The XV is aimed in particular at young professionals who don't want to drive a mainstream car, and at families.
The XV combines city style with urban and offroad ability. But really, it's a fourth generation Impreza only higher and with more capability.
It competes in the same segment as Nissan's Qashqai (the runaway segment leader), BMW X1, Ford's Kuga, the VW Tiguan, Skoda Yeti, Audi Q3, Hyundai ix35, and Kia Sportage so you know what company it keeps. Any newcomer has to be different to make its mark in this crowded segment.
Remember the bad winters of a few years ago with snow and ice to contend with? That's where a 4WD vehicles really comes into its own.
Subarus are engineered to deliver the best possible traction and stability through the brand's AWD system. The XV scores as it has permanent four-wheel-drive while many others in the same price bracket offer only 2WD.
The 4WD, combined with the brand's boxer diesel engine, makes the car well capable whatever the weather throws at it giving that extra crucial grip when most needed.
Its manual 6-speed gearbox is well matched to the 147hp engine and there's plenty of power for everyday driving. It negotiated busy streets with ease and can easily be manoeuvred into a parking slot, despite having no parking sensors.
Good attention has been paid to detail and the use of good quality materials inside the cabin. There's good head and leg room even for those in the back, down to the extended wheelbase. The car's height also makes for ease of getting in and out as well as for very good visibility. Seats offer good lumbar support and hold you comfortably.
All the controls and switches are within easy reach. A multi-information screen at the top of the dash lets you monitor traction with graphics, as well as providing the usual stuff like your average fuel consumption (mine was 6.2 L/100kms which was good for an AWD car) and how much fuel is left in the tank.
Features included privacy glass, roof rails, dual zone air con, Bluetooth, cruise control, hill start assist, reversing camera, front and rear fogs, 17-inch aluminium alloys, front seat heaters, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a tyre repair kit (there's no spare tyre). Parking sensors and leather seats are extras.
There's a decent luggage area which can be extended when you fold the 60/40 split rear seats.
The XV has been awarded the maximum 5-stars from Euro NCAP and Subaru claim it is the safest model in its class for child occupant safety.
Subaru has never really taken on the volume sellers as they aim at a different type of customer. It's all about getting yourself noticed, having the edge on rivals in what a customer is looking for while giving good value for money. In this regard, the high level of standard features on the XV are better than some direct competitors.
Besides the 2.0 diesel, Subaru has now introduced a 1.6 petrol with 5-speed manual transmission, as well as a 1.6 CVT which now provides them with an automatic in the range. Neither have the high spec of the diesel, though, which has roof rails as standard.
The manual version is priced at €28,495 and the CVT adds another grand to €29,495.
