FiestaST
Honorary Master
Drive.com.au review
[video=youtube_share;A64etx8u2pM]https://youtu.be/A64etx8u2pM[/video]
[video=youtube_share;A64etx8u2pM]https://youtu.be/A64etx8u2pM[/video]
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2018 Subaru XV (2nd Generation)
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
"Subaru managed the same total, with the new XV (38) proving its top seller."
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/sas-10-best-selling-passenger-cars-of-august-2017/
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/sas-10-best-selling-passenger-cars-of-august-2017/
Subaru XV 2.0i-S ES (2017) Review
Subaru’s renewed product lineup starts with this XV. Have the great strides taken in terms of modernising the brand by boosting specification, technology and visual appeal turned it into a serious contender?
We spent a few weeks with the top-spec model to see what it’s like to live with.
We like: Up-to-date infotainment, ride and build quality.
We don’t like: Relatively small luggage capacity and high loading height.
Alternatives:
For quirky appeal: The Mini Countryman is a relatively new model with desirable looks and engines. It doesn’t ride as well as the Subaru and you’ll need to add at least R100k worth of options to match the spec on the Japanese car.
For Swedish style: The Volvo V40 Cross Country is stylish enough to draw admiring glances on every street. It lacks the worry-free ground clearance to bolt down a dirt road but it has an excellent range of engines.
What is it?
This is the second generation of the Subaru XV. It’s also the second car to be built on Subaru’s new global platform, first seen on the latest Impreza. Born from a desire to meet burgeoning demand for crossovers, the XV, as with the first-gen model, is a restyled, higher-riding Subaru Impreza hatch.
The XV uses a new flat-four petrol engine that’s lighter and more powerful than before, the same weight-reduction tactic has been applied to the CVT gearbox. It now features an off-road mode that adapts its all-wheel-drive and other systems to deal with reduced traction situations more consumately.
Subaru has always cleverly traded on its motorsport rallying heritage by equipping all of its passenger cars with all-wheel drive. As a result, its vehicles have generally felt sure-footed if a little stodgy and utilitarian. The new XV doesn’t feel like Subarus of old. In addition to being even better planted in faster corners, the new model rides with more sophistication than its predecessors. Even with the substantial 220 mm of ground clearance the XV’s drives more like a hatchback than a crossover.
The new platform aids both comfort and handling. It rides bumps well and corners flat thanks to firm but perfectly damped suspension. It’s the best riding Subaru yet and certainly a match for some of the more premium products out there. It also rides on slightly higher profile tyres, which leads to less thudding and crashing over unavoidable potholes.
The implementation of Subaru's X-mode, which gives it a bit of off-roading bias, is a unique selling point for the XV. None of its direct competitors offer a real off-road mode complete with hill descent control. Normally, an off-road mode on a crossover is hardly ever going to be used, but if there was one brand on which it’s more likely to get use than any other, it’s a Subaru.
On the plus side, passenger space is better both front and rear and leather is standard on this top-spec model. There’s plenty of space within the cabin to store cups, bottles, keys and the like. Keyless entry solves having to grapple with shopping bags while digging into your pocket for the key. The roof racks fitted to our model here are also standard on the XV.
As with all the CVTs we have driven, they work best when driven politely and not hurried. Subaru’s transmission is the best iteration of a CVT we've yet to test, with smooth comfortable acceleration at city speeds. But ask a bit more from the throttle pedal and the continuously non-variable drone whines away masking the sense of acceleration.
It handles freeway speeds well, although the dearth of immediate torque requires more space and planning to get by. Fuel efficiency has not always been a strong point for Subarus, but this model claims 7.3 L/100 km. Our 2 week and 1 000 km plus worth of mixed mileage returned a pleasing 7.6 L/100 km, around the same as we generally yield from a 2-litre turbodiesel.
Safety and tech
The easiest area to note Subaru’s improvement is in the safety and tech department. Starting with the infotainment system, the 8-inch touchscreen has improved resolution, is more touch-sensitive and processes inputs faster making it more of a pleasure to use. It is Apple Carplay and Android Auto capable and there’s a single USB and auxiliary jack. Navigation is included but with smartphone integration, it's easier to use a bit of data and get traffic alerts too.
The R440k XV’s party piece is that’s it is fully kitted with Subaru’s Eyesight safety pack - an impressive list of driver assistance features that includes turning headlights, high beam assist, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and lane departure warning.are also standard on the XV, features that are usually optional extras on rival brands.
The XV scored the highest ever rating on the Japanese New Car Assessment Program when it was crash tested. In terms of tech and safety, the XV appears to offer the most specification by some margin at this price point.
Subaru markets itself as a premium offering, but by loading the top-spec ES model with plenty of kit, it's also very good value at just R439 000 (September 2017). It is sold with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and 3-yer/75 000 km maintenance plan.
With the new XV, Subaru has pushed its crossover into premium territory in terms of ride, build quality, safety and technology. There’s not much that can touch it in terms of standard specification at this price point.
The Subaru brand is renowned for its gravel road ability and hard-wearing nature, the XV tows the line with all-wheel-drive and a traction control system that helps it in trickier situations. It feels, however, more like an excellent hatchback that rides and handles with authority.
It could do with a bit more boot space and a lower loading height to deal with an entire family’s luggage, but passenger space has been prioritised for comfort.
The engine and gearbox setup is not exactly class-leading in terms of performance stats, but it’s sufficient as an everyday runabout and appears to be quite frugal. The price tag of R430 000 makes it an excellent value for money offering and with Subaru’s reliability and peace of mind track record, it's certainly worth shortlisting.
It's for good reason then that the Subaru XV 2.0i-S ES is in the running for the win in the Premium Hatchback category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards - Powered by WesBank.
