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Subaru XV: Social Climber
SUBARU XV
SOCIAL CLIMBER
Words: Marco Mancino
Photography: Gian Romero
Fashion dictates times and times themselves follow fashion. In a way or another we have to adapt to some needs and start choosing our side. So after the SUV phenomenon, the ever-increasing demand for vehicles that are equally capable of facing dirt terrains with a constant eye on the image have faced the chaos of large urban centers, difficulties in finding parking and emissions related issues. All this has resulted in the birth of a new segment called Crossover, a real mix between a family car and an off-road, in some cases even offering solutions with only two wheels drive, to the benefit of the weights and fuel consumption. Subaru, which has always been among the leaders in the production of all-wheel-drive cars, has not waited one bit transforming the Forester into a perfect off-road vehicle for every day, and has increased the size of the Outback, introducing the XV, based on the 5-doors Impreza, no longer in production. At the look that has marked the most controversial generation of the famous Pleiades sports car, the XV adds a decent ground clearance, plastic on its bumpers and engine ready for intensive uses. We have tested the only diesel proposal that most likely represents the best choice for those who want a young car with a dynamic look and the ability to deal with any kind of road, even though it is not equipped with reduced gears or the classic off-roader DNA.
The 4-cylinder turbodiesel is a 2-liter and grounds 147hp and 350Nm of torque – these are apparently harmless figures, but combined with the low weight of the XV (about 1,400kg) give it an agility that proves to be very useful, especially on secondary roads, ideal for this ready-for-everything Subaru. However, it must be borne in mind that by going to a price range of € 19,000 (for the petrol version), the XV is competing with a huge number of opponents, who are often able to offer more care for details and better revaluation on the second hand market. That is why in Subaru they opted for a young, compact but at the same time very spacious and practical shape; moreover, the manual gearbox is clearly preferable to the Lineartronic automatic. Questionable color apart – the Desert Khaki just does not convince me – the XV tested is also equipped with leather interior and everything you need for a happy coexistence. Easy to drive, thanks to the perfect seating position, it has been shown to contain its fuel consumption and has therefore become a serious alternative to the classic hatches that invade our streets. It is not surprising to note that, since its first appearance, the XV has brewed in the heart of motorists, strong in concreteness and full exploitation.
Despite the small size of the engine, it is quietly capable of juggling in traffic, with a maximum torque of 350Nm, available once you press the throttle pedal. The dashboard is the well-known to all Subaru owners, without praise or infamy, with the annoying reflection on the central screen frame. But what matters, in terms of maneuverability, practicality, and ability to deal with more than a muddy trail, satisfies and makes it a solid proposition in this childhood segment that crosses among fashion and time. That of crossovers could be a momentary mania, but it’s nice to see that some of them are able to climb everywhere without sacrifices or giving up the comfort you need, always keeping an eye for an average fairly honest price.
SUBARU XV 2.0D (2016-)
Layout – front-engined, all-wheel-drive
Engine – 4 cylinder 1.998cc – turbodiesel
Transmission – 6-speed manual gearbox
Power – 147 hp @ 3.600 rpm
350 Nm @ 1.600-3.800 rpm
Weight – 1.445 kg
Acceleration – 9,3 sec.
Top Speed – 198 kph
Price – from € 24.990
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