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2012 SUBARU XV REVIEW
Bigger, bolder and brimming with equipment, the new 2012 Subaru XV is now in Australia - and it’s gunning for a significant slice of the compact SUV market.
Previous iterations of the XV existed only as variants within the Impreza hatchback range, but for the 2012 model year, Subaru has launched the XV badge as a separate, standalone offering.
The 2012 XV’s sheetmetal, engine and many suspension components may be shared with the Impreza hatchback (due to launch here next month), but there are now six XV variants to choose from, rather than just two.
Starting the range is the $28,490 XV 2.0i manual, which costs $1000 more than the outgoing 2011 Impreza XV manual, but packs more standard equipment like engine start-stop, a reversing camera and driver’s knee airbag.
The flagship is the XV 2.0-S with the optional CVT automatic. It costs a substantial $36,990, but comes standard with dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation, HID headlamps, leather upholstery, a sunroof and heated front seats.
All models get a drastically-improved interior, which is intelligently laid out and features a soft-touch dash, window sills and padded door armrests.
A stretched wheelbase has also done wonders for the XV. The back seat now features loads of legroom for adults, and there’s ample headroom even on sunroof-equipped models.
The centre seatbelt spool has been relocated to improve rearward vision, however the boot capacity of 310 litres is well under that of many other small hatches. The latter can be blamed on the space-saver tyre, which is larger than typical space-savers and pushes the boot floor up.
Sales strategy
Compared to some in the segment, the XV is expensive, however every XV variant has AWD as standard (and most competitor's entry-level offerings are 2WD).
According to Subaru’s marketing chief, Andrew Caie, when the XV's pricing is adjusted for spec, it represents better value than key rivals Nissan's Dualis, the Mitsubishi ASX and Hyundai ix35. That's something for you to judge against your budget.
Also a plus, it’s more fuel efficient than those competitors, despite being AWD.
The CVT-equipped XV consumes just 7.0 l/100km on the comined cycle, and the manual uses 7.3 l/100km. For comparison, the 2WD Dualis ST CVT drinks 8.2 l/100km.
The XV is lighter than most of its rivals, in some cases by up to 240kg. It rides higher too, and can go further off the beaten track thanks to its 220mm of ground clearance
With this combination of fuel efficiency and versatility, Subaru believes the XV will sell in healthy volumes in Australia - especially the highly-specced SV 2.0i-S.
Around 500 sales per month are expected, and with sales in the sub-compact SUV segment nearly doubling in the past two years Subaru expects there’s plenty of opportunity for the XV to capture a significant slice of that market.
The XV is also expected to attract a different buyer to the Subaru brand. The age of the typical Subaru buyer tends to range between the mid-40s and mid-50s, however the XV is targeted at a younger crowd.
Although there’s some significant price overlap with the Forester (which starts at $30,990), Subaru doesn’t expect the arrival of the XV to cannibalise Forester sales. The difference in size sets the two apart, with the Forester pitched squarely at families rather than young couples.
The Drive
The XV’s powertrains and transmissions are all-new, although you’d be forgiven for thinking the XV’s 2.0 litre flat-four is a carryover unit.
Power and torque figures for the new FB20 engine are exactly the same as the preceding EJ20 (110kW, 196Nm), however internal measurements have changed to give the FB20 a longer stroke and the camshafts are now chain-driven instead of belt-driven.
There are friction-reducing measures designed to improve the mechanical efficiency of the engine, and lighter components to boost engine response. The FB20 wasn’t designed to chase bigger power numbers, but rather to improve fuel economy.
On the road, there’s a clearly discernable difference between the FB20 and the old-tech EJ20. The new engine revs more freely right up to its 6500rpm redline, and the low-rpm torque hole of the outgoing EJ20 is nowhere to be found in the FB20.
It does, however, feel a bit sluggish - particularly up hills. The gearing in the six-speed manual transmission is quite tall, and there’s a big gap between second and third gear.
Coupled with the engine’s lowish torque output, the result is slow acceleration and a significant loss of momentum up moderate inclines when in higher gears at highway speed.
The engine is much perkier above 4000rpm though, so dropping back a gear or two and feeding in more revs helps get around the XV’s torque deficiency.
While the engine might not excite much, the chassis is more than entertaining.
The use of STI-sourced ball-joints in the rear lower suspension-arms improves handling precision, and the XV feels a lot more alert and agile than its competitors.
In other words, while it might look like a jacked-up crossover, it definitely doesn’t handle like one. It was particularly competent on the gravel roads we sampled at the XV’s Tasmanian launch.
Stability and braking performance is good on both sealed and unsealed roads, and the VDC cuts in as soon as any slip is detected.
The manual feels more neutral thanks to its 50:50 torque split, while the front-biased 60:40 split of the CVT tended to induce more understeer - particularly on gravel.
We also noticed that deep corrugations induced a fair amount of rack rattle in the CVT-equipped XV we drove; it was absent however in the manual cars.
That aside, the CVT dealt with inclines better and had a spread of ratios more suited to the XV’s output, however it emitted a constant whine whenever the engine was under any load.
The engine start-stop feature works a charm in the city, with a quick start-up time regardless of transmission (CVT or manual).
A screen in the XV’s multi-function display also displays how long the start-stop system has been active, and on a typical workday commute the system could save a substantial amount of fuel.
TMR VERDICT | OVERALL 
Subaru might be onto a winner with the XV - on this first look, we’d rate it one of the best of the sub-compact SUVs.
It’s not the cheapest, but every model in the range soundly beats its competitors for value-for-money. There’s plenty of equipment in the XV that simply isn’t available in other small SUVs at the same price point.
It could definitely do with more torque or shorter gearing (we think a turbocharged or diesel variant would make sense), but it handles, brakes and steers well, and the interior is a significant step up compared to the old Impreza XV.
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Filed under: Featured, review, Subaru, petrol, crossover, awd, suv, hatch, compact suv, CVT, small, family, Advice, special-featured, 4cyl, 5door, subaru xv, 2012 subaru xv, xv, xv 2.0i, xv 2.0i-s, xv 2.0i-l
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4 months ago
4 months ago
4 months ago
4 months ago
Very impressed but I am a bit biased as this is my 23 rd Subaru.
2 months ago
1 month ago
4 months ago
Pricing on Subaru's consumer website is inclusive of on-roads costs, and as such is substantially higher than retail pricing.
Because on-road costs can vary from state-to-state, all new car pricing on TMR is for retail price only.
Hope this helps.
4 months ago
4 months ago
4 months ago
Haha, yeah Tom was thinking more mules or some kind of alpaca, camel might be a bit difficult to garage.
4 months ago
Sorry, I meant Ben
2 months ago
Towing a Camper Trailer on Easter Long weekend can't wait to test her out
4 months ago
4 months ago
4 months ago
From memory, the Cruze has a 1200kg braked towing capacity which was at the higher end of its class.
4 months ago
4 months ago
4 months ago
4 months ago
I traded my 2011 Outback for it..
The Outback was OK but I disliked the clunky manual gears, and hated that there was no lumbar support! (What a stupid thing to take away from a car...especially when the car makers slogan is "All for the driver")
It was my second Outback but unfortunately I never really loved it. But I think I am going to LOVE this sporty little XV.
Might take me a little while to get used to the size difference, but I'm sure all the 'fruit' will make that a bit easier
A few people have asked about price...
I got about $500 worth of extras on the car, and my drive away price for the 2.0iS auto was $40,000.
One dealer wanted $41,500, and another wanted $41,000 for exactly the same thing. So it's always worth shopping around to compare prices.
3 months ago
3 months ago
I've gotta say I'm not happy about one thing though, and I don't even have the car yet...
The dealer didn't have the S model when we first went in to look at and test drive the XV. So we studied all the specs at the subaru.com.au site, and basically bought the 2.0i-S sight unseen.
It clearly say's on the Australia Subaru website...Cupholders - centre console (with sliding lid)
The brochure we were given after we purchased all shows a photo of a sliding lid over the cupholders in the centre console.
But the car I am picking up tomorrow does NOT have the sliding lid, just holes, so I'm not particularly happy about that. I hope Subaru will rectify that for me asap.
Yes, the extras I got were things like bonnet protector, the rear step panel, deep dish floor mats, dash mat and driver and passenger window tint.
I bought it from the Bunbury dealership...it's the third new Subaru we've bought from them and they always look after us
3 months ago
I have my new orange 2.0i-S and OMG I LOVE it!!
...LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT !!
Actually tears of joy as I was driving it home
Apart from that little thing with not have the sliding lid that Subaru Aust said it would have, I love everything about it.
The reverse camera screen on the S model is the big screen where the sat nav is, and not the little screen up the top like on the L model.
It's way better.
The audio side of things is important to me, and I was actually shocked to see how easy the iPod controls are...and Oh My Goodness it's a touch screen! It almost feels like using an iPad.
This is a 1000% improvement over the Subaru Media Hub I had in the '11 Outback.
All the controls on the sat nav and audio are so intuitive and easy to use..I love it so much.
Even all the dials and buttons have a really nice feel to them. I was a little worried going from my Outback (which has a lovely finish to the interior) to the XV, which I though might be slightly less in quality. But no, I'm really really happy.
So glad I went for the S!
The leather seats are fabulous, very comfy and the power controls add a little luxury.
As for the driving side of it, both my darling husband and I are thrilled!
Because I was going from a 2.5 Outback to a 2.0 XV I was a little concerned there might be a lack of power. But no, I am more than happy with how it drives...with how it overtakes, and feels on the road. There's plenty of power. It's great.
Have I mentioned that I LOVE it?
The on/off thing felt a little strange the first time it clicked in. But it works extremely well.
We live in a rural area and are country drivers so maybe it won't be used much, but I can imagine this on/off feature would be perfect for city drivers.
I am so glad now that I traded my '11 Outback for the XV...best move ever!
While I'm here I just want to say a big thank you to Bunbury Subaru. It's always an absolute pleasure to deal with everyone there....they have our business forever
3 months ago
Once more - congratulations on your new XV!
P.S. What colour did you choose?
3 months ago
3 months ago
Beautiful
Yes, I LOVE the auto!
It's so smooth and I haven't noticed any noise that some reviews have said. I think the auto is perfect.
No I haven't connected an iPhone, only because we don't own a mobile phone of any sort (live in a rural area that does not have mobile reception).
But to set up everything else was SO simple...I can't imagine it would be difficult to set up bluetooth.
All the buttons are there...I think it would be very straight forward.
I plugged the iPod via a usb, that way it charges at the same time.
2 months ago
You just press the voice botton on your steering wheel and talk
First say hands free
Then you call the name of person you want to call
And it calls
Bluetooth with music is awesome too plays every song you have on your iPhone
Love it
3 months ago
2 months ago
All going great still I hope. Ta. Tony
2 months ago
2 months ago
Ah you are going to love your new sky blue XV!!
End of may...long time to wait!
Oh yes I still absolutely LOVE my orange XV.
I think Subaru made it just for me!
My heart still skips a little beat when I see it, and I still say "Ooo I love this car" every time I get in it.
Yes Say nav is too easy, and works perfectly.
It took us a little while to realise that when using the voice activation for the navigation side of things you first have to say 'Navigation'.
It has a nice Australian ladies voice, and she tells me how to get to places.
The sun roof is great...my husband likes to drive around with it open, with the wind blowing though what hair he has left.
Can't wait for it to get cold enough to use the seat warmers....although we did try it once to see if they worked. (Feels a little like you've wet yourself though...a strange feeling)
I'd be interested to know what you think of your manual, when you get it. Let us know
2 months ago
Is the insurance any cheaper with the orange colour?? lol
2 months ago
What's wrong with the Orange? LOL
I think it's about time Subaru brought out an interesting exciting colour.. a nice change to their drab, boring, monotonous same ol' colour palate the last few years.
I love the orange...it suits me.
Yes, my XV recently had surgery. And now has a very solid bullbar!
We live in a rural area, and I feel so much safer driving roo-infested roads with a bullbar.
I was a little worried about how it would look, but I think because the back of the car is so high and the front so low, that the bullbar really seems to balance the whole look of the car.
She looks fierce now.
I don't know if this link will work, but here's a pic of her now with the bullbar.
flickr.com/photos/uniquedichroic/6873344610/in/photostream/
2 months ago
I'd actually considered about getting orange as the colour was really growing on me. Then when I went to the dealer and saw the model in sky blue, well....orange took a second spot.
2 months ago
The S are supposed to be white?
How do you find your CVT box
I just love it sooo fast especially first gear
2 months ago
Oh yes, CVT is fantastic! I'll never have another manual again. And even my darling husband (who is very biased towards manuals) agrees with me.
His next car will be a CVT too.
3 months ago
3 months ago
Ah I was not happy at all with the response I got from Subaru.
I emailed them weeks ago and asked them about how their website said in the specs that my XV would have a sliding lid over the cupholder, but didn’t.
I told them that I did not see a brochure before I ordered the car, and that I chose the car based on the specs on the Subaru website only.
It clearly said at the time "Cupholders - centre console (with sliding lid)".
Anyway, it took two weeks for someone from Subaru to get back to me....and he did not mention the subaru website at all.. or acknowledge any on my questions about the specs on the website. All he said was that the ‘The overseas model is shown in the brochure’ and that he was sorry I was disappointed.
Huh?? I couldn’t believe it took two weeks for them NOT to answer the question why it says ‘sliding lid’ on their website when I didn’t get one.
Then I noticed that they have now removed the sliding lid from their website. I do have a screen shot how it was when I ordered the car and first asked them about it though..
You know, if they had just said to me ‘We are so sorry...it was a mistake. It’s a new model and we messed up, very sorry’ I would have said ’Fine, no problems...I understand. I still love the car anyway’.
But I’ve gotta say I was pretty annoyed that they totally ignored my questions, and I feel like I’ve been fobbed off.
Something else has happened since then that I am also not very happy about...
Up until earlier today the subaru website said in the spec that my 2.0i-S XV has "Single CD/DVD player", and at the bottom of that specs page it said "~~ DVD only operates when vehicle is stationary."
I’ve had my XV for a couple of weeks and I couldn’t get the DVD player to work.
So I took it to the dealership to get it fixed. And I was very disappointed to learn that no, I don’t have a DVD player at all !!!
So last night I wrote another letter to Subaru and told them how unhappy I was that their website said I had a DVD player in my XV, but it wasn’t there.
And I said “I've got to tell you that when you spend $40,000 on a car you really do expect to get what the manufacturers website say's it will have!”
They obviously got my letter... I haven’t had a response back yet, but tonight I notice that someone has changed the website and that there’s now no mention of a DVD player. (I got a screen shot of it, before it was changed though).
Mmmm interesting!!
I wonder what Subaru are going to say about that to me when/if they eventually get back to me about it.
I don’t want this to sound like one big whinge about the XV... I totally LOVE that car!
I just can’t get over how fabulous it is...I’ve called her ‘Lovely’ and she’s wonderful.
And I also have to say that all the staff at my local subaru dealership have been wonderful too! They really look after me, and I have absolutely no problems with them at all.
But I’m pretty disappointed with Subaru Aust. so far over their response to this issue.
We’ve bought three brand new Subaru’s from them over the last 6 years, at an average of $40k each. I do love the XV, but this has taken just a little bit of the shine off the purchase, and makes me think a little differently about Subaru as a company now.
Anyway Alison, I hope you enjoy your gorgeous XV as much as I enjoy mine
I really is a fantastic car (even without the sliding lid and the dvd player that Subaru deceived us about...)
2 months ago
3 months ago
3 months ago
Black exterior and interior. Originally I want to get the ivory but was persuaded not to.
The test drive vehicle did not have a lid on the cup holders as many one said. It is not a concern for me.
1 month ago
2 months ago
2 months ago
her every time I drive her . I traded in a MY07 Forester XT Luxury and I havnt looked back, there is nothing I miss about the XT because what the FOZ could do the XV does better, I love the XV's Interier, Exterier, Power ( who needs a Turbo when you have a XV), handling (XV handles better then my XT), I have owned 3 Imprezas and 2 Foresters and the XV is the best Car I've owned or driven
Well-done SUBARU the XV is infact the BEST thing they're ever done
SUBARU XV - The Best Thing We Have Ever Done
2 months ago
The L model gets the same reversing camera setup as the S
6.1 inch SatNav with blue tooth and iPod
Here is my girl after a month of ownership
[IMG]http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n560/scoobyxtlux/XV/eabe1a48.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n560/scoobyxtlux/XV/33e0b840.jpg[/IMG]
2 months ago
Wow, she's all tricked out...I love it!
How cool is that bonnet protector!
And where did you get that 'I love my XV' sticker? I want one!
Yes I agree a thousand percent with you about how the XV handles on the road.
This is our 5th Subaru...we still have an '07 Outback, and my previous car was a tank of an '11 Outback. And this XV just blows them all away for driving and handling and performance.
It's the best thing we ever did too
Thanks for showing your pics
2 months ago
2 months ago
Better then any manual
Sign up to
www.subaruxvforum.com
I have heaps of pics there
2 months ago
www.subaruxvforum.com
It's free
2 months ago
So I give up...
2 months ago
Ou should keep trying
Try aI different user name
2 months ago
2 months ago
hope you get it sorted mate
should join
www.subaruxvforums.com
2 months ago
www.subaruxvforum.com
1 month ago
2 months ago
What you've described has also happened to mine!
It happened three times in one day...first couldn't get the audio to turn off using the on/off button. The only way to turn it off was with voice command. And also couldn't access maps.
So we pulled over and turned on and off the car and it was OK for a while. And then a little while later when we were on an unfamiliar freeway and really needed maps it happened again.
And then a few hours later, on the same trip, it happened again, and I had to quickly turn the car off and then on again at a set of lights.
It hasn't happened since. But I did take the car back to the dealership yesterday and had them look at it. They couldn't find a fault, but did remove and clean the SD card and the area inside where the SD card goes...so fingers crossed that was all it was.
Makes me wary that you've experienced exactly the same thing though!
2 months ago
I have been back to dealer twice. Today Im booked in for a replacement unit.
They tried to tell me it was my phone but this is happening with all phones we sinc.
Hopefully the new one will be ok.
2 months ago
2 months ago
2 months ago
It sounds like a computer software glitch; rather than hardware issues. Being such a new model, Subaru, one would think, will quickly work out what the issues are and get the "bugs" iron-out quick smart. I hope you will get this sorted out soon. Please keep us posted. Best
2 months ago
i bought the L model which has same natnav ive been using it for 1 month nOW and no dramas i would take it back to subaru
2 months ago
2 months ago
2 months ago
2 months ago
2 months ago
2 months ago
Some reviews that were not good to say the least. But I'm very happy now after reading all your reviews. I currently have an SS commodore
So this is a very different car for me! Just hope that. 5L to 2L is not to much of a shock.
can't wait just waiting on the dealer to let me know when ready
2 months ago
2 months ago
Believe me the XV will surprise you
They are fun
Fun enough that I don't miss the turbo
2 months ago
Going to speak with the manager tomorrow!
2 months ago
Yes, please do let me know how you go. Very interested to know. Best.
2 months ago
2 months ago
Numbers to prove it on my new contract. They now think it will be ready by about 20 April oh well have to wait but at least they have one!
They are also throwing in The mats and side sill plate for free due to my troubles to keep my business. Still have my fingers and toes cross
I will keep you informed.
1 month ago
1 month ago
1 month ago
1 month ago
There is a switch down low on drivers side
And it only works when steering wheel in dead straight
I've had my L for 2 months and still perfect
Hope it gets fixed
1 month ago
Yes, I was going to say has the on/off switch accidentally been touched too? (But I'm sure that's the first thing the dealer would have looked at...)
1 month ago
I'm generally pretty happy with it however,and love driving the car. Love the smoothness of the CVT transmission. Fuel economy was 5.2 litres/100 km on a trip into the country today, so no complaints there either. Can't wait to take it off road.
1 month ago
What colour did you get Sarah ? You should join
www.subaruxvforum.com
Free site
Good luck hope u enjoy her
1 month ago
I got my XV only yesterday, and after the first 20 km the start stop system went off and the oil pressure lamp turned on the dashboard. The car went for an immediate fix and after 1 day at the dealer I took it for a ride today. After 30 or so km...disaster again. Start stop stops functioning, oil pressure lamp on, warning sign on the screen. Unfortunately, tomorrow is Saturday so the dealer is closed, so I'll have to wait for the whole W/E practically without car. I am HEAVILY disappointed with Subaru+my dealer (who also drove the car for 30 kms!) and I will give them a last chance for a repair, otherwise i will have to ask for reimbursement and give the car back. It would be a shame, because the car handles fantastically and it's a joy to drive, but its reliability for me has proven to be as good as 50kms.... it's a damn shame....
1 month ago
1 month ago
1 month ago
1 month ago
7/100km and 900km on a tank
Xv owners should join
www.subaruxvforum.com
1 month ago
I'm impressed!
1 month ago
1 month ago
There is only one company to buy S. U. B. A. R. U
All the way this XV is my 6th Subaru
Subaru XV owners should join
www.subaruxvforum.com
1 month ago
1 month ago
We have a few big hills around here that with our previous bigger manual cars we always had to drop back a gear to get up them.
But with this CTV XV you don't even know you're going up a hill!
I don't understand these reviews that say's it's a bit gutless uphills...it's not true at all.
1 month ago
1 month ago
A 5.7litre SS commodore to my new XV must say that it is so smooth and handles the corners very well. I am so happy with my purchase I think Subaru
Have won me over nothing else as good. GPS and Bluetooth system A1...... By the way I got mine in Black looks hot!!!
1 month ago
Good on ya!
29 days ago
1 month ago
I don't know what is with these reviews
I tow a camper trailer up big hills and the XV flys up them I even overtake slower cars lol
I don't see any unpowered XV when I drive so quick and handles so well
27 days ago
23 days ago
I want to buy a SUV, But I don't know which one is better. help me please:
1- XV Subaru
2- Mazda CX-5
3- KIA Sportage
Thanks
23 days ago
Obviously I'm a little bit biased towards the XV. I LOVE mine and I cannot recommend it highly enough!...(but I'd also put the Hyundai ix35 on your list as it's also a beautiful looking car)
I'm not sure if any of those other cars are all wheel drive or only 2 wheel drive. But in all honesty, once you've driven an all wheel drive like Subaru you'll never want to go back to a 2 wheel drive.
The feeling of safety and handling of an all wheel Subaru beats all others hands down!
That really would be a major factor for me in choosing a new car
23 days ago
Just go for it you will not regret your purchase
Good luck!!!!!!!
22 days ago
Thank you so much for your help. I would like to get my car ASAP. How long do you think it would take to get my car? I want to order an orange XV 2.0L. and which one is better? A diesel or petrol?
Thanks
22 days ago
Depends on what you want in a vehicle; stand-outs for us with the XV: extremely comfortable (impt if you spend a lot of time behind the wheel), excellent visibility all round, great dashboard layout, slightly better clearance than the CX5. Subaru also holds its value better.
Weighed against that is that the diesel CX5 has much more boot space, double the torque (power) and claims better fuel efficiency. We also preferred the Mazda's back seat release mechanism, 40-40-20 back seat split, and the tonneau cover that lifts automatically when you open the boot.
We've always been brand-loyal to Toyota but they seem to have gone to sleep, so we are still wavering - going to test-drive both again this weekend. Probably haven't helped you at all!! Good luck,
20 days ago
I would like to know more about the items below and the parameters they include:
1- Xpack with Vinyl: $1800
2- AHG premium Warranty $1000
3- If I choose Suncorp or RACQ comprehensive insurance, do I need the
above items (1 and 2)?
Which Insurance company is better? I'm new here in Australia and Do'nt have any information about this.
Thanks
15 days ago
13 days ago
Really like the look of the XV and everything I have read. And like them even more with the dealer demo deals near me at the moment, so going to have a look at a couple this weekend. Just a question on the limited boot space that I've read about in various reviews. How small is it?
My wife is a photographer and needs to put a smallish box of gear (approx 600mm x 400mm x 500mm deep) and a medium sized camera bag in the boot for shoots. (But nothing major like light stands etc) Has anybody found the boot capacity to be an issue?
Thanks in advance for your help.
6 days ago
6 days ago