Source:http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/subaru-xv-20i-s-es-2017-review/43996/
Subaru’s renewed product lineup starts with this XV. Have the great strides taken in terms of modernising the brand by boosting specification, technology and visual appeal turned it into a serious contender?
We spent a few weeks with the top-spec model to see what it’s like to live with.
We like: Up-to-date infotainment, ride and build quality.
We don’t like: Relatively small luggage capacity and high loading height.
Alternatives:
For quirky appeal: The Mini Countryman is a relatively new model with desirable looks and engines. It doesn’t ride as well as the Subaru and you’ll need to add at least R100k worth of options to match the spec on the Japanese car.
For Swedish style: The Volvo V40 Cross Country is stylish enough to draw admiring glances on every street. It lacks the worry-free ground clearance to bolt down a dirt road but it has an excellent range of engines.
What is it?
This is the second generation of the Subaru XV. It’s also the second car to be built on Subaru’s new global platform, first seen on the latest Impreza. Born from a desire to meet burgeoning demand for crossovers, the XV, as with the first-gen model, is a restyled, higher-riding Subaru Impreza hatch.
The XV uses a new flat-four petrol engine that’s lighter and more powerful than before, the same weight-reduction tactic has been applied to the CVT gearbox. It now features an off-road mode that adapts its all-wheel-drive and other systems to deal with reduced traction situations more consumately.
How does it fare in terms of…
Ride and handling
…Subaru has always cleverly traded on its motorsport rallying heritage by equipping all of its passenger cars with all-wheel drive. As a result, its vehicles have generally felt sure-footed if a little stodgy and utilitarian. The new XV doesn’t feel like Subarus of old. In addition to being even better planted in faster corners, the new model rides with more sophistication than its predecessors. Even with the substantial 220 mm of ground clearance the XV’s drives more like a hatchback than a crossover.
The new platform aids both comfort and handling. It rides bumps well and corners flat thanks to firm but perfectly damped suspension. It’s the best riding Subaru yet and certainly a match for some of the more premium products out there. It also rides on slightly higher profile tyres, which leads to less thudding and crashing over unavoidable potholes.
The implementation of Subaru's X-mode, which gives it a bit of off-roading bias, is a unique selling point for the XV. None of its direct competitors offer a real off-road mode complete with hill descent control. Normally, an off-road mode on a crossover is hardly ever going to be used, but if there was one brand on which it’s more likely to get use than any other, it’s a Subaru.
Practicality
Positioned below the Forester, the XV isn't as large or as practical as its bigger brother. Despite a slight increase in capacity and a wider aperture than before, the boot is probably the XV’s weakest point. Due to the high ground clearance and short rear overhang, the loading height is quite high off the ground, meaning you have to give things a good lift to get them into the boot. It also reduces the amount of space you have to load above the parcel shelf, one of the key benefits of a hatchback. Boot capacity is listed as 310 litres, growing to 1 220 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Thankfully the shape of the boot is particularly square, so it did just managed to pass our usual test of ‘can it fit a large mountain bike whole’.On the plus side, passenger space is better both front and rear and leather is standard on this top-spec model. There’s plenty of space within the cabin to store cups, bottles, keys and the like. Keyless entry solves having to grapple with shopping bags while digging into your pocket for the key. The roof racks fitted to our model here are also standard on the XV.
Engine performance
Subaru's re-engineered flat-four engine for this XV retains its 2.0-litre capacity and remains naturally aspirated. Power and torque outputs of 115 kW and 196 Nm respectively drive each axle evenly through a CVT gearbox. The new engine is some 12 kg lighter while the gearbox has shed 7.8 kg. The CVT also has a 7-speed manual mode initiated by flicking the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.As with all the CVTs we have driven, they work best when driven politely and not hurried. Subaru’s transmission is the best iteration of a CVT we've yet to test, with smooth comfortable acceleration at city speeds. But ask a bit more from the throttle pedal and the continuously non-variable drone whines away masking the sense of acceleration.
It handles freeway speeds well, although the dearth of immediate torque requires more space and planning to get by. Fuel efficiency has not always been a strong point for Subarus, but this model claims 7.3 L/100 km. Our 2 week and 1 000 km plus worth of mixed mileage returned a pleasing 7.6 L/100 km, around the same as we generally yield from a 2-litre turbodiesel.
Safety and tech
The easiest area to note Subaru’s improvement is in the safety and tech department. Starting with the infotainment system, the 8-inch touchscreen has improved resolution, is more touch-sensitive and processes inputs faster making it more of a pleasure to use. It is Apple Carplay and Android Auto capable and there’s a single USB and auxiliary jack. Navigation is included but with smartphone integration, it's easier to use a bit of data and get traffic alerts too.
The R440k XV’s party piece is that’s it is fully kitted with Subaru’s Eyesight safety pack - an impressive list of driver assistance features that includes turning headlights, high beam assist, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and lane departure warning.are also standard on the XV, features that are usually optional extras on rival brands.
The XV scored the highest ever rating on the Japanese New Car Assessment Program when it was crash tested. In terms of tech and safety, the XV appears to offer the most specification by some margin at this price point.
Pricing and warranty
Subaru markets itself as a premium offering, but by loading the top-spec ES model with plenty of kit, it's also very good value at just R439 000 (September 2017). It is sold with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and 3-yer/75 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
With the new XV, Subaru has pushed its crossover into premium territory in terms of ride, build quality, safety and technology. There’s not much that can touch it in terms of standard specification at this price point.
The Subaru brand is renowned for its gravel road ability and hard-wearing nature, the XV tows the line with all-wheel-drive and a traction control system that helps it in trickier situations. It feels, however, more like an excellent hatchback that rides and handles with authority.
