Test drive Subaru XV 2.0i: A special combination
SUV-specific exterior, boxer engine, four-wheel drive and continuously variable transmission CVT
The question of whether the XV is a true SUV is interesting, but only from a theoretical standpoint. In practice, the technology tie-in with the Impreza takes a backseat, with nine-centimeter higher ground clearance, massive body panels and features such as roof racks, giving the new generation XV not only a significant edge on the beaten track, but also an adventurous SUV in recently looks so popular among consumers. That it's not just a spectacle is proven by the Japanese marque's iconic dual transmission, coupled with a low center of gravity provided by the two-litre petrol boxer engine that is no less typical of Subaru. Unlike many SUVs today, the compact XV not only has the looks, but everything you need to tackle rough, steep and slippery terrain. The automatic descent system and dual transmission X-mode, which improve traction at speeds up to 40 km / h in difficult conditions, are not toys, but a fully effective weapon to deal with Mr. Murphy, who is just waiting to leave. skiing or fishing…
In day-to-day life, you may not experience many of these possibilities, but many people will be satisfied with the comfort of the tall seats and the quality of the interior with the atypical but rather practical arrangement of the dual-screen dashboard on the center console. Most of the functions can be controlled using the (numerous) buttons on the steering wheel, which, after a period of getting used to, takes place without being distracted from the road ahead.
Far from the WRC
In the minds of fans, the Impreza name is forever associated with the World Rally Championship, but the XV is quite far from the sporting ambitions of its close technological cousin. The continuously variable automatic transmission Lineartronic, which is standard on all model variants, precisely selects gear ratios and is able to remain completely invisible for a more relaxed driving style. But if you choose to regularly tweak the 156bhp naturally aspirated boxer, you'll quickly feel the 1,5 ton XV weight at the work of the transmission, which drastically shortens the gears, looking for torque at high speeds and corresponding high noise levels. As a result, the dynamics of the new XV can be called decent, but without any sporting ambitions. This is the behavior of the suspension, which strives to achieve a good balance of stability and comfort in a smooth ride, where average fuel consumption is around 8,5 l / 100 km. In principle, it is possible to go down to a level below seven liters, but for this you need to seriously be patient.
Subaru takes safety very seriously and the XV comes standard with many of today's electronic driver assistants. The comfort and multimedia equipment of the Exclusive version is also good and contains both a navigation system and adaptive cruise control.
EVALUATION
+ Spacious interior, quality materials and workmanship, excellent traction on any terrain, many electronic driver assistance systems
– The combination of engine and transmission is characterized by relatively high consumption and at times high noise levels.
Text: Miroslav Nikolov
