Subaru XV, the Japanese workhorse

(Photo: Subaru)

Autovisie is always looking for used cars for enthusiasts and therefore searches the listings of the sales website Gaspedal.nl. This time we got a Subaru XV.

Subaru introduced the XV in 2011, during the IAA in Frankfurt. Autovisie drove the Japanese car in 2012 and wondered: “Subaru thinks it can play a regular role with the XV in the segment where the Kia Sportage currently plays a leading role. Is Subaru estimating its chances well or will the XV already die in the editing room?”

Try it with Subaru XV

“The seating position at the wheel of the XV is like a hatchback, but with a higher entrance. The seats offer little lateral support, but they are fine. What is surprising is the good outline thanks, among other things, to the narrow A-pillar that is placed 20 centimeters forward Compared to the Impreza XV, the view over the right shoulder is good and also through the large rear window.

“On the back seat of a 4.45-meter long SUV – or crossover if you prefer – there is enough space for two adults and a child. If we include the competition, the long and wide Mazda CX-5 is more spacious than the Kia Sportage. Only the headroom in XV is smaller thanks to its deep trunk, the XV is one of the smallest in its segment at 380 liters. Even shorter models such as the Qashqai and ASX have large trunks of the Mazda CX-5 is almost a hundred liters larger. With the rear seats folded down, the load floor can hold 1,270 liters.

Do not select a used car with 1.6

“All versions usually have permanent four-wheel drive and that is not a good basis for economy. The competition uses four-wheel drive, which reduces frictional losses. The engine range of the Subaru XV has three boxers. The familiar diesel 2.0 with 147 hp and 350 Nm and also the proven 2.0 petrol with 150 hp and 196 Nm. The new is the 1.6 petrol with 114 hp and 150 Nm of torque. This 1.6 is based on the old 1.5 and has a longer stroke and a constant bore for more torque at low revs. .”

“Subaru supplies a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the petrol versions for 2,000 euros, the diesel is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox. (…) You have to adjust your driving style because of the CVT to avoid annoying noises. Not for pleasant, such as slow sound response and moderate acceleration at speeds of more than 80 km/h. If your heart is set on the 1.6, we will choose it with a five-speed manual transmission, it is enough to have a transfer case.

“Even with the manual gearbox it’s clear that the Subaru XV 1.6 is underpowered. Because you have to be very organized to make acceptable progress, we got a rating of less than 1 out of 10. Forget the 1.6 and go for the 2.0. That’s the best engine around and it’s only 1000 euros more expensive than the 1.6.”

The 2.0 liter boxer is the best choice

“The 2.0-litre Boxer doesn’t impress with low performance, but it likes revving. It hangs fiercely on the gas, knows how to bring enough speed to the XV’s 1325kg and excites with its dry sound.”

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“The advantage of the boxer engine is its flat construction, which allows it to be placed very low on the body. This gives an advantage when cornering and you can see it. The XV turns enthusiastically and you can carry a little speed. Finally, the understeer announces the limit and then there are two things you can. Or slow down or gas up. By doing this, you get extra speed from the chassis in the final kilometers and the XV eventually slides predictably over the four wheels out of the bend.

Subaru XV also used

Autovisie will get the Subaru XV with a 2.0 liter boxer engine – just the way you want it. The car is a 2012 and has driven less than 120,000 km since then.