It could do with a bit more boot space and a lower loading height to deal with an entire family’s luggage, but passenger space has been prioritised for comfort.
The engine and gearbox setup is not exactly class-leading in terms of performance stats, but it’s sufficient as an everyday runabout and appears to be quite frugal. The price tag of R430 000 makes it an excellent value for money offering and with Subaru’s reliability and peace of mind track record, it's certainly worth shortlisting.
It's for good reason then that the Subaru XV 2.0i-S ES is in the running for the win in the Premium Hatchback category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards - Powered by WesBank.
Source:http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/subaru-xv-20i-s-es-2017-review/43996/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Tested: Subaru's new XV is happy on tar and turf
Subaru's built much of its reputation on the exciting rally-bred Impreza WRX and STi, but the majority of its range consists of bread-and-butter family cars that avoid the garish fanfare of those halo models.
With the world going gaga over SUVs and crossovers, the Japanese brand is well positioned to feed the need with its Forester, Outback and XV ranges and it’s the smallest of these – the XV – that was recently launched here in its newest incarnation.
Essentially an ‘adventurised’ version of the new Impreza - also recently launched here in sedan form - the second-generation XV touched down in July just a few months after its world debut at the Geneva motor show, armed with better-than-average gravel-munching ability.
The full-time all-wheel drive gives it optimised traction on loose or slippery surfaces. The car also has an X-Mode that adjusts the AWD and brakes for offroad driving and automatically activates the Hill Descent Control when necessary (HDC can be manually activated by the driver if desired). This, combined with a very tall 220mm ground clearance ensures the XV can tackle rougher trails than the average softroader, even though it’s not a full-blown offroad vehicle for Okavango-type expeditions.
At the same time Subaru has improved the second-generation XV’s on-road agility by dropping the centre of gravity without reducing ground clearance, claiming body roll is reduced by a massive 50 percent.
To give it a more nimble feel the steering’s also been made more direct. The final factor in the new XV’s nimblification is that it’s lighter than its predecessor despite being slightly larger, thanks mainly to the engine and gearbox shedding around 20kg.
I can’t necessarily vouch for its body roll being halved over the previous model, but the handling’s what you’d expect from a modern crossover; neat and neutral and not excessively top-heavy.
I was more impressed by the cushy ride quality and the XV filters out bumps very proficiently, suggesting it will make a very comfy long-distance car. Unlike the overtly sports-oriented rubber on some crossover vehicles, this Subaru has high-profile tyres that happily glide over the uneven surfaces that adventure vehicles are meant for.
The engine’s the same as before, a normally aspirated petrol flat-four with outputs of 115kW (up 5kW over the old XV) and 196Nm (unchanged), feeding the all-wheel drive system via a continuously variable transmission that Subaru calls Lineartronic.
The XV cruises comfortably and has no trouble maintaining the speed limit and more, but there’s no excitement and the car could use a bit more overtaking poke.
CVTs have become fashionable to criticise but I didn’t hate the transmission. It operated smoothly and unobtrusively in regular urban driving and Subaru has programmed in a seven-step ‘manual’ mode to make it feel more like a conventional gearbox, although when you put foot it sends the revs skywards and makes that typical CVT drone. But those raised revs didn’t seem to harm the fuel economy, with our test car averaging a decent 8.1 litres per 100km.
The general revinement levels are good, and apart from that sometimes-droning engine there are no unwanted noises.
There are two versions of this Subaru: a standard model selling for R385 000 and an ES derivative for R439 000 which comes stacked to the hilt with features.
There’s a lot of safety packed into this car including the new EyeSight system - the first on a Subaru - which employs a set of cameras that scan the road for pedestrians, cyclists and other possible hazards at up to 110 metres. The car will automatically brake if it spots a hazard the driver hasn’t - either when driving forward or reversing - and EyeSight also includes adaptive cruise control and a lane-keeping assistance monitor.
Adaptive headlights, auto high beam, seven airbags, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert complete a very well-stacked safety list.
The interior’s come a long way from earlier Subarus which were notoriously plasticky. This cabin radiates a lot of class with its upscale materials and neat finishes, while the orange stitching gives a touch of styling playfulness to the black leather seats. Subaru’s interior stylists are doing a fine job.
The XV has all the latest infotainment with a large touchscreen and various ways (aux, USB and Bluetooth) to connect your external devices, and it has Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto functionality for when this app becomes available in SA).
The cabin’s nice and roomy, and four adults will fit without feeling too snug. Boot size is quoted at a rather mediocre 310 litres but it subjectively seemed larger than that and was able to swallow a fair amount of luggage, and also a mountain bike when the seats were flipped down.
VERDICT
It could do with more poke (such as the WRX’s 197kW turbo engine), but Subaru’s versatile XV has a great cabin vibe, a ton of features, great safety, and multi-terrain ability. It’s also competitively priced, being cheaper than some 2WD rivals. It comes with a 5-year/150 000km warranty and 3-year/75 000km service plan.
FACTS
Subaru XV 2.0 ES 4WD
Engine: 2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol
Gearbox: CVT
Power: 115kW @ 6000rpm
Torque: 196Nm @ 4200rpm
0-100km/h (Claimed): 10.4 seconds
Top speed (Claimed): 194km/h
Ground clearance 220mm
Price: R439 000
Warranty: 5-year/150 000km
Service/Maintenance plan: 3-year/75 000km
SUBARU XV VERSUS RIVALS
Subaru XV ES 4WD 115kW/196Nm R439 000
Nissan Qashqai 1.6T Acenta 2WD 120kW/240Nm R429 900
Mazda CX-5 2.0 auto Dynamic 2WD 121kW/210Nm R416 900
Ford Kuga 1.5T Trend 4WD 132kW/240Nm R467 900
Kia Sportage 2.0 EX Plus 2WD 115kW/204Nm R459 995
Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Elite 2WD 115kW/196Nm R474 900
Renault Kadjar 1.2 T Dynamique 2WD 96kW/205Nm R399 900
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 Summit 4WD 122kW/225Nm R466 900
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/tested-subarus-new-xv-is-happy-on-tar-and-turf-11321007
Subaru's built much of its reputation on the exciting rally-bred Impreza WRX and STi, but the majority of its range consists of bread-and-butter family cars that avoid the garish fanfare of those halo models.
