2018 Subaru XV (2nd Generation)

Subaru XV facelift arrives in South Africa. Here’s how much it costs

Pricing for the Subaru XV facelift has been revealed for our local market. The Japanese brand’s updated active compact crossover is available with one drivetrain option over two trim levels.

The Subaru XV facelift’s updated design, retaining the 220mm of ground clearance, proposes to offer versatility at home, on a slippery adventure trail or a busy city street. Updates to the colour palette include a new Sunshine Orange and Plasma Yellow Pearl while the old Quartz Blue Pearl is replaced by Horizon Blue Pearl.

Kicking the range off is the Subaru XV 2,0i CVT which boasts an asking price of R445 000. With this, a 6,2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six-speakers, single-zone climate control, the brand’s SI Drive selector and a rear seat centre arm rest with cup holders are fitted as standard. The entry-level model sits on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels and boasts a halogen headlamps.

The flagship for the range is the Subaru XV 2,0i-S ES CVT priced at R509 000. This adds 18-inch alloys and a set of LED headlamps with DRLs. Kit in this model is significantly more conclusive with features such as a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a leather package including the eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, auto-dimming mirror and 8,0-inch touchscreen infotainment system all being fitted as standard.


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Striking Subaru XV goes on sale in South Africa (prices and specs inside)

Subaru Southern Africa’s award-winning 2021 XV is now available in South Africa, sporting refreshed looks and even more technology.

The updated Subaru XV crossover features an updated lower grille design with added contours around the fog lamps and bumper trim elements. Added to the athletic stance, new 17- and 18-inch machine-finished alloy wheels bring a sense of energy and adventure to the compact SUV highlighting its modern yet rugged nature.

The XV’s fresh design and class-leading 220mm of ground clearance ensures it is equally capable and at home whether on a slippery adventure trail or a busy city street. An update to the colour palette means that Sunshine Orange now makes way for a new Plasma Yellow Pearl and the old Quartz Blue Pearl is replaced by Horizon Blue Pearl.

The new XV also sports revised suspension and spring rates for improved steering response and a more comfortable drive. The XV range remains powered by the direct injection 2.0-litre Boxer engine delivering 115kW at 6000rpm and 196Nm of torque at 4200rpm. This engine is mated to a Lineartronic CVT that also allows for a 7-speed manual mode accessed from the shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

2021 Subaru XV Pricing remains unchanged:

Subaru XV 2.0i CVT - R445 000

Subaru XV 2.0i-S ES - R509 000

All Subaru XV models are sold with a 3-year/75 000km Maintenance Plan as well as the 5-year/150 000km Warranty.

 
The Subaru Crosstrek Makes Sense Once You Drive It

I always felt like the Crosstrek was an excessive vehicle, as minimalist as it is. I got the sense that anyone who really needed the extra ground clearance or AWD needed a truck, and the people mall-crawling their Crosstreks might as well just get a Corolla. After driving the thing, I understand the appeal. The car gets under your skin. For something so obliquely practical, its selling point is that it’s fun.


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Subaru XV 2.0i-S ES (2021) Review

Fast Facts:
  • Model tested: Subaru XV 2.0i-S ES
  • Price: R509 000 (November 2021)
  • Engine: 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol
  • Power/Torque: 115 kW and 196 Nm
  • Transmission: CVT
  • Fuel efficiency: 7.3 L/100 km (claimed)
  • 0-100 kph: 10.4 sec (estimated)
  • Load capacity: 310-1 220 litres
How much does the Subaru XV cost in South Africa?

The Subaru XV range starts from R445 000, while this top-spec derivative costs R509 000. The vehicle is sold with a 3-year/75 000km maintenance plan, as well as a 5-year/150 000 km warranty, both of which can be optionally extended.

Verdict

The changes that Subaru has applied to its crossover might be considered minor, but the XV continues to deliver the goods. The 2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards category finalist impressed us back then (when this model was new) with its equipment levels (especially safety features), ride quality, occupant comfort as well as all-terrain competence (within reason). This updated model is no different.

