2017 Subaru XV 2.0i-L Premium Review | Small SUV Finds Its Feet Off The Road
Niche is the word for the 2017 Subaru XV 2.0i-L Premium.
In its second generation the XV remains a lifted-up and plastic-clad version of the Japanese brand’s Impreza small hatchback, so it technically isn’t a small SUV.
Yet with a permanent all-wheel drive system, excellent ground clearance of 220mm, and even a hill-descent control system, it promises to me more off-road capable than small SUV models such as a Mazda CX-3 or Toyota C-HR.
This middle-specification 2.0i-L Premium costs just over $30K, too, so depending on the perspective it really is either one expensive lifted-hatch, or an affordable SUV…
Vehicle Style: Small SUV
Price: $32,140 (plus on-road costs)
Engine/trans: 115kW/196Nm 2.0 four-cylinder petrol | automatic CVT
Fuel Economy Claimed: 7.0 l/100km | Tested: 8.5 l/100km
OVERVIEW
The XV 2.0i-L Premium is well-equipped for $32,140 plus on-road costs, or $36,724 driveaway (in Sydney) according to Subaru’s online pricing calculator. For the $1800 premium over the standard 2.0i-L, the Premium adds integrated satellite navigation and a sunroof plus several other cabin features listed in the section below.
Its closest rival is the similarly raised Volkswagen Golf Alltrack 132TSI, which is based on the wagon version of that small car, not the hatch as the XV is to Impreza. It costs $35,990 driveaway, and while it lacks this Subaru’s sunroof and adaptive cruise control, it gains automatic headlights/wipers and rear-view mirror dimming.