With the world going gaga over SUVs and crossovers, the Japanese brand is well positioned to feed the need with its Forester, Outback and XV ranges and it’s the smallest of these – the XV – that was recently launched here in its newest incarnation.
Essentially an ‘adventurised’ version of the new Impreza - also recently launched here in sedan form - the second-generation XV touched down in July just a few months after its world debut at the Geneva motor show, armed with better-than-average gravel-munching ability.
The full-time all-wheel drive gives it optimised traction on loose or slippery surfaces. The car also has an X-Mode that adjusts the AWD and brakes for offroad driving and automatically activates the Hill Descent Control when necessary (HDC can be manually activated by the driver if desired). This, combined with a very tall 220mm ground clearance ensures the XV can tackle rougher trails than the average softroader, even though it’s not a full-blown offroad vehicle for Okavango-type expeditions.
At the same time Subaru has improved the second-generation XV’s on-road agility by dropping the centre of gravity without reducing ground clearance, claiming body roll is reduced by a massive 50 percent.
To give it a more nimble feel the steering’s also been made more direct. The final factor in the new XV’s nimblification is that it’s lighter than its predecessor despite being slightly larger, thanks mainly to the engine and gearbox shedding around 20kg.
I can’t necessarily vouch for its body roll being halved over the previous model, but the handling’s what you’d expect from a modern crossover; neat and neutral and not excessively top-heavy.
I was more impressed by the cushy ride quality and the XV filters out bumps very proficiently, suggesting it will make a very comfy long-distance car. Unlike the overtly sports-oriented rubber on some crossover vehicles, this Subaru has high-profile tyres that happily glide over the uneven surfaces that adventure vehicles are meant for.
The engine’s the same as before, a normally aspirated petrol flat-four with outputs of 115kW (up 5kW over the old XV) and 196Nm (unchanged), feeding the all-wheel drive system via a continuously variable transmission that Subaru calls Lineartronic.
The XV cruises comfortably and has no trouble maintaining the speed limit and more, but there’s no excitement and the car could use a bit more overtaking poke.
CVTs have become fashionable to criticise but I didn’t hate the transmission. It operated smoothly and unobtrusively in regular urban driving and Subaru has programmed in a seven-step ‘manual’ mode to make it feel more like a conventional gearbox, although when you put foot it sends the revs skywards and makes that typical CVT drone. But those raised revs didn’t seem to harm the fuel economy, with our test car averaging a decent 8.1 litres per 100km.
The general revinement levels are good, and apart from that sometimes-droning engine there are no unwanted noises.
There are two versions of this Subaru: a standard model selling for R385 000 and an ES derivative for R439 000 which comes stacked to the hilt with features.
There’s a lot of safety packed into this car including the new EyeSight system - the first on a Subaru - which employs a set of cameras that scan the road for pedestrians, cyclists and other possible hazards at up to 110 metres. The car will automatically brake if it spots a hazard the driver hasn’t - either when driving forward or reversing - and EyeSight also includes adaptive cruise control and a lane-keeping assistance monitor.
Adaptive headlights, auto high beam, seven airbags, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert complete a very well-stacked safety list.
The interior’s come a long way from earlier Subarus which were notoriously plasticky. This cabin radiates a lot of class with its upscale materials and neat finishes, while the orange stitching gives a touch of styling playfulness to the black leather seats. Subaru’s interior stylists are doing a fine job.
The XV has all the latest infotainment with a large touchscreen and various ways (aux, USB and Bluetooth) to connect your external devices, and it has Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto functionality for when this app becomes available in SA).
The cabin’s nice and roomy, and four adults will fit without feeling too snug. Boot size is quoted at a rather mediocre 310 litres but it subjectively seemed larger than that and was able to swallow a fair amount of luggage, and also a mountain bike when the seats were flipped down.
VERDICT
It could do with more poke (such as the WRX’s 197kW turbo engine), but Subaru’s versatile XV has a great cabin vibe, a ton of features, great safety, and multi-terrain ability. It’s also competitively priced, being cheaper than some 2WD rivals. It comes with a 5-year/150 000km warranty and 3-year/75 000km service plan.
FACTS
Subaru XV 2.0 ES 4WD
Engine: 2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol
Gearbox: CVT
Power: 115kW @ 6000rpm
Torque: 196Nm @ 4200rpm
0-100km/h (Claimed): 10.4 seconds
Top speed (Claimed): 194km/h
Ground clearance 220mm
Price: R439 000
Warranty: 5-year/150 000km
Service/Maintenance plan: 3-year/75 000km
SUBARU XV VERSUS RIVALS
Subaru XV ES 4WD 115kW/196Nm R439 000
Nissan Qashqai 1.6T Acenta 2WD 120kW/240Nm R429 900
Mazda CX-5 2.0 auto Dynamic 2WD 121kW/210Nm R416 900
Ford Kuga 1.5T Trend 4WD 132kW/240Nm R467 900
Kia Sportage 2.0 EX Plus 2WD 115kW/204Nm R459 995
Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Elite 2WD 115kW/196Nm R474 900
Renault Kadjar 1.2 T Dynamique 2WD 96kW/205Nm R399 900
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 Summit 4WD 122kW/225Nm R466 900
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/tested-subarus-new-xv-is-happy-on-tar-and-turf-11321007
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ignition TV review of the new XV
[video=youtube_share;_XKPka4fY8I]https://youtu.be/_XKPka4fY8I[/video]
[video=youtube_share;_XKPka4fY8I]https://youtu.be/_XKPka4fY8I[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Subaru's second-gen crossover: We driver the new XV
Subaru South Africa has launched its new Impreza and XV in the earlier in 2017. Recently, Wheels24 had the latter on test to find out what the second-generation high-riding crossover is like to drive on our roads.
