New name, refined technology: Driving report: Subaru Crosstrek

SPX/Pachfurth. Crosstrek? What sounds like a new Subaru lineup is actually old friends. Until now, the off-road version of the Impreza compact model, which was designed for off-road suitability, was called the XV in this country. Subaru has managed to sell 2.2 million of these worldwide in two generations since 2012. Most in the US, 127,000 copies in Europe. At the beginning of 2024, the 3rd Generation will follow, which will now be called Crosstrek in this country and will be updated visually and technically in many respects.

The new Crosstrek is based on the platform of its predecessor, the XV. Accordingly, the recognition value remains high. The new version has grown slightly to 4.50 meters in length and decreased slightly to 1.60 meters in length, while the wheelbase has increased by a few millimeters. As before, the interior is spacious enough for all daily tasks. If necessary, the trunk can be expanded to more than 1,300 liters. The change in style is more noticeable. The plastic frame surrounding the triangular shaped wheel arches is more angular and decorated with air vents at the front. The headlights and taillights have a more sculptural shape, which, together with the large hexagonal grille of the radiator and the more powerful front and rear aprons, give the car more character and value. Subaru calls this new design language “Dynamic x Solid”.

The redesigned center console looks like a clear step forward. Instead of the previous two small screens, this one is now filled with a large full HD touchscreen with a diagonal of 11.6 inches accessible to the driver. The infotainment system offers the usual array of features as well as connectivity solutions such as Apple Carplay and Android Auto. In addition, many car functions such as air conditioning can be controlled through the screen. Special features include a screen lock feature using a PIN code and a notification feature on the owner’s smartphone if the vehicle leaves a pre-defined area. Another special feature of the Crosstrek is the optional navigation with the “what3words” function, in which the world map is divided into 3×3 meter dots, each of which has a different name made up of three words.

But the “what3words” function is less about discovering familiar addresses and more about providing guidance in remote locations. The Crosstrek should be able to penetrate these easily thanks to its balanced design. The main components of its off-road prowess are increased ground clearance (22 cm), a chassis that better withstands bumps, permanent all-wheel drive with a torque converter and improved control electronics that remove fear from even passages subtle. . X-Mode is the name of the off-road assistance system, which is automatically activated below 40 km/h.

At the test site in Burgenland, we were able to master climbs and descents with the Crosstrek that hikers wouldn’t dare attempt. And the driver does not even have to have special off-road experience, because hill slope control controls many things automatically. On steep downhill sections you must lean on the steering wheel and give direction. If the windshield gets dusty during an off-road tour, three washer nozzles instead of the previous two will ensure a clear view. Control electronics can also make it easier to drive on curbs. You just have to put your foot on the trigger and the technology does the rest. There was no need for any sensitivity or sensitive play of the gas and clutch.

The latter is also due to the CVT automatic, which has no alternative as a two-liter four-cylinder boxer engine. One store should be enough in the future. For the XV, customers could soon choose between 1.6 and 2.0. The first one is omitted. To improve its production characteristics, the output of the two-liter engine was cut by a few horsepower. The direct injection gasoline engine now delivers 100 kW/136 hp and 182 Newton meters of torque, which is supported by an electric motor integrated in the Lineartronic with 12.3 kW / 16.7 hp. Thanks to a 25 kg battery with a capacity of 0.6 kWh, the Crosstrek, like the XV before it, can even drive on electricity for a short time. As before, there are still no miracles to save and push: the run to 100 km / h is extended to 10.8 seconds, and a maximum of 198 km / h is possible. Fuel consumption is given as 7.7 liters.

Reduced performance and slight acceleration noise as a step back, but the Crosstrek’s handling is improved overall compared to the XV. The key ingredient for this is the new operating system from Bosch, which provides a more homogeneous feeling. The Crosstrek seems more controlled and agile in curves and more able to withstand rapid load changes. There are also improvements in noise levels and driving comfort.

As before, the new Crosstrek uses Subaru’s Eyesight assistant software, whose sensor cluster above the windshield continues to rely on the camera. Adaptive cruise control can now also interpret traffic signs and, for example, automatically adjust speed to applicable limits. Also new is an extended blind spot radar and emergency steering system. There is also a warning about children accidentally left behind.

The Optical System is part of the standard equipment, which is also interesting in other ways. In the basic version, this includes, among other things, automatic transmission, automatic climate control, an 11.6-inch touchscreen and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Subaru has not yet announced the prices of the Crosstrek, which will be officially launched in Germany on January 27, 2024. They should focus on the predecessor. Recently, around 33,000 euros were called for the XV 2.0ie.

Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i – Technical data:

Five-door compact class with increased ground clearance, length: 4.50 meters, width: 1.80 meters, height: 1.60 meters, wheelbase: 2.67 meters, trunk volume: 1,314 liters.

Boxer 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, automatic (continuously variable), all-wheel drive, 100 kW/166 hp, peak torque: 182 Nm at 4,000 rpm, 0-100 km/ h: 10.8 s, Vmax : 198 km/h, average consumption: 7.7 liters, CO2 emissions: 174 g/km,

Price: no information

Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i – Kurzcharakteristik:

Why: lots of great security features
Why not: thirst for high speed, limited choice of car
Son: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-30, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson