Subaru South Africa has unveiled its much anticipated XV Crossover vehicle at the biggest motoring event of the year, The Johannesburg International Motor Show.
The XV, Subaru tells us, offers the practicality, ground clearance and ride height of an SUV with the manoeuvrability and driving comfort of a family car. The design echoes the crossover theme, blending an unmistakeably Subaru profile with a sporty overall presence, while bringing out signature Subaru design cues such as the hexagonal grille and hawk eye-style headlights.
A standout feature is its unique alloy rim design, finished with silver spokes and black surrounds.
In my opinion the XV has one of the most stylish interiors in the current Subaru range. It's both roomy and luxurious; Subaru have gone to great lengths to increase cabin space while maintaining a shorter wheel base. It has generous front legroom and extra space under the front seats for rear passengers' feet. There are a number of storage compartments throughout the cabin and a decent-sized boot.
The interior is decidedly sporty, but with luxury features such as a leather-covered steering wheel with satellite controls for the multifunction display, audio, and cruise control.
The XV will be available in South Africa with a two-litre, flat-four DOHC 'boxer' petrol engine for which Subaru quotes 110kW at 6200rpm and 196Nm at 4200 - not necessarily class-leading but impressive for what is basically an urban cruiser. It drives through either a six-speed manual 'box or Lineartronic constantly variable transmission and Subaru's signature symmetrical all-wheel drive.
Right now the pearl white XV in the picture above is the only one in South Africa - see it at the Jo'burg motor show - but the XV will go on sale here in the first quarter of 2012. Prices, as always, when they get here.