Subaru reveals XV-replacing 2023 Crosstrek

THE third-generation Subaru XV has been revealed with sharper looks, new tech and refinements to its mild hybrid drivetrain plus confirmation that the Crosstrek name used in North America will be adopted globally.

Although Subaru Australia is yet to confirm a date for local release, the company has hinted at an upcoming announcement.

“The latest global reveal from Subaru Corporation is very exciting! Details for the Australian market to come soon,” a spokesperson for Subaru Australia said.

While some markets, like North America, are already familiar with the ‘Crosstrek’ name, Subaru decided to use the moniker globally for its third-generation small SUV. 

The Crosstrek receives sharper styling all round, and though based on the same Subaru Global Platform as its predecessor, is far more modern in appearance and has improved dynamics.

Subaru’s global statement said that “not only has the unique design of the previous model been emphasised, but also the driving dynamics of the Crosstrek have been refined”.

Under the bonnet is Subaru’s existing 2.0-litre e-Boxer mild-hybrid system, backed by an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and symmetrical all-wheel-drive, but official power figures have not been confirmed.

The current e-Boxer powertrain offers 110kW/196Nm of petrol power alongside an electric motor offering 12.3kW/66Nm of additional nudge, and Subaru says it has made improvements to reduce vibration and noise.

Vehicle dimensions are slightly different, with a 5mm reduction in overall length, 35mm lower height (with roof racks fitted) and 5mm longer wheelbase, while width remains unchanged, but Subaru says the interior “remains just as roomy as in previous models”. 

Ground clearance, however, is down to 200mm compared with the outgoing model’s 220mm, likely aiding aerodynamics and roadholding but potentially hindering the Crosstrek’s crossover appeal.

The front end retains its distinctive XV look, but with sharp lines on the high bonnet, revised front grille bars, and WRX-esque LED headlights.

Up back, the sportier feel continues with taillights that also resemble those found on the WRX, and the new model still looks half wagon, half small-SUV, as the current XV does.

New seats with revised mounts are said to offer better pelvis support while also ensuring improved vibration damping and less seat sway.

Subaru used a high-attenuation mastic, or elastic adhesive in layman’s terms, for the roof panel and braces, which it says improves resonance and sound absorption within the cabin.

Dynamic performance is said to be better than the outgoing model, with improved rigidity courtesy of a full-inner-frame construction and direct dual-pinion electric power steering. 

Interior tech is improved, too, with a cabin that scores updates found across other recent Subaru models, most notably a vertical 11.6-inch infotainment screen sitting front and centre.

Total cargo space has not been disclosed, however Subaru says the new model offers plenty – the outgoing model has one of the segment’s smaller cargo areas – and with 60:40 folding rear seats carrying capacity can be expanded.

Latest-generation EyeSight technology is standard on the Crosstrek and it is said to be the first Japanese-market Subaru to score a wide-angle mono camera.

Subaru says Eyesight performance is improved by mono camera, which enables recognition of motorcycles and pedestrians at a wider angle than before.

Subaru also improved the collision safety performance and, like the Outback, implemented new mobile progressive deformable barrier testing to assess head-on crash compatibility.

The digital multi-view mirror on the new model will pull images from four separate cameras to create a 360-degree and birds-eye view of the vehicle, for improved visibility.

Subaru plans for the new Crosstrek to hit the Japanese market in 2023 before being introduced to other key markets – like Australia.