- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
115kW, 196Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 7L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto (CVT)
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2017)
Subaru XV 2.0i-S she says, he says review
She: The Subaru XV was an eye-catcher when it first emerged in 2012. The 2018 edition of this compact SUV still retains its edgy, rugged look but there are some substantial changes. Does it seem very different to you Steve?
He: Not really, Dani, as it looks like a subtle evolution to my eyes. But that’s not a such a bad thing because it has been a success for Subaru and was at the leading edge of the trend for compact SUVs.
It certainly still follows the same template as before. Subaru has taken its new Impreza hatch, raised it a few centimetres and added the chunkier bodywork. However, that’s what works and it’s a well-presented machine.
She: The layout certainly feels like I’m in an Impreza. Being the top-spec model it looks premium inside and has all the modern gadgets you want, though I’m glad to see Subaru has kept the CD player.
It’s a spacious cabin and has adequate storage, but I was surprised at how small the boot is. It’s only 310L, which isn’t much for a family car. My husband’s a photographer and he has to pack a lot of gear. He would struggle, even if the seats were down. There’s also only a space-saver spare tyre instead of a full-size one, which isn’t ideal if you intend on doing some off-road exploring.
This latest XV also gets the same all-new naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as its Impreza sibling. Is it punchy enough for you?
He: It may be new but it’s not a lot different to the old one. This one has 115kW of power and 196Nm of torque, compared to the old engine that had 110kW and the same amount of torque. On the road it feels adequate for the job, but nothing more. It certainly lacks the punch some rivals can offer.
But the bigger problem is the gearbox, a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). In every XV I’ve driven so far, and a few Imprezas, there is a noticeable shudder, both at low speeds and when accelerating on the move, which feels unpleasant and detracts from the driving experience.
What did you think of the drive?
She: I think it handles corners really well, feels quiet on the road and the brakes are excellent. The XV’s off-road capabilities are impressive, but being the non-adventurous type I’m unlikely to reap the benefits.
I agree the engine feels underdone and the gearbox is disappointing. I think a dual-clutch gearbox and turbo engine would’ve taken this to another level.
Plus there’s no doubt the XV is thirsty: its claimed combined fuel use of 7.0-litres per 100km was more like 10.0L in the real world. But does it provide value for money for you Steve?
He: At $35,240 plus on-road costs, it isn’t a cheap compact SUV. But it does blur the lines between a city SUV and small SUV, while costing similar money to a Mazda CX-3 Akari and Toyota CH-R Koba, both of which are unmistakably city-sized.
There’s no question it’s a well-presented car and continues Subaru’s strong recent form in both presentation and driving dynamics. Plus the safety suite that Subaru’s EyeSight brings is as good as it gets in this class.
Ultimately, though, that gearbox is a turnoff for me. Even if it wasn’t, it’s worth remembering you can get an Impreza 2.0i-S for $6050 less, so how much is the extra height worth to you?
She: The engine and transmission didn’t blow me away. That aside, I still think the XV has the ammunition to give the top-selling CX-3 a run for its money. It’s great to see lane-keeping assist added to the comprehensive EyeSight safety package.
But I’m with you, if I were to get a Subaru, I’d probably opt for the Impreza myself and save some money.
2018 Subaru XV 2.0i-L price and specifications
Price: From $35,240 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power: 115kW at 6000rpm
Torque: 196Nm at 4000rpm
Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive
Fuel use: 7.0L/100km