Crossover in driving report: Subaru Crosstrek has been heavily modified

Crossover in driving report
The Subaru Crosstrek is getting a major overhaul

January 25, 2024, 7:13 am

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A new Subaru? Not really, the Crosstrek is more of a rework of the previously released XV. The Japanese five-door still has no weaknesses, but it impresses with the usual characteristics of the brand, complete safety equipment and good workmanship.

A new Subaru is somewhat rare. The small Japanese brand, which is often praised for its long-term quality, does not often bring new models to the market, most recently the Solterra electric car, which is similar to the Toyota bZ4X. However, the Crosstrek is not a real newcomer, but rather the successor to the XV, Subaru’s best-selling model in Europe. Expectations for the crossover, which is available now and with a starting price of 34,790 euros, are just as high.

By the way, he took the name from the USA, where the XV is always called Crosstrek and where the brand sells more cars than in Japan. The third generation is on the same platform as its predecessor, so one can confidently say about a detailed modification rather than a completely new model.

The four-cylinder is not a paragon of change

Much of the Crosstrek is typically Subaru, such as standard all-wheel drive, a continuously variable automatic transmission, a boxer engine and a full suite of safety equipment. Only a 2.0-litre petrol engine is available for the car; A smaller variant with a displacement of 1.6 liters has been deleted. However, the largest four-cylinder with 136 hp is not a paragon of change. It has never been like that, but now – to get an engine cleaner – it has even lost power, specifically 14 HP and 12 Newton meters (182 Nm maximum). The maximum speed of the crossover increases by 5 km / h to 198 km / h.

Values ​​already indicate that the Crosstrek is not designed for particularly strong driving. A small electric motor with about 17 hp placed in a CVT transmission (Lineartronic) helps, especially during acceleration, but it is not particularly noticeable. And it’s not new, either

Although the Crosstrek doesn’t seem to deliver a lot of driving pleasure, the driver feels comfortable behind the wheel in the cleanly finished interior, which unfortunately also has a lot of hard plastics. Compared to its predecessor, the car seems more capable, more agile and takes corners more precisely. Thanks to the standard all-wheel drive, the Subaru has no problems with traction.

It is also significantly quieter and the chassis is designed to be more comfortable. Anyone who is not fundamentally a fan of CVT transmissions and their special characteristics – such as the engine whining when the accelerator is pressed harder – will not be happy with the Lineartronic, even if the automatic can simulate seven gears and there are two driving modes. next to the “I” for Intelligent, more environment mode, also “S” for Sport. Here the gears are changed later and faster, which at least ensures a minimum level of driving pleasure.

Upgraded interior

The interior has been upgraded with a few steps. Instead of two small screens like before, there is now a touch screen with a diagonal of 11.6 inches.

A special feature of the Crosstrek is the “what3words” function, which is integrated into the navigation (from “Comfort”) and is also used by other products. The entire world map is divided into 3×3 meter areas, each of which contains a combination of three words. Instead of addresses, all you have to do is enter words, even through voice control, to start navigation.

The 4.50 meter long Crosstrek offers ample space in the front and rear. However, the trunk is very small at 315 liters, if necessary, it can be expanded to more than 1300 liters by folding the rear seats. Externally, the XV changes little. The plastic frame surrounding the three-dimensional wheel arches is now more angular and is adorned with air vents at the front. The headlights and taillights have been given a more sculptural shape, which, together with a large radiator grille and a stronger front and rear apron, gives the car more character and value.

Lots of security features starting from the basic version

Subaru deserves praise for the many safety devices, which are available from the basic equipment of the “Trend” (34,790 euros). In the “Active” version (36,990 euros) the Crosstrek has 18 aluminum components instead of 17 and there are, among other things, electrically adjustable front seats and a high beam assistant. “Comfort” (38,390 euros) offers not only a navigation system but also a heated steering wheel. The “Platinum” version (40,390 euros) finally has leather seats and a sliding glass roof.

Crosstrek is not free from weaknesses, which, in addition to the lack of vehicle selection, include a weak engine and a small trunk. On the positive side, the five-door is fully equipped for comfort and safety including all-wheel drive and automatic transmission in the base version. Most of all, however, the Crosstrek is a classic example of the Subaru brand: it does not want or have to please everyone, in its own way it even seems old, but for the same reason it certainly will be. it has been well received by a small but loyal fan base of the brand.

Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i – technical data

• Five-door, five-seat crossover in the compact class
• Length: 4.50 meters, width: 1.80 meters, height: 1.60 meters, wheelbase: 2.67 meters, trunk volume: 315-1314 liters
• 2.0 liter petrol engine, 100 kW/136 hp, automatic (continuously variable), all-wheel drive, maximum torque: 182 Nm at 4,000 rpm, electric motor with 12.3 kW/16.7 hp and 66 m Newton
• 0-100 km/h: 10,8 s, Vmax: 198 km/h
• Average consumption: 7.7 liters, CO2 emissions: 174 g/km
• Price: from 34,790 euros