Frankfurt 2011: 2012 Subaru XV
With our first drive of the redesigned 2012 Subaru Impreza just around the corner, it makes sense that we are seeing the next derivative of the new Impreza platform. Called the XV, it’s basically a lifted, slightly more rugged version of the upcoming Impreza.
Power is provided by either a 1.6- or 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine. The European XV will be getting a diesel as well. Regardless of engines, the XV will make use of an all new continuously variable transmission (groan) and start-stop technology to increase the fuel economy of those notoriously thirsty flat-fours.
Considering Subaru has sold a lifted version of the Impreza for the past several years, it’s certainly reasonable to expect the XV will be at a Subaru dealership near you in the near future.
Please scroll down for the official press release from Subaru.
SUBARU LAUNCHES NEW XV AT FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW
Subaru’s new XV brings style and engineering excellence to compact crossover segment
Final design stays true to concept study
Interior focus on quality and spaciousness
New generation Boxer petrol and diesel engines feature
CVT and all new Auto Start-Stop system both available
Subaru Automobiles today announced the world premiere of the new Subaru XV (European specifications) at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The launch of the XV takes Subaru into the compact crossover segment for the first time, where combining style but with functionality is key. In this highly competitive segment, the XV will offer something different, and will bring a new level of engineering excellence.
In the XV, Subaru has achieved its aim of providing a stylish and distinctive crossover with trademark Subaru driving dynamics, but combined with high level of functionality and fuel efficiency.
Packaging
The XV’s interior provides:
A spacious and roomy passenger compartment
A cargo area that is both spacious and convenient to use
The door opening dimensions which have been enlarged and a seating position which allows much easier ingress and egress
Ample storage space for small objects provided at ideal locations
Large Multi-Function Display (MFD) which is highly visible in the upper middle section of the instrument panel for comfortable driving
Exterior design
The XV is a new type of crossover design that combines a stylish, dynamic form with a high body and side cladding to enhance the sense of functionality associated with an SUV.
Equipped with a hexagonal grille and hawk eye headlights, these design features emphasize the unique identity of the newest Subaru cars, while the striking and innovatively designed alloy wheels and cut-away cladding give the XV its sporting appearance.
The corners of the front and rear bumpers were designed with special edges that enhance the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle and also contribute to better fuel efficiency.
Interior design
Subaru’s designers worked hard on the XV’s interior to bring out the best qualities of the chosen materials and to give passengers a feeling of quality as well as spaciousness. Specifically:
An upmarket interior was created by balancing and combining the different tactile and emotional qualities of leather, metal, and cloth
The Multi-Function Display is highly visible in the upper middle section of the instrument panel and provides the driver and passengers with all the necessary information necessary in a highly intuitive format. Higher specification models will get a large 4.3 inch full-colour screen equipped with advanced infotainment such as eco-driving display and vehicle information display
Engines and transmissions
The new, 3rd generation Subaru Boxer engine, introduced this year with a totally new design, is installed in 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol models. Along with the usual merits that horizontally-opposed engines inherently possess, this engine has improved fuel efficiency and exhaust performance. Together with the adoption of the new Lineartronic (CVT), a newly developed "Auto Start System", the fuel efficiency was further improved.
A heavily revised version of Subaru’s Boxer Diesel, which was specially developed for the European market, is also featured in the XV line-up.
Making use of the inherent advantages of Chain-driven CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) such as lightness, compactness, superior fuel efficiency and wide ratio coverage, Subaru successfully developed a new CVT for the XV for improved environmental friendliness and drivability.
Fuel efficiency will be further improved through Subaru’s advanced new stop-start system which features a newly developed "change of mind control"* function to enable smooth restart within only 0.2 seconds of stopping.
Safety
A number of key features will take the XV to top of the class for safety.
By integrating the partition windows into the front doors and positioning the door mirrors on the door panels, class-leading forward visibility was achieved, and blind spots reduced. A stylish profile with a more streamlined rear roof edge was designed without impairing the rear field of view
In addition to SRS driver’s/passenger’s airbags, SRS side airbags and SRS curtain airbags, SRS driver’s knee airbag are installed as standard in all models
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) is installed in all models as standard. Its ‘intervention timing’ has been optimised while a brake assist function is also incorporated into the VDC system
Dimensions
Overall Length x Width x Height (mm): 4,450 x 1,780 x 1,570
Wheelbase (mm): 2,645
Track Front/Rear(mm): 1,525 /1,525
Minimum road clearance (at kerb weight)(mm): 220
Seating Capacity: 5
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