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24-01-2012 at 08:00: Subaru’s XV is One Sporty SUV

Subaru’s newest generation vehicle is shacking up the SUV market as it prepares to hit the shores of Australia. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive XV is said to be a fun-themed package built on quality, high technology, efficiency and sporty design.

XV is a new addition to Subaru’s recreational range and offers great fuel economy and low emissions from the new third-generation four-cylinder 2.0 litre FB horizontally-opposed Boxer engine.

Its combination of class-leading low centre of gravity and high ride height are set to make it a handling delight.

There’s the choice of a new smooth and compact Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), or an efficient short-shift six-speed manual.

XV is the first Subaru – and the first in the Compact Sports Utility Vehicle class – to offer fuel-saving Auto Start Stop. The engine stops when the car is stationary, contributing to greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Also encouraging economical driving is the state-of-the-art Multi-Function Display (MFD) in the dashboard, from which drivers can gauge their efficiency.

The information-packed MFD in every XV takes driver information to a whole new level in a Subaru.

XV’s ability goes way beyond good looks – including advanced entertainment options, with Bluetoothâ wireless technology compatibility* across the range and carefully textured, soft-touch interior materials.

Priced from $28,490 Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP)** for the XV 2.0i manual the XV is sure to make an impact on the market.

As with all Subaru’s the XV has a high level of standard safety features and all XVs have a five-star rating for occupant safety from Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Every model has seven airbags, including a driver’s knee SRS airbag, plus reversing camera.

XV’s body and chassis structure are strengthened at critical points to reduce the likelihood of occupant injury in heavy impacts. Together with precise steering, this delivers a sense of stability and class leading ride height.

XV’s sporty presence is underlined by its unique 17-inch alloy wheel design, shared across the range. The alloys combine with the stylish hexagonal grille and hawk eye-style headlights to offer great on-road presence.

Subaru’s new design direction, reflected in XV, includes excellent field of vision from the cabin, aided by pillars located far forward and door mounted wing mirrors, reducing blind spots.

“Just as our Forester and Outback pioneered new segments for Subaru in Australia, XV will do the same”, Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said.

“It’s engineered to be tough, yet economical; sporty, yet comfortable; stylish, yet fun and it’s got genuine Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive credentials, which sets it apart from many faux wheel drives that offer promise but no punch when it comes to real handling ability and grip.

“XV cleverly offers both nimble driving and impressive environmental credentials.

“Fuji Heavy Industries have also paid close attention to some critical areas including interior quality, efficiency and exterior design. They’ve clearly scored in each category.

“The XV appeals to people who enjoy expansive lifestyles. People who are active and enjoy new experiences. They don’t want to drive a large SUV, instead they demand car like ride and handling, and convenient cutting edge technology, to enable a fast paced adventurous lifestyle with comfort.

“The XV meets all these needs, with the lowest centre of gravity in its class, combined with the highest ground clearance, delivering a driving experience which offers car like handling and SUV capability.
“Overlay that with Subaru’s undoubted safety credentials and you’ve got a truly formidable package that is about to give the market segment a major shake-up.

“XV is a clear indicator of what’s to come from Subaru in terms of new technology and design, so it’s fair to say we’re very excited about our future.”

XV’s sleek aerodynamic design is confirmed by its 0.329 coefficient of drag (cd) rating. Attention to aerodynamic detail includes fog light edges that aid air flow along the side of the car.

Also helping aerodynamics and fuel efficiency is the inclusion of a large cover under the car, and other under-floor aerodynamic items, such as mudguards and air flaps ahead of the rear wheels.

XV’s rear combination lights are designed to provide both depth and wide light dispersal. Washer nozzles are positioned at the windscreen base, ensuring maximum coverage of the large sweep area.

A minimal gap between the bonnet and the windscreen contributes to XV’s sleek appearance. The large aerodynamic wing mirrors are door mounted to prevent obstruction of the field of vision.

The rear spoiler is integrated into the cargo door, complementing the seamless, sophisticated design.

