Subaru Crosstrek test, technical data, reviews and specifications 2.0i e-Boxer 136 HP Premium

Goodbye XV, welcome crosstrek

New Subaru Crosstrek is a mid-size hybrid with permanent all-wheel drive. It’s aboutsuccessor of the XV (the “elevated” version of the Impreza sedan), which now also takes the name already used in North America: Crosstrek, from the combination of the words Crossover and Trekking. References to the off-road world are obvious: large pieces of plastic on the front and sides of the entire lower bodywork, whilethe height from the bottom is 22 cm. Different compared to the “old” mask.

Best of four

Measurements of Subaru Crosstrek are similar to those of XV: Height 4.49 meters, 1.80 meters wide and 1.60 meters long. The space allows four people to sit comfortably, while those sitting in the middle of the sofa have to make sacrifices because of the narrow seat and the open step on the floor, which reduces the movement of the legs. Small of trunk with the sofa up (328 liters), the reclining time reaches 1,314. The compartment, however, has regular shapes and with a reduced sofa the loading surface remains completely flat. However, the threshold from below is slightly higher; we measured 76 cm.

New display, but few real keys

Interior of Subaru Crosstrek they convey a sense of completeness. It is very bad for the very hard plastic in the central tunnel, in the lower part of the dashboard and on the door panels. The seats prove to be very comfortable, and in this Premium they also have electric adjustment. The watcher then takes care of it show in the middle of 11.6 inches: made vertically, it is clear and has a good resolution, but with icons from less dated appearance. Physical control has almost completely disappeared; those to control the “climate” remain (two-part automatic belt as usual for all versions) and the radio volume, but we would prefer a button or a knob also for the X-Mode dynamics management system, which is controlled only and exclusively from “touch” display. The dashboard, on the other hand, is more spartan and “old”, with an analog speedometer and tachometer separated by a 4.2-inch screen.

The equipment is the same

In general, Subaru Crosstrek it’s well-equipped from the start: it has dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and exterior mirrors, keyless entry, a sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The option to put two USB sockets (type A and C) with an audio jack under the main screen is nice. They are easy to reach, but they cannot be combined (even on request) with an induction mat for recharge your smartphone. Also on the back there is a USB type A and a type C socket (they are not present, however, in the “core” Cinema.

The little hybrid is almost full

Under the hood Subaru Crosstrek there’s a proven 2-liter boxer four-cylinder (with opposed pistons) as well hybrid system same as that of XV; we can define it as “slightly modified”, because the capacity of the lithium battery (0.6 kWh, with a voltage of 118.4 volts) is higher than average. Compared to XV power has dropped from 150 to 136 HP, but at low and medium speeds the different response from the 16.7 HP electric motor, mounted in a continuously variable gearbox, compensates; this is demonstrated by the advertised 0-100 time of 10.8 seconds (ten hours more). The maximum speed increases to 198 km / h (five more than the XV). According to tradition, traction is all-wheel drive fixed and drive shaft with active torque distribution (primary 60% front, 40% rear).

Quiet, if you don’t rush too much

Once behind the wheel we immediately appreciate the seats with generous sides, which help to remain firmly in place even when facing a bumpy area, while the many buttons on the steering wheel can be distracting when you need to remember commands. A large battery appears: with just a touch to accelerate, we can run across a few hundred meters zero emissions. Even when you start the 2.0 the ride is quite smooth and, if you don’t watch your right foot too much,electricity makes “gear changes” which makes the transmission behavior similar to that of a good traditional automatic; overall, it’s a comfortable, bumpy car that gets swallowed up without too much trouble. However, if you press the accelerator all the way down the “music” changes: annoying “motorcycle impact” which greatly improves 2.0. You see it when you’re going up a hill, or on the bumpy roads we passed at low speed. Even the bullet is not very powerful. use? In the mountain road test, the on-board computer showed an average of around 10 km/l. We report values ​​to give a rough idea; we will prove it better in a future test using our tools (and on our normal methods).

It’s not the fear of giving up

If you drive on uneven, wet or slippery surfaces 4×4 system It emphasizes great safety, and the car always remains strong and compact. The Subaru Crosstrek is great for handling dirt roads without worry or cruising peacefully in areas where snow often falls. Credit also goes to the improved management system X-Mode driving dynamics, which has various profiles (Normal, Snow, Terra + Deep Snow and Mud) to better cope with different types of terrain. The electronics distributes the torque between the two axles more efficiently and is assisted by the braking system in ensuring better “grip” on the ground. In addition, there are attack, roll and exit angles of 19.3 °, 20.8 ° and 31.2 ° respectively: better than those of many “real” SUVs, especially the exit angle, helps not to “touch” the bodywork even in the presence of steep slopes or very sharp bumps.

Beware of the third “eye”.

Jump ahead about security: the chassis has been strengthened and a third wide-angle camera has been added that monitors the road and detects cyclists and pedestrians more easily, to activate automatic braking if necessary. Also standard are adaptive cruise control, driver attention span detection, signal recognition, lane keeping and centering and a rearview camera. Gli three machinery: Style, Xtra Style and Premium at a price of 37,900, 39,400 and 42,150 euros respectively.