Top 3 things you need to know about the Subaru XV

It could be argued that the Subaru XV is really just an Impreza hatchback in hiking boots, and that argument certainly stands on solid ground. It’s also not unusual for Subaru to take one of their "normal" cars and re-appropriate it for a different market segment, either – they’ve been doing it for decades. And there’s sound reasoning for this: many buyers want an SUV or crossover, but aren’t willing to settle for second-rate dynamics or excessive fuel consumption. 

For this kind of application, a lifted compact hatchback, suitably butched-up, makes a lot of sense. But, while the current (second-generation) Subaru XV looks a lot like its predecessor, there are some rather significant differences. Let’s take a look at the top 3 things you need to know about the latest Subaru XV.

 

Related: The top 4 differences between the new and old Subaru XV.

 

1. It utilises the latest Subaru platform

The current XV arrived on local shores in mid-2017, and is the second model to use the new Subaru Global Platform (after the Impreza upon which it’s based). Notable advances with this platform include enhanced safety, more efficient space utilisation, and improved driving dynamics. 

There’s a new 2.0-litre Boxer engine for this platform as well, now with direct injection in an attempt to liberate more power and save some fuel. Exclusively mated to a CVT, this engine is a bit underpowered in the new Forester (which also uses the new platform), but seeing as the smaller XV weighs a fair bit less, it should perform somewhat more satisfactorily. 

 

Related: Read our review of the new Subaru Forester here.

 

2. EyeSight Driver Assistance System

The second-generation XV marks the first appearance of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system in our market, which is fitted as standard to the top-spec XV 2.0i-S (R 473 000). Using a pair of stereo cameras to provide the control unit with visual data, EyeSight offers four different assistance modes in one package.

The first is pre-collision throttle management (which pre-emptively closes the throttle to reduce the car’s speed), pre-collision braking (which applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate an accident), lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, there’s an automatic reverse-braking system, should the car detect obstacles behind the car for which the driver doesn’t take evasive action. In a world of distracted drivers and errant pedestrians, any safety assistance is a welcome addition indeed!

 

Related: Used compact SUVs and crossovers, ranked by practicality.

 

3. Excellent safety credentials

As has become a Subaru tradition, the latest XV has first-rate safety features. It starts with the much stronger new body shell, which is optimised for crash safety and occupant protection. The 5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating is at the top of its class, with excellent protection for adult- and child occupants alike, as well as very good pedestrian safety. Add the EyeSight system, stability control, adaptive LED headlights and plenty of airbags to this, and it soon becomes obvious that the XV will do its best to protect every occupant.

This emphasis on safety also yielded superb results in American testing, with the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) awarding it with their Top Safety Pick + rating (the highest accolade bestowed by this organisation), and the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Association) also giving it a 5-star top score in testing. In short, the Subaru is just about as safe a crossover as you’ll find anywhere.

 

 

*Pricing was accurate at the time of writing, but may change without prior notice.​

 

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Shop for new and used Subaru XV cars for sale here.