The all-wheel drive XV 2.0i-S ES CVT retails for R439 000 and is fitted standard with cornering headlights, keyless entry and push-button ignition, a 20cm touchscreen infotainment system which includes satnav.
You can also easily link your iPhone or Android device.
Interior
The cabin is a great environment to be in; comfortable (heated) seats do a great job of keeping the occupants ensconced with comfort. It's spacious, filled with storage binnacles and even features a sunroof that makes the cabin feel even more airy.
Good quality materials are used in the dark-coloured cabin, with smatterings of chrome add an upmarket touch.
A host of safety features bandied together, which Subaru calls 'eyesight', sees the car detect when objects (cars or pedestrians) are in your blind spot,on, rear cross traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors.
There's also adaptive cruise control, the car will warn you if you're drifiting out of your lane and will even automatically apply the brakes if it feels you're distracted or getting too close too quickly to a vehicle ahead.
Engine
The XV is powered by a gutsy 2.0-litre normally-aspirated engine with direct injection which according to the automaker is 12kg less than the previous engine used in the SUV.
It produces a modest 115kW and 196Nm and is mated to a continuous variable transmission (CVT) that does an okay job of swapping through the infinite gears. Subaru says the gearbox is just shy of 8kg lighter than the previous CVT.
Some CVTs, in fact most, can feel as if they're 'slipping' but the team admittedly felt the XV's transmission performed admirably.
We averaged around 7.8l/100km during our fortnight test with most of the distance covered in the city. Subaru claims the 2.0-litre engine uses 7.1l/100km.
It drives well with light steering albeit lacking in feedback. But then again it's not meant for the enthusiastic driver. The ride quality however is extremely composed in its application.
Exterior
The XV shows off its off-road characteristics with roof rails (standard) and black-cladding on the wheel arches.
Subaru quotes a 220mm ground clearance which gives the hatchback a decent stance in traffic. Practically it means you won't have to worry about hitting the middle-mannetjie when venturing off the beaten track.
Its rugged appearance perhaps doesn't justify the smoothness of the car when driven in the city.
Verdict
At just shy of R440 000, the XV makes a compelling argument for a family looking for a vehicle that does a wonderful job of blending into a city slicker and able to tackle the beaten track.
It offers a spacious package complete with a host of safety features. Subaru owners tend to retain their vehicles for a long period and it makes sense when the XV is offered with a five year or 150 000km warranty as well as a three year or 75 000km maintenance plan.
http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/driven-2018-subaru-xv-20i-s-es-cvt-20171016
Subaru South Africa has launched its new Impreza and XV in the earlier in 2017. Recently, Wheels24 had the latter on test to find out what the second-generation high-riding crossover is like to drive on our roads.
The all-wheel drive XV 2.0i-S ES CVT retails for R439 000 and is fitted standard with cornering headlights, keyless entry and push-button ignition, a 20cm touchscreen infotainment system which includes satnav.
You can also easily link your iPhone or Android device.
Interior
The cabin is a great environment to be in; comfortable (heated) seats do a great job of keeping the occupants ensconced with comfort. It's spacious, filled with storage binnacles and even features a sunroof that makes the cabin feel even more airy.
Good quality materials are used in the dark-coloured cabin, with smatterings of chrome add an upmarket touch.
A host of safety features bandied together, which Subaru calls 'eyesight', sees the car detect when objects (cars or pedestrians) are in your blind spot,on, rear cross traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors.
There's also adaptive cruise control, the car will warn you if you're drifiting out of your lane and will even automatically apply the brakes if it feels you're distracted or getting too close too quickly to a vehicle ahead.
Engine
The XV is powered by a gutsy 2.0-litre normally-aspirated engine with direct injection which according to the automaker is 12kg less than the previous engine used in the SUV.
It produces a modest 115kW and 196Nm and is mated to a continuous variable transmission (CVT) that does an okay job of swapping through the infinite gears. Subaru says the gearbox is just shy of 8kg lighter than the previous CVT.
Some CVTs, in fact most, can feel as if they're 'slipping' but the team admittedly felt the XV's transmission performed admirably.
We averaged around 7.8l/100km during our fortnight test with most of the distance covered in the city. Subaru claims the 2.0-litre engine uses 7.1l/100km.
It drives well with light steering albeit lacking in feedback. But then again it's not meant for the enthusiastic driver. The ride quality however is extremely composed in its application.
Exterior
The XV shows off its off-road characteristics with roof rails (standard) and black-cladding on the wheel arches.
Subaru quotes a 220mm ground clearance which gives the hatchback a decent stance in traffic. Practically it means you won't have to worry about hitting the middle-mannetjie when venturing off the beaten track.
Its rugged appearance perhaps doesn't justify the smoothness of the car when driven in the city.
Verdict
At just shy of R440 000, the XV makes a compelling argument for a family looking for a vehicle that does a wonderful job of blending into a city slicker and able to tackle the beaten track.
It offers a spacious package complete with a host of safety features. Subaru owners tend to retain their vehicles for a long period and it makes sense when the XV is offered with a five year or 150 000km warranty as well as a three year or 75 000km maintenance plan.
http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/driven-2018-subaru-xv-20i-s-es-cvt-20171016
I test drove it today.