The rear hatch structure is optimized for light weight, with minimum effort needed for opening and closing.

XV 2.0i-L and S have a large sunroof with a 310 mm opening that includes a sturdy frame, maintaining the same roof safety level as cars without sunroofs.

XV offers a spacious, quiet, relaxing cabin and large cargo area.

The fine texture and feel of dashboard and door trim materials is made even softer by use of a thick layer of under-foam, which also benefits visual appearance.

Better feel seat padding, noise reducing materials and a rear seat that prevents pitching and rolling of occupants, combine to produce a comfortable ride. Range-topping XV 2.0i-S also features an eight-way adjustable power seat. Front seat headrests are adjustable both horizontally and vertically.

Back rests are higher, providing support to the top of the occupant’s back, producing a more secure feeling.

The rear seat backs have a pronounced inverted curve. Combined with the flatter floor and large space under the front seats, this provides generous legroom.

To help the driver’s rear view, retractable rear seat headrests are used.

For the convenience of parents fitting baby and child seats, the tether anchor points are integrated in the back of the seats, meaning no intrusion into the cargo area.

The spacious feel also benefits from the A-pillar being positioned away from the front occupants, aiding visibility.

Integration of the triangular quarter glass in the front door – instead of the body – benefits field of vision thanks to a narrower pillar.

Also aiding cabin space is the instrument panel design, in which the air vent ducts and heater unit are positioned to enable a low top surface.

The door shoulder line is designed to be low too, contributing to the spaciousness.

The cabin features multiple storage areas including a glovebox that can fit the equivalent of 16 compact discs, and a centre tray fitting nine CDs. The sliding console box between the front seats extends up to 100 mm. It has capacity for 13 CDs, an AUX terminal and 12 Volt AC power. In front of the console is a dual cup holder, while front doors also have space for a bottle.

In the back, the centre armrest has dual cup holders.

The 310 litre cargo area can carry up to five standard-size carry-on suitcases and the back seat folds down.

The security blind can conveniently be stored under the cargo area floor.

XV 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S feature dual zone automatic air conditioning, with shutters on the centre ventilator grilles. The system enables different temperatures to be set by the driver and front seat passenger for either side of the cabin.

XV cabin entry and exit is made easy through wide-opening doors and low sill design.

XV’s new generation 2.0 litre four cylinder horizontally opposed FB engine retains the Boxer’s proven benefits while enhancing fuel efficiency and performance, with a focus on torque in the low and mid-speed ranges.

It produces 110 Kilowatts of power at 6200 rpm and 196 Newtonmetres of torque at 4200 rpm.

The new engine complies with strict EURO5 emission regulations and runs on standard 90RON unleaded fuel. New features include a timing chain and intake and exhaust Active Valve Control System (AVCS).

By improving combustion efficiency and radically lowering friction, FHI has boosted fuel efficiency and reduced emissions for an overall cleaner system.

Combustion chambers are more compact, a cooled Exhaust Gas Regeneration (EGR) design adopted, the shapes of intake ports and valves enhanced and injector positions optimized.

Engine measures alone represent an improvement in fuel efficiency of approximately 10 per cent.

FUEL CONSUMPTION

EngineCombined (l/100 km)/ CO2 (g/km)UrbanExtra urbanXV 2.0i six-speed manual7.3/1689.2/2126.2/143XV 2.0i Lineartronic™ CVT7.0/1628.9/2055.9/137

XV MY12 PRICING**

XV 2.0i six-speed manual                       $28,490
XV 2.0i Lineartronic™ CVT                  $30,990

XV 2.0i-L six-speed manual                   $31,990
XV 2.0i-L Lineartronic™ CVT             $34,490

XV 2.0i-S six-speed manual                   $34,490
XV 2.0i-S Lineartronic™ CVT              $36,990

**Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited’s Manufacturer’s List Prices only and include GST on the list price but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. For the drive away price of Subaru vehicles consumers should be advised to contact their local authorized Subaru dealer.

 

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