Should you buy one? With new car prices reaching stratospheric heights, it’s indeed a challenge to find a well-thought-out and generously equipped compact crossover that is seemingly as adept on gravel as on asphalt roads, especially one that comes equipped with excellent semi-autonomous safety features as standard. Even if the XV remains the nonconformist’s choice, those who appreciate its product concept will be not be disappointed.

If you’re prepared to live with the Subaru’s smallish load bay and uninvolving driving experience, then the XV makes a compelling case for itself in comparison to other crossovers (of the premium compact variety). If you’re really concerned about its limited cargo-carrying capacity, perhaps you should consider investing in a Thule roof box…


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Next-generation Subaru XV rendered with dynamic new face

The upcoming Subaru XV has been digitally rendered with similar proportions to the current model but a number of design cues that brings it into the Japanese brand’s current design philosophy. The official reveal for this car is expected to take place next year.

As penned by Kolesa, at the front, the Subaru VX render shows a slim set of dynamic LED headlamps that are connected via a silver detail strip that runs through the grille. Additional aggression is added to the front via a bold set of foglamp housings and lower air intake with a subtle anti-scuff plate.


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I'm kinda keen on getting one. Test drove the old one and it was pretty nice for me.
 
  • 0-100 kph: 10.4 sec (estimated)
Really underwhelming. Would be good to see 60-80 and 80-100 times.
I don't want to risk my life on each overtaking maneuver on those single-lane regional roads overtaking a truck.

  • Load capacity: 310-1 220 litres
This is really poor. The tiny Polo has a 351 litre boot capacity.
 
Subaru Crosstrek Confirmed for SA in 2023

The Subaru Crosstrek is formerly known as the Subaru XV and has just been updated. Subaru SA has confirmed the capable crossover will be hitting our market in 2023.

The Subaru XV name has been dropped and we understand that Crosstrek will be used globally. The third generation Subaru Crosstrek was announced in Japan and will be hitting that market in early 2023. Subaru South Africa has confirmed the Crosstrek will be coming to our shores in the 2nd quarter of 2023.

So, what’s changed? Like all Subaru updates, we have to look carefully to spot the differences. Under the skin, the Subaru Global Platform has been retained, but Subaru has claimed there are some changes to increase refinement and ride comfort. There’s some enhanced rigidity and interestingly, the manufacturing process has changed with the upper body and underbody now built together. Subaru claims this has resulted in a reduction of cabin vibrations. There are also the addition of sound-deading materials.

The styling has been given a gentle makeover, with new LED headlights which offer cornering capability and tail-lamps that look straight from the WRX. Physically, the Subaru Crosstrek is 4 480 mm long, 1 800 mm wide and 1 580 mm high. This new model features a 5 mm longer wheelbase, is 15 mm longer and 30 mm taller. Subaru claims a ground clearance of 200 mm.


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I'm interested in the pricing for the new Crosstrek and if it will be more than the Mazda CX-30. It's between these two at this point.
 
Subaru Crosstrek [US]

Subaru of America, Inc. debuted the all-new 2024 Crosstrek at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show. The 2024 Crosstrek offers improved performance, enhanced safety features and updated multimedia technology. The third-generation compact SUV also combines all-new exterior and interior designs with a new stiffer chassis to create a fun and comfortable driving experience both on and off-road.

The Crosstrek debuted 12 years ago and quickly became the fastest selling vehicle in history for Subaru of America, with more than a million units sold. In 2022, Crosstrek was the top performer by volume with 155,142 annual sales, achieving its best year ever. The success of the Crosstrek is thanks to its ample passenger and cargo space, comprehensive list of standard and available features, versatility and capability: all in a compact SUV at a competitive price.

For 2024, the Crosstrek will be available in Base, Premium, Sport and Limited trim levels and has a starting price of $24,995 (same MSRP as 2023 Base model equipped with Lineartronic® CVT).


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