Loved the interior, seats and styling. Features galore, and most of them very useful.
Not the fastest but it has more than enough. I took it on a long test drive in traffic and on the highway and it was all good.
Seriously looking at this purchase, my only concern, and maybe other can advise, is the presence of Subaru in SA, limited dealerships when it comes to service, what about parts availability in case of repairs or accident. Also the motorplan is a bit weak @3yrs 75000km.
It really is a lovely vehicle though and I enjoyed the steering feel, it was precise and not to light but very direct if that makes sense.
Loved the interior, seats and styling. Features galore, and most of them very useful.
Not the fastest but it has more than enough. I took it on a long test drive in traffic and on the highway and it was all good.
Seriously looking at this purchase, my only concern, and maybe other can advise, is the presence of Subaru in SA, limited dealerships when it comes to service, what about parts availability in case of repairs or accident. Also the motorplan is a bit weak @3yrs 75000km.
It really is a lovely vehicle though and I enjoyed the steering feel, it was precise and not to light but very direct if that makes sense.
I have spent some time last month in a new Rav4 and tbh that similar CVT system felt ever so slightly smoother (Rav's).
In the Subaru there were a few little shifts which were not to smooth but overall nothing I am to concerned about. Just a learning curve with any auto box on how to drive to it's strengths.
My Hilux Auto was stolen by ninjas in the dead of night, that had the best auto box ever!
The Subaru also has the paddle shift option for manual and it was kinda cool and very responsive.
The Subaru is literally light years ahead of the Rav though for driving feel and interior creature comforts. Its a wonderful space inside that vehicle. Kinda feel spoilt every time you get in or open the door.
Power wise it was fine in traffic and on the freeway, agree its not a rocket but there is enough there from that 2L under the hood.
I am probably gonna get one, again my only concerns are the back up/dealerships/motorplan(to a lesser extent)
Nothing else in the class comes close for what you get for the price.
My next option was the slightly bulkier/less featured Tuscon.
Thanks, definitely considering one myself for a bit further down the line.
hj2k_x
Honorary Master
Our family loves a Subaru. Wife and I both have Outbacks. One diesel, one petrol. Great cars.
I can confirm dealership and servicing issues though. We are in Cape Town and have experienced only really poor service from the dealerships. So we take our cars to the one recommended Subaru mechanic all the way out in Noordhoek (Pyro). He has been excellent but it's 50km from our house to get to him.
Nearly half a bar for that car with a short service plan seems like a lot of money to me (all our cars are bought second hand).
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Good that it has CarPlay & AA as standard.
It's premium in there, really nice.
Thx
My mileage is only about 20000km p/a so would get the full 3 years. It would be more palatable if it were a 4yr/100 or 5yr/120 deal though tbh.
Also, only one dealer in Durbs. Then another in PMB.
There's 2 dealers in Durban, one in Durban north and the other in umhlanga near gateway
Ok thx, the website doesnt list the Umhlanga one.
https://www.subaru.co.za/locate-a-dealership?region=kwazulu-natal
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
UK only gets it in Feb 2018.
Subaru XV 2018 review
Should I buy one?
Hopefully, the new platform allows plenty of dynamic tuning, because in XV trim it produces safe, mild understeer and very little lift-off adjustability. But of confident stability, there’s plenty. Despite the XV’s shortage of dynamism, this is nevertheless an appealingly compact, useful and distinctive machine.
Subaru XV 2.0i Lineartronic
Where Tokyo, Japan; On sale February 2018; Price £25,000 (est); Engine 4 cyls, 1995cc, turbocharged petrol; Power 154bhp at 6000rpm; Torque 145lb ft at 4000rpm; Gearbox 7-spd CVT; Kerbweight 1920kg; Top speed 116mph (est); 0-62mph 10.2sec (est); Fuel economy 44.4mpg (est); CO2 rating/BIK 140g/km, 27% (est); Rivals Nissan Qashqai, Seat Ateca, Mazda CX-5
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/subaru/xv/first-drives/subaru-xv-2018-review
Subaru XV 2018 review
Should I buy one?
Hopefully, the new platform allows plenty of dynamic tuning, because in XV trim it produces safe, mild understeer and very little lift-off adjustability. But of confident stability, there’s plenty. Despite the XV’s shortage of dynamism, this is nevertheless an appealingly compact, useful and distinctive machine.
Subaru XV 2.0i Lineartronic
Where Tokyo, Japan; On sale February 2018; Price £25,000 (est); Engine 4 cyls, 1995cc, turbocharged petrol; Power 154bhp at 6000rpm; Torque 145lb ft at 4000rpm; Gearbox 7-spd CVT; Kerbweight 1920kg; Top speed 116mph (est); 0-62mph 10.2sec (est); Fuel economy 44.4mpg (est); CO2 rating/BIK 140g/km, 27% (est); Rivals Nissan Qashqai, Seat Ateca, Mazda CX-5
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/subaru/xv/first-drives/subaru-xv-2018-review
FiestaST
Honorary Master
How Subaru’s EyeSight made me a better driver
I’ve had my share of accidents behind the wheel – more than my share, in fact.
Most have been quite small, just fender benders or the odd scrape against a low pole I didn’t see, but two have been severe enough to warrant the purchase of a new car.
While not all the collisions I’ve been in have been technically my fault, such as a case when someone shot out of side street in front of me, each one could have been avoided if I’d simply been paying better attention.
My two biggest problems while driving are a general lack of situational awareness and poor following distance.
Yet, I didn’t even realise how much of a problem these were until I got behind the wheel of a Subaru XV and started playing around with its EyeSight features.
