MOTORING NEWS - Just two months after its world premiere at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show, the new Subaru XV is available in South Africa. Now in its second generation, the new XV is the second vehicle to be built on the new Subaru Global Platform for enhanced safety, comfort, space and driving performance.
The new XV is the definitive choice of crossover in the market, with SUV capability in a contemporary and compact body design, underpinned by Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system and a new 2,0-litre direct injection Boxer engine.
The new XVmodel comes standard with X-Mode, a system that enhances the crossover's off-road ability at the touch of a button. The new Subaru XV also offers a suite of world-class safety and hazard avoidance features, including the EyeSight driver assistance system on the 2,0i-S ES model.
EXTERIOR
The new Subaru XV strikes a bold impression. Overall length and width has been increased over the first-generation car by 15mm and 20mm respectively. The result is a lower and wider car with a sporty stance. The Subaru hexagonal grille and the hawk-eye headlights continue the design tradition that is carried across all new models.
From the side, the shoulder and belt lines carry through to the rear to create a modern look. The inclusion of the black design elements in the cladding and bumper components give the XV a more rugged appearance and protect the bodywork from scuffs and scrapes when going off-road. Pronounced wheel arches that protect a new signature wheel design, leave no doubt as to the XV's cheeky character and its unique all-terrain ability.
INTERIOR
The interior offers improved design, ergonomics and functionality for which this new cabin has been awarded a Top 10 Best Interior Design award by WardsAuto, an organisation that judges interior design annually. This is a first for Subaru.
The interior layout flows from the central stack to focus on the driver and passengers. Panels are finished in mixes of black and silver throughout the cabin, which is a fresh approach for Subaru and specific to the XV.
The adventurous spirit of the SUV is communicated through the use of orange stitching in the cabin, from the seats to the steering wheel, gear lever and centre stack.
The eye is drawn to the 8" Infotainment StarLink LCD screen on the ES model which allows access to connectivity and media options and applications. SatNav is one of these applications, loaded with TomTom navigation software. It's a large, clear screen that is touch, swipe, pinch and pull controlled, much like most Smartphones. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with Google Now or Siri Eyes Free.
DRIVING DYNAMICS
The XV is the second vehicle to be built on the new Subaru global platform. The platform has been designed to work in tandem with a new direct injection 2,0-litre Boxer power plant. Now 12kg lighter than the previous engine, the performance is increased in both power and efficiency, supplying 115kW at 6 000rpm and 196Nm of torque at 4 200rpm.
The chassis has improved torsional rigidity by up to 70%, while the electric power steering system is also lighter, more compact and produces an improved steering ratio of 13:1. The suspension system has been re-engineered, resulting in a lower centre of gravity. Suspension mounts are more rigid, improving absorption and ultimately providing a smooth and comfortable drive. Body roll of the vehicle has been reduced by 50% compared to previous models and, new to XV, an electronic parking brake has been added for convenience.
SAFETY
The new XV offers impeccable safety credentials as standard fare apart from the EyeSight Driver Assist System, which is only available on the Premium Spec 2,0i-S ES model.
In terms of active safety, the platform has lowered the centre of gravity of the vehicle, improved torsional rigidity and improved symmetrical all-wheel drive for improved hazard avoidance and control under situations where emergency manoeuvres are required.
In terms of passive safety, impact energy absorption has been improved by 40% over the previous model. The vehicle's structure has improved crash resistance, increased cabin strength, load distribution and enhanced continual rigidity to protect occupants during a collision.
Additional safety features: LED steering responsive headlights that move the beam right or left whilst cornering or at junctions to illuminate the direction of travel. High beam assist employs a camera that automatically switches from high to low beam as road conditions demand.
Subaru rear and side vehicle detection includes blind spot detection, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert. When a driver signals a lane change, the system warns of vehicles in the adjacent lane and of vehicles approaching at high speed in the adjacent lane. When reversing, it warns of vehicles approaching the rear of the vehicle from either side.
DETAILS
The launch model for South Africa is available in nine exterior colours: Crystal White Pearl; Ice Silver Metallic; Dark Gray Metallic; Crystal Black Silica; Quartz Blue Pearl; Dark Blue Pearl; Pure Red, Cool Grey Khaki and Sunshine Orange.
The new XV is now available in two derivatives: Standard Spec Subaru XV 2,0i CVT - R385 000 and Premium Spec Subaru XV 2,0i-S ES CVT R439 000. The car is offered through the Subaru dealer network in Southern Africa with a five year or 150 000km warranty and a three year or
75 000km full maintenance plan which can be extended to a five year or 150 000km maintenance plan at an additional cost.
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