First Look: 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek

News I By John Beltz Snyder I March 23, 2012

Subaru will debut its newest addition to its crossover lineup, the 2013 XV Crosstrek, at the New York International Auto Show.

Coming to America this fall, the XV Crosstrek is based on the Impreza platform, but receives a lift and some other fundamental changes to set it apart. It will be powers by a 2.0-liter flat four, producing 148 horsepower. Power is put to all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission or an available CVT. It is expected to get 25 miles per gallon in the city, and 33 on the highway.

The five-door XV Crosstrek will be offered in two twim levels: the base, called Premium, and the Limited, which includes the CVT as standard, interior leather, auto climate control, auto headlights, HD radio, and a backup camera.

Scroll down for more information in the press release.

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek® to Debut at New York International Auto Show

– New fun-to-drive, high-capability compact crossover

– 2.0-liter BOXER® engine and up to 33 miles per gallon

– Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, 8.7 inch ground clearance

– Available in Premium and Limited models

– Comprehensive infotainment technology

CHERRY HILL, N.J., March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that it is expanding its line of award-winning crossover-type vehicles with the all-new 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek. The versatile, fun-to-drive Subaru XV Crosstrek, which arrives this fall, combines bold five-door design with an expanded-capability chassis, high fuel economy and everyday comfort. The new Subaru XV Crosstrek will debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.

(Subaru based the new Subaru XV Crosstrek on the Impreza® platform, making significant changes to the chassis and body and configuring interior standard equipment and options specifically for this new model. All 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek models are powered by a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter BOXER engine, teamed to Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive via a five-speed manual transmission or available second-generation Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Although official the Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy figures are not yet available, Subaru projects the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek to be the most fuel-efficient all-wheel drive crossover on the market. Manufacturer-estimated fuel economy figures are 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined. The 15.9-gallon fuel tank in the Subaru XV Crosstrek is 1.4 gallons greater than that in the Impreza models.

Built for Rugged Action or Everyday Driving

Compared to the Subaru Impreza five-door model it is based on, the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek incorporates numerous body and chassis enhancements for its expanded-capability mission. Black side- and wheel-arch cladding, rocker spoiler and roof rails provide a rugged contrast to the body color. The higher ride height, roof spoiler and unique-design 17-inch wheels bolster the Subaru XV Crosstrek model’s go-anywhere stance and attitude. Front and rear bumpers and the front grille are unique to the Subaru XV Crosstrek, and dark-tint privacy glass is standard.

The rugged styling is backed up by function, as the four-wheel independent suspension features a raised configuration in the Subaru XV Crosstrek. The new crossover model’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance is higher than for most other crossovers and even some dedicated SUVs. The Subaru XV Crosstrek uses standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R17 all-season tires to provide all-weather traction and performance. The four-wheel disc brake system in the Subaru XV Crosstrek features larger front rotors than on the Impreza 2.5i models.

The standard five-speed manual transmission includes the Subaru Incline Start Assist feature, which will briefly hold the vehicle while the driver coordinates brake and clutch to pull away from a stop on a hill. Available for the Subaru XV Crosstrek Premium models and standard on the Limited trim line; the Subaru Lineartronic CVT provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios with no discernable steps or shifts. The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. A six-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters allows the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios. With either transmission choice, a standard ECO gauge helps the driver to operate the vehicle as economically as possible.

Subaru Safety

For safety, the Subaru Ring-Shaped Frame Reinforcement body structure has been proven in more than a decade of use. Inside, the Subaru XV Crosstrek fills out its safety roster with a driver’s knee airbag and standard front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage. The passenger-seat front airbag features a shell-type design with a center groove, thus exposing the passenger to less impact force upon deployment.

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) combines stability and traction control functions. Traction control works to augment the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive functionality. The 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) integrates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist safety system. A new Brake Override system ensures that the engine power will be cut when both the brake and accelerator are pressed simultaneously.

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Subaru offers two different Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek models. With the five-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear. Slippage at either set of wheels will send more power to the opposite set.

Models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT feature the Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical AWD. An electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively manages power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, and available traction. The Active Torque Split system automatically transfers more power (up to 100 percent) to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur.

Roomy, Versatile Interior

A 103.7-inch wheelbase yields impressive interior roominess in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek. Rear seat legroom in the Subaru XV Crosstrek of 35.4 inches is close to that of some midsize cars. Large door pockets can hold plastic drink bottles and large maps. Numerous compartments located in and around the center console hold all manner of today’s personal items, such as phones, USB drives and MP3 players.

With the standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded, this versatile five-door crossover provides a completely flat load floor with up to approximately 52.4 cubic feet of carrying space. The cargo area is outfitted as standard with a cover that can be pulled into place or removed, a removable waterproof tray, tie-down hooks, and grocery bag hooks. Subaru dealers will offer a number of accessories for the standard roof rails for carrying items like bicycles and kayaks.

Two Trim Lines

Subaru will offer the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek in Premium and Limited models, the latter adding additional luxury amenities and infotainment technology. Among the standard features in the Premium are a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth® control switches; power windows, door locks and side mirrors; multi-function display with fuel economy information; security system with engine immobilizer; outside temperature gauge, and carpeted floormats. The standard audio system in the Premium model features Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), iPod® control capability, USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and six speakers.

In addition to making the Lineartronic CVT standard, the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Limited adds leather-trimmed upholstery, steering wheel and shift handle; automatic climate control system; auto on/off headlights, and a rear seat armrest with dual cupholders. A standard display-type audio system in the Subaru XV Crosstrek Limited incorporates a rear-vision camera and also features a 4.3-inch display screen and standard HD Radio™.

Standard on the Limited and available for the Premium, the All-Weather Package gives the Subaru XV Crosstrek heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. Both the Subaru XV Crosstrek Premium and Limited offer a power moonroof and a navigation system as standalone options. The navigation system uses a 6.1-inch touch screen LCD display and integrates a rear-vision camera, voice control, iTunes® tagging, SMS text messaging capability, XM Satellite Radio® and XM NavTraffic® (both XM services require subscriptions). Updated map data can be downloaded to a personal computer and then transferred into the system via secure digital (SD) card.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.

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