What Subaru’s EyeSight is
The core of the EyeSight system is its set of dual colour cameras that are placed on either side the rear-view mirror where they scan the road for unanticipated dangers.
It acts like a second pair of eyes and can detect objects in front of you that you are likely to hit, and is able to warn you about the potential danger.
EyeSight can even apply full braking force in emergency situations, to prevent you from driving into something.
So, if the car in front of you hits the brakes and stops, but you don’t react, EyeSight will apply breaks to slow your car down or even stop it for you.
In conjunction with this, EyeSight’s Pre-collision Throttle Management can reduce the power from the engine to help prevent an impact with a stationary object.
A good example of this could be when you are taking a slipway and assume that the care ahead of you has moved off, even though it hasn’t, EyeSight will limit the car’s acceleration.
This works in reverse as well with 4 sensors in the rear bumper.
Automatic reverse braking, which is not part of EyeSight but supplements the system, can prevent you from reversing into poles that are hidden in your blind spot or into the garage door or gate that didn’t open properly.
While I was too nervous to properly test the collision avoidance features, since I didn’t want to add any more accidents to my tally, it did work well in the simulated setup that Subaru did for me when handing over the car.
Also, while driving in very slow traffic past a school, some children decided to cut through the traffic in front of me, and the Subaru slowed down almost to a stop before I even saw the children in my peripheral vision.
How EyeSight improves your driving to prevent collisions
While EyeSight doesn’t do the driving for you, it does help you to drive safer by adapting your following distance and ensuring that you stay within your lane.
These are the two features that really highlighted to me how much better I could be driving – and how much safer as well.
EyeSight’s Adaptive Cruise Control works just like regular cruise control in the sense that you can set a speed and your car will maintain that speed automatically.
However, unless you are on an incredibly quiet road, it is likely that you won’t be able to maintain your speed and will need to slow down for slower cars up ahead.
When this becomes necessary, EyeSight quite cleverly will adapt your following distance (which you can set to be shorter or longer) by slowing the car down.
Then, if the car ahead speeds up or moves away, the car will automatically accelerate to the cruising speed you set, or if the car ahead of you stops, your Subaru will slow down to a stop as well.
I always knew my following distance wasn’t long enough, but until I drove the Subaru, I didn’t realise how much further I really needed to be from the cars ahead to stop safely.
In fact, I’d even start to get the feeling that people behind me, who were maintaining following distances that I’d consider to be normal or at least better than mine, were driving too close up behind me.
Another feature that I found incredibly useful and enlightening was the Lane Keep Assist and Sway Warning.
Again, the car doesn’t do the driving for you, but it does monitor your position on the road and will alert you if you start to drift from your lane without indicating.
If it senses you swerving from side to side in the lane, which is a sign that you may be drowsy, it will also trigger EyeSight to sound a warning to get your attention back on the road.
I was shocked to see how often I would trigger the Lane Keep Assist warning as I was driving – it really highlighted to me that my situational awareness needs work.
As a result, since driving the Subaru XV, I’ve made a point of paying far more attention to both my following distance and position in the road.
What EyeSight can’t do
While EyeSight is an excellent safety feature, it does have a few limitations.
For one thing, while it goes a long way to preventing collisions, it’s obviously not going to prevent other cars from driving into you.
It also won’t pick up obstacles that are less than a metre in height, so won’t necessarily prevent you from driving into low obstructions.
Nevertheless, it will improve your driving and reduce the likelihood of accidents in many other ways, and it is exciting to think that is where the future of driving technology is headed.
Subaru is leading the way in Driver Assist Technology, having received the highest possible 2017 rating for front crash prevention by the IIHS.
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/industrynews/235926-how-subarus-eyesight-made-me-a-better-driver.html
I’ve had my share of accidents behind the wheel – more than my share, in fact.
Most have been quite small, just fender benders or the odd scrape against a low pole I didn’t see, but two have been severe enough to warrant the purchase of a new car.
While not all the collisions I’ve been in have been technically my fault, such as a case when someone shot out of side street in front of me, each one could have been avoided if I’d simply been paying better attention.
My two biggest problems while driving are a general lack of situational awareness and poor following distance.
Yet, I didn’t even realise how much of a problem these were until I got behind the wheel of a Subaru XV and started playing around with its EyeSight features.
What Subaru’s EyeSight is
The core of the EyeSight system is its set of dual colour cameras that are placed on either side the rear-view mirror where they scan the road for unanticipated dangers.
It acts like a second pair of eyes and can detect objects in front of you that you are likely to hit, and is able to warn you about the potential danger.
EyeSight can even apply full braking force in emergency situations, to prevent you from driving into something.
So, if the car in front of you hits the brakes and stops, but you don’t react, EyeSight will apply breaks to slow your car down or even stop it for you.
In conjunction with this, EyeSight’s Pre-collision Throttle Management can reduce the power from the engine to help prevent an impact with a stationary object.
A good example of this could be when you are taking a slipway and assume that the care ahead of you has moved off, even though it hasn’t, EyeSight will limit the car’s acceleration.
This works in reverse as well with 4 sensors in the rear bumper.
Automatic reverse braking, which is not part of EyeSight but supplements the system, can prevent you from reversing into poles that are hidden in your blind spot or into the garage door or gate that didn’t open properly.
While I was too nervous to properly test the collision avoidance features, since I didn’t want to add any more accidents to my tally, it did work well in the simulated setup that Subaru did for me when handing over the car.
Also, while driving in very slow traffic past a school, some children decided to cut through the traffic in front of me, and the Subaru slowed down almost to a stop before I even saw the children in my peripheral vision.
How EyeSight improves your driving to prevent collisions
While EyeSight doesn’t do the driving for you, it does help you to drive safer by adapting your following distance and ensuring that you stay within your lane.
