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As the world's largest all-wheel drive car manufacturer, Subaru has been flying the flag in the compact SUV segment since the beginning of 2012. According to market research conducted by the Japanese, customers appreciate the typical advantages of the SUV vehicle class, but prefer to opt for a lower-priced entry-level solution. The XV is used by the Japanese automaker to compete with the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan. Externally perceptible as the fourth-generation Impreza, it shares the platform with the five-door. Accordingly, the specifications of those responsible at Subaru have been implemented in full. Since January 2016, the compact has been running a facelift with its competitors on the German market. The XV portfolio offers five engine / gearbox combinations and five equipment variants. The SUV with the 1.6i petrol engine and a five-speed manual transmission starts at 19.990 euros.
Test report: Subaru XV 2.0 D Exclusive
SUV boxer with two letters
The compact one provides us with 108 kW (147 PS). This seems to be correct with an empty weight of around 1.44 tons, but with a torque of 350 Newton meters at 1.600 and 2.800 revolutions we are quickly taught even better. We were able to extend the top speed of around 198 km / h on one or the other highway trip without any problems. We came very close to the specified combination value of 5,4 liters of diesel consumption. With three engines, the drive on the XV remains clear. In addition to the two petrol engines with 1.6 and 2 liter cubic capacities, there is the 2.0 liter diesel unit. All three engines are four-cylinder boxer engines. Subaru is keeping its boxer philosophy and can always optimize this technology. Due to their design, the engines can be installed lower, which leads to a more favorable vehicle center of gravity. The smooth running of the engine and the smoother running provide important arguments. We were able to find out whether they are convincing during our 14-day test with the XV 2.0D Boxer Exclusive.
SUV with a lot of comfort
The Subaru XV offers a high level of comfort as soon as you get in. The very deep side sills allow easy access. An additional step with a non-slip surface makes it easier for children to get in and out. In general, the dimensions of the compact SUV comfortably accommodate 5 people. When fully seated, the 380 liter load volume is more than comfortable. The load volume with the seats folded down to the edge of the roof is 1.270 liters. That makes shopping in the furniture or hardware store very easy. Objects can be loaded very comfortably through the large tailgate. Unfortunately, contrary to the current trend in the automotive industry, this cannot be operated electrically and must always be opened or closed manually.
On and off road capabilities
The front of the compact SUV is characterized by wide aprons that are drawn up to the sides. The brand logo is prominently framed by the chrome radiator grille, the rounded sides of the headlights continue in straight beading over the entire length of the vehicle, before they just end at the rear lights. At the rear, the headlights ensure a dynamic appearance. At exactly 1,78 meters wide and 1,57 meters high, the car is also narrower and lower than its competitors. Its optimized wind slipperiness and aerodynamics have a positive effect on fuel consumption and exhaust emissions (141 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer) precisely because of its six-speed manual transmission. We don't quite reach the specified values, but we have a lot of fun with the performance of the XV thanks to the manual transmission. The compact SUV, which is only available as a five-seater, is on the road both as a city dweller and as a soft off-roader. The engineers from Japan want to offer a high level of safety, driving fun and reliability in the XV with its on- and off-road capabilities. In doing so, they face the challenge that an SUV is not only defined by its multitude of purposes, but should also generally offer its customers stress-free driving over long distances and under difficult conditions.
Four-wheel for the small wallet
In order to meet the needs and wishes of its customers, Subaru has put together a total of five equipment variants - Trend, Active, Comfort, Exclusive and Exclusive + - with five engine / transmission combinations. The Japanese automaker starts with the XV 1.6i Trend and five-speed manual transmission at € 19.990. As with all Subaru XV models, the "Symmetrical AWD" all-wheel drive from the Japanese forge is available as standard. Our test vehicle, the XV 2.0D Exclusive with six-speed manual transmission, can be ordered from € 29.390.
And finally ... With the XV compact SUV, Subaru is not just offering any competitor in the segment. Due to its extreme suitability for everyday use and the driving pleasure gained in connection with the Boxer Diesel, it can definitely be an alternative to the German providers.
[toggle title=”Engine and Transmission”]
Subaru |
XV 2.0 D Exclusive |
| Motor | Boxer diesel |
| Capacity | 1.998 ccm³ |
| Performance | 147 PS @ 3.600 RPM |
| kraft | 350 Nm @ 1.600 - 2.800 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual transmission |
| drive axle | all wheel drive |
| Length Width Height | 4.450, 1.780, 1.570 mm |
| wheelbase | 2.635 mm |
| Empty weight | 1.445 kg |
| turning circle | 11,4m |
| top speed | 198 km/h |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h | 9,3 sec |
| standard consumption | 5.4 l / 100 km |
| everyday driver | 5.8 l / 100 km |
| Eco-expert | 4.9 l / 100 km |
| Field service mode | 6.1 l / 100km |
