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2012 Subaru XV On Sale In Australia

Subaru Australia has today launched the 2012 XV crossover hatch, the first variant of the all-new Impreza family to arrive here and a new standalone offering that slots beneath the Forester in Subaru's SUV line-up.

The engine is completely new

Tony O'Kane

01:2723 January 2012

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2012 Subaru XV On Sale In Australia

The engine is completely new to the XV, as is its sheetmetal and transmissions. A stretched wheelbase improves interior space compared to the previous-gen Impreza XV, and cabin furnishings have received an extensive makeover as well.

While the outgoing 2011 Impreza XV was offered in only one model grade with the choice of an automatic or manual transmission, the 2012 XV (note that the 'Impreza' badge has dropped off the new car's bootlid) is available in three spec levels.

The entry-level XV 2.0i manual kicks off the range at $28,490, a thousand dollars higher than than the 2011 Impreza XV's starting price.

Cruise control, air conditioning, a trip computer, 17-inch alloys and an iPod-compatible USB input for the audio system are standard features on the XV 2.0i.

Next is the XV 2.0 i-L, which starts at $31,990 for the manual and adds dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation, privacy glass, a sunroof and leather trim on the steering wheel and gearknob.

Finally, there's the XV 2.0i-S range-topper. Sporting xenon headlamps, heated front seats, a powered driver's seat, leather upholstery, alloy pedals and chrome exterior door handles, the 2.0i-S retails for $34,490 in manual form.

Opting for the Lineartronic CVT automatic adds $2500 to the pricetag of all variants.

The XV's 2.0 litre FB flat-four produces the same power and torque as the engine it replaces - the EJ20 - however thanks to a longer stroke, smaller bore and a range of friction-reducing measures it consumes less fuel.

While the last-gen Impreza XV manual consumed 8.9l/100km on the combined cycle, the 2012 Subaru XV manual drinks 7.3 l/100km. The CVT automatic needs even less - just 7.0 l/100km, 1.8 l/100km less than the model it replaces.

Engine start-stop is standard on all XVs, and one of the main reasons behind its improved fuel consumption performance. Electric power steering and a switchable alternator also help reduce the XV's thirst.

Like the rest of Subaru's current offerings, all XV models come with all-wheel drive as standard.

CVT-equipped cars are fitted with an electronically variable centre differential with a default 60:40 front-rear torque split, and XV's fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox get a 50:50 default torque split with a viscous limited-slip centre diff.

Safety equipment has received a boost with the addition of a reversing camera as standard to all XV variants. Stability control, ABS, EBD and brake assist are also standard on all XVs, and all manual-equipped models get a hill-hold assist system to prevent rollback during hill starts.

Seven airbags (front, front side, curtain and driver's knee) are standard fit for entire XV range.

TMR is currently attending the 2012 Subaru XV launch in Tasmania. Look out for our launch review of the XV this week.