These are the two features that really highlighted to me how much better I could be driving – and how much safer as well.
EyeSight’s Adaptive Cruise Control works just like regular cruise control in the sense that you can set a speed and your car will maintain that speed automatically.
However, unless you are on an incredibly quiet road, it is likely that you won’t be able to maintain your speed and will need to slow down for slower cars up ahead.
When this becomes necessary, EyeSight quite cleverly will adapt your following distance (which you can set to be shorter or longer) by slowing the car down.
Then, if the car ahead speeds up or moves away, the car will automatically accelerate to the cruising speed you set, or if the car ahead of you stops, your Subaru will slow down to a stop as well.
I always knew my following distance wasn’t long enough, but until I drove the Subaru, I didn’t realise how much further I really needed to be from the cars ahead to stop safely.
In fact, I’d even start to get the feeling that people behind me, who were maintaining following distances that I’d consider to be normal or at least better than mine, were driving too close up behind me.
Another feature that I found incredibly useful and enlightening was the Lane Keep Assist and Sway Warning.
Again, the car doesn’t do the driving for you, but it does monitor your position on the road and will alert you if you start to drift from your lane without indicating.
If it senses you swerving from side to side in the lane, which is a sign that you may be drowsy, it will also trigger EyeSight to sound a warning to get your attention back on the road.
I was shocked to see how often I would trigger the Lane Keep Assist warning as I was driving – it really highlighted to me that my situational awareness needs work.
As a result, since driving the Subaru XV, I’ve made a point of paying far more attention to both my following distance and position in the road.
What EyeSight can’t do
While EyeSight is an excellent safety feature, it does have a few limitations.
For one thing, while it goes a long way to preventing collisions, it’s obviously not going to prevent other cars from driving into you.
It also won’t pick up obstacles that are less than a metre in height, so won’t necessarily prevent you from driving into low obstructions.
Nevertheless, it will improve your driving and reduce the likelihood of accidents in many other ways, and it is exciting to think that is where the future of driving technology is headed.
Subaru is leading the way in Driver Assist Technology, having received the highest possible 2017 rating for front crash prevention by the IIHS.
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/industrynews/235926-how-subarus-eyesight-made-me-a-better-driver.html
FiestaST
Honorary Master
3 Reasons Why Subaru XV is #CarsAwards Finalist
What makes the Subaru XV 2.0i-S ES a strong contender in the Premium Hatchback category of the 2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank? We investigate…
The Subaru XV is a new entrant into the Premium Hatch category. Its raised ride height and all-wheel-drive dynamics at first appear out of sorts as a premium purchase but as buyers lean ever more towards crossovers and SUVs, the combination of hatchback and SUV ticks all the boxes of the modern day buyer. Subaru has introduced a raft of new technologies into its cars and its famed quality and fortitude remains resolute within the new XV.
3 Reasons Why Subaru XV 2.0i-S ES is a #CarsAwards Premium Hatchback Finalist
1. The comfortable entertainer
Subaru has majorly overhauled its new XV and the in-car specification is outstanding. With an updated infotainment screen that’s fully compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Subaru has caught up with the major players. USB and Aux ports are standard and navigation is built into the 8-inch touchscreen system. Dual zone climate control and leather trim all-round are also standard fare in the XV.
2. Spacious crossover appeal
The XV is part hatchback part crossover, so the added benefit of a bit of dirt road ability is nice to have. There’s also an X-Mode if you want to descend a difficult hill. The boot is a little on the small side at 310-litres, but the rear seats fold flat offering a flat loading bay with 1 220-litres of space. The long wheelbase of 2 665 mm allows for excellent passenger room and rear legroom is good for a hatchback.
3. The safe bet
The trump card of the XV lies in the safety systems that come standard in this ES model. Subaru Eyesight includes features such as adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist, blind spot detection and whiplash-reducing seats. In addition to these features, the XV is equipped with 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist and electronic stability control.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/3-reasons-why-subaru-xv-is-carsawards-finalist/44218/
What makes the Subaru XV 2.0i-S ES a strong contender in the Premium Hatchback category of the 2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank? We investigate…
The Subaru XV is a new entrant into the Premium Hatch category. Its raised ride height and all-wheel-drive dynamics at first appear out of sorts as a premium purchase but as buyers lean ever more towards crossovers and SUVs, the combination of hatchback and SUV ticks all the boxes of the modern day buyer. Subaru has introduced a raft of new technologies into its cars and its famed quality and fortitude remains resolute within the new XV.
3 Reasons Why Subaru XV 2.0i-S ES is a #CarsAwards Premium Hatchback Finalist
1. The comfortable entertainer
Subaru has majorly overhauled its new XV and the in-car specification is outstanding. With an updated infotainment screen that’s fully compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Subaru has caught up with the major players. USB and Aux ports are standard and navigation is built into the 8-inch touchscreen system. Dual zone climate control and leather trim all-round are also standard fare in the XV.
2. Spacious crossover appeal
The XV is part hatchback part crossover, so the added benefit of a bit of dirt road ability is nice to have. There’s also an X-Mode if you want to descend a difficult hill. The boot is a little on the small side at 310-litres, but the rear seats fold flat offering a flat loading bay with 1 220-litres of space. The long wheelbase of 2 665 mm allows for excellent passenger room and rear legroom is good for a hatchback.
3. The safe bet
The trump card of the XV lies in the safety systems that come standard in this ES model. Subaru Eyesight includes features such as adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist, blind spot detection and whiplash-reducing seats. In addition to these features, the XV is equipped with 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist and electronic stability control.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/3-reasons-why-subaru-xv-is-carsawards-finalist/44218/