to 2,670 mm (+5 mm), the beauty of 22. cm of clearance of land and boots, that goes The 328 has 1,314 liters.

Inside, “subbarists” will immediately notice a large 11.6-inch central tablet, on which everything is controlled, even the selection of X-Mode. offered Now, in addition to standard off-road performance, the system has two other programs: Snow/Dirt, also available on the entry-level version (Style), and Snow/Mud, for more demanding surfaces, such as mud, but available only on two other equipped versions.

From the point of view of driving assistance systems, the most important is the third front camera that doubles the system’s capabilities, now it is able to focus on the road alone; automatic emergency stop, which first warns you, then slows down and breaks the car automatically if there is danger; new cruise control, which allows you to set almost everything, even the distance of the car ahead. In front, then, there is a radar, which helps you at intersections; There are 9 airbags on board.

Under the hood e-Boxer hybrid module It is similar to Of course, it is not a suitable car for going on the road, but it is definitely better for traveling on rough and challenging terrain. An irresistible 4-cylinder petrol boxer, with 136 HP and 182 Nm of torque (the new Crosstrek is sold in three trim levels, Style, Extra and Premium, with a list price ranging from 37,900 to 42,150 euros.