Sportier SUVs on Subaru Australia’s Wishlist

A performance version of the Subaru XV small SUV is high on Subaru Australia's wishlist, with the Japanese brand's local distributor keen to capitalise on its strong reputation for both high-riding wagons and sporty cars.

Speaking to TMR at the local launch of the WRX STI, Subaru Australia Product Planner Goran Popov said that adding a high-performance version of the XV was a natural choice.

“A performance version of the XV is something that is very much on my wishlist," Popov said.

However, while the XV's under-the-skin similarities to the recently-released WRX means a turbocharged 2.0 litre XV is not outside the realm of possibility, Popov said that there was no word from Subaru on whether such a variant would ever become reality.

The XV is currently only available with a naturally-aspirated 110kW/196 2.0 litre flat-four, with either a six-speed manual or CVT automatic taking power to all four wheels.

Though it only offers one powertrain and no cut-price 2WD variant, the XV (below) sits in second place in the small SUV rankings behind the Hyundai ix35, which has three engine choices - two petrol, one diesel - and 2WD as well as AWD drivetrains.