The all-new Subaru XV crossover has arrived in South Africa.

The XV is very definitely a crossover vehicle — while it offers the practicality and athletic looks required of a vehicle in this segment, the all-new XV's party piece is class-leading ground clearance of 220mm, which in combination with the signature Constant Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and Boxer engine layout, offers a driving experience that has been reserved for full-fledged, larger SUVs.

The XV sports a uniquely Subaru profile with a sporty, energetic overall presence. The XV features a number of typical Subaru design traits — such as the grille and headlights, for instance.   

The XV's 17-inch dual-tone aluminium wheels features contrasting silver spokes and black surrounds.

The corners of the front and rear bumpers have been redesigned to enhance the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. The XV comes in a particularly striking new colour called Tangerine Orange Pearl. It is also available in Satin White Pearl, Obsidian Black Pearl, Camellia Red Pearl, Ice Silver and Deep Cherry Pearl.

The interior is pretty spacious, with the A-pillars being moved forward.

A sunroof is fitted as standard, with both tilt and slide options — structural reinforcing has been added to ensure that the roof maintains the same level of integrity as that of a normal roof.

The XV is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder DOHC petrol engine. This powerplant, which boasts plenty of low-down torque, delivers 110kW of power at 6200rpm and 196Nm of torque at 4200 rpm.

This engine is part of the new FB range of engines, which also powers the revised Forester. The new engine incorporates a number of significant design features, including a more compact combustion chamber, enhanced intake ports and valves, optimised injector positions and lighter pistons and connecting rods. Friction was reduced by overhauling the cooling system and by adding roller rockers to the moving valve train system.

Subaru's engineers achieved a longer stroke while maintaining the same overall engine width as the previous engine, by modifying the layout of the valve driving system and its drive mechanism, and redesigning the cylinder block and cylinder head mechanism.

The new engine employs a chain type cam drive, which allows for a maintenance-free compact design. The use of a chain system has also permitted a size reduction for the crank and cam sprocket, which contributes to limiting enlargement of the total width. The adoption of high-strength chains contributes to reduced friction.

The 2.0-litre Boxer petrol engine is mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or Lineartronic CVT. Based on the six-speed manual transmission as equipped in the Legacy, its gear ratios have been adapted so that newly-developed FB engine can handle urban driving conditions as easily as high-speed motorway travel. The CVT model comes with paddle type shifters on either side of the steering wheel allowing for greater control in manual mode.

Pricing:

XV 2.0 Manual: R329 000

XV 2.0 CVT: R339 000

Included in the price are the full maintenance plan of three years or 75 000kms, and warranty of three years or 100 000kms. Service intervals are every 15 000kms.