Test drive Subaru XV – Road test
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FROM "Refueling with liquefied petroleum gas the Japanese company's sports utility vehicle cuts operating costs without giving up shine.
The setting is tough, but there is road holding earns by being able to count on four-wheel drive
There are brands that can be recognized at a glance even by those who are not passionate about the sector.
Among them, oddly enough, there are Subaru.
Among Japanese manufacturers, Casa delle Pleiadi (the constellation brand) has carved a niche for itself thanks to its two technical features: permanent all-wheel drive and a 4-cylinder boxer engine.
But the third distinctive element must not be overlooked: the offering of models LPG.
Subaru has extensive experience with gas fuels, acquired when she did not have diesel engines yet and had to face European competition with alternative solutions, especially in the Italian and French markets, which have always been attentive to the cost of using cars.
Thus, after many years of cooperation with various system manufacturers, since 2001, the Japanese company has always offered a gas option for its models.
He has now partnered with BRC, one of the leading companies in the industry, for 48 months.
It is a Subaru XV LPG couldn't be missing.
engine
We tested a more powerful version with a two-liter 147 hp engine. (there is still 1.6 110 hp), which is best for this type of car, is not light and with 4 × 4 constant thrust absorption (symmetrical).
The engine responds well both when using gasoline and when switching to gas.
The greatest performance differences are felt during recovery, when the top gear ratios are large and LPG shortens the time.
In the city, on the mixed and on the highway Subaru XV it is always manoeuvrable and always at its best: downshifting is recommended only for the most difficult overtaking.
What pleases me when traveling on gas is the regularity of the reaction: the car in a cold state or under heavy load (sixth power recovery from low engine speeds) does not break or "chop" (typical gas problems).
So we soon forget that this is dual-fuel.
Refueling is also simple: the filler neck is built into the fuel filler flap.
Consumption and autonomy
If the performance can be described as brilliant, the discussion of consumption deserves a deeper analysis: in the city it slightly exceeds 10 km / l, while in the suburbs it ranges from 11,5 to 12,8 km / l, depending on the use of the accelerator ...
On gasoline, you drive a few more kilometers, reaching 14,5 km / l.
On gasoline, the range ranges from 350 to 500 km: not bad for a car with a 48-liter toroidal tank (80% of its capacity).
Cylinder weight does not affect road behavior: Subaru XV it's safe, agile and fun.
guide
All-wheel drive provides an extra layer of safety when the surface gets slippery or you leave the tarmac to immerse yourself in nature.
On irregularities, the suspension is very stiff and sometimes a few shocks shake: on dirt roads, where the wheel travel is low, it is better not to overdo it at a speed.
A less convincing aspect is the gearbox with slightly contrasting elements.
You have to get used to its "solidity".
