One of the signatures of the Subaru lineup has been the dynamic AWD system that’s been part of the lineup with the only exception being the BRZ. With this system in place many of the models from Subaru offer impressive off road capabilities to be able to handle the drive wherever they need to go. Even though this system is impressive, there are times when you expect more and want a better feel on the trails. Subaru has heard the grumblings and now offers us a look at a newly designed SUV to handle the job.
The new Crosstrek, which has been built on a brand new platform, made its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show. This SUV hasn’t been redesigned since 2012 and now it finally has. The new platform is lighter, stiffer and stronger than it was in the past which makes the Crosstrek more dynamic on the road while being safer, quieter and more efficient. Adding to this capability is the 8.7-inches of ground clearance and the symmetrical AWD system that now had hill descent control and a new X-Mode driving mode that allows for optimal driving on roads that are in less than perfect condition.
The engine of the Crosstrek, which is the familiar 2.0-liter Boxer, has been improved to offer a little more power and better overall efficiency. The CVT has also been improved to become more responsive and give you a more natural feel, which is what we want from a CVT. This new engine offers you 154 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque with the added benefit of torque vectoring to give you the control you need at the wheels that need it most. This torque vectoring is one of the major improvements to make the Crosstrek a better vehicle to drive on the trails.
As for the looks and the features of this SUV the overall appearance is familiar, which should make most fans happy. The “hawk eye” headlights have been added and there is a wider and more upright grill that’s been included as well. This gives the Crosstrek a streamlined look that’s sharper but still rugged and planted, making it more visually appealing than it was in the past. The cabin is also upgrade with better materials and an eight-inch touchscreen for the infotainment and comfort controls that you want inside a modern vehicle.
The EyeSight suite of driver assistance technology features are now going to be offered as standard fare on the Crosstrek. This suite includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, adaptive headlights, rear vehicle detection, lane change assistance and blind spot monitoring. The seats add a bit of color with contrasting orange stitching that makes this an interior space that you’ll love to drive from. The addition of these items and an improved sound system make the Crosstrek a new SUV that will be on the list of vehicles you want to look for during the upcoming 2018 model year.
While this model has made its debut in Geneva, the New York Auto Show will be where it makes its US debut. In Europe the vehicle is called the XV but we call it the Crosstrek in the US but either way, with the upgrades and improvements that have been made to this SUV it will certainly be an easy one for anyone to look at and feel like they can drive and enjoy on a daily basis. Certainly we’ll learn more in April at the New York Auto Show as the Crosstrek makes its trek to the US to impress us before heading to dealers in the fall.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.
