
Subaru has unveiled the 2023 Crosstrek, the next-generation version of the automaker’s most compact vehicle.
In South Africa, this Subaru has always been known as the XV, though from the third generation onwards it will be badged as the Crosstrek in every country in which it is sold.
This four-wheel-drive crossover will start arriving in Japanese dealerships first in 2023 before being sent around the globe, sporting a reworked design, new tech, and a boxer engine.
What’s new
Design-wise, the new Crosstrek is a clear evolution from its predecessor, the LED headlights now being sharper and flowing into a redesigned grille, more extended protective cladding being seen along the sides, and the fenders protruding further at the rear.
At a length of 4,480mm, width of 1,800mm, and height of 1,580mm the Crosstrek stands 15mm longer and 35mm flatter than the XV, while the wheelbase has been extended by 5mm in comparison.
Similarly, the cabin retains a familiar layout but has been modernised through the addition of a larger 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen in the middle replacing the dual-screen setup from before.
The new seats are also more supportive, noise and vibration levels have been improved, and handling stability and rider comfort are enhanced thanks to structural improvements made to the Subaru Global Platform on which the Crosstrek is built, said the company.
In terms of tech, the new Subaru gains a multi-view monitor that stitches together the pictures from the four exterior cameras to provide a top-down, 360-degree view of the vehicle on the central display for low-speed manoeuvres.
The individual cameras have also been improved to provide nearly double the angle of view when compared to the previous units.
What’s more is that the Crosstrek now gets full-LED high and low beams as well as LED cornering lights, the latter of which is a first for the Subaru brand.
Under the hood of the models in Japan, the first country that’s getting the new Crosstrek, then lies a 2.0-litre “e-Boxer” power system paired with a Lineartronic CVT transmission.
The drivetrain uses “motor assist to deliver a more nimble-feeling ride” than the outgoing XV, said Subaru, though its final output and performance specifications have yet to be revealed.
It must be noted that Subaru South Africa has not yet confirmed whether the new Crosstrek will be going on sale locally.
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