SUBARU OPENS PRE-ORDERS FOR CROSSTREK

Subaru’s Crosstrek small SUV, formerly known as the XV, is expected (but not confirmed) to make its Australian debut in April. Subaru are already taking pre-orders, though, with the books opened in January for the all-new model.

“The Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV with real SUV credentials; it can zip through urban streets throughout the week and take you off-the-beaten track on the weekend,” said Subaru Australia’s Managing Director, Blair Read.

“This is not a jacked up small car; this is a small SUV with real capability. Underpinned by the Subaru Global Platform, drivability and comfort have improved for this new generation model, offering owners an engaging yet refined driving experience.

The Crosstrek will be offered in five variants, all with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive, X-Mode and a choice of conventional petrol or “e-Boxer” hybrid power, based on the proven 2.0-litre boxer engine and matched to a Lineartronic CVT that offers eight-speed paddle shift adjustment on the standard engine and seven-speed ‘manual mode’ on the hybrid.

The model grades – AWD 2.0L, AWD 2.0R, AWD 2.0S, AWD Hybrid L and AWD Hybrid S – will be well-equipped with the latest infotainment technologies and intuitive safety systems, according to Subaru.

Some of the Crosstrek’s upgrades over the XV it replaces include a larger 11.6-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and USB A and C ports.

All grades will come with a smart key, LED headlights and power mirrors, with the non-hybrid variant including LED DRLs.

Inside the Crosstrek, cloth or leather-accented seats have been redesigned to improve comfort, with dual-zone climate control standard across the range. A six-speaker sound system is standard, upgraded to a premium ten-speaker Harman Kardon system in the 2.0S and Hybrid S.

Safety spec includes an updated EyeSight Driver Assist system with a new camera that offers a wider field of view and also includes speed sign recognition and lane centring function. Subaru’s Vision Assist and Driver Monitoring System adds another level of safety, with nine airbags as standard.