La second generation of Subaru XV It hit the market in 2018. Compared to its predecessor, it was a great leap forward, as it incorporated a large technological arsenal and improved security. Also, as in the Impreza, abandoned diesel mechanics to focus on gasoline. This risky bet earned him some criticism, because due to the power, tact and fine-tuning of these mechanics, he did not finish pleasing in Spain.
However, the Asian firm had an ace up its sleeve: switch to hybridization. Now, two years after its launch, Introduced Subaru XV ecoHYBRID. With it, in addition to offering a more performance version, they secure a trophy: the coveted ECO label from the General Directorate of Traffic. If you are interested in this model, and you are looking to differentiate yourself from ordinary mortals, keep reading, because its virtues will conquer you.
Original down to the last detail – typical Subaru
The aesthetics of the Subaru XV ecoHYBRID does not differ much from other versions of the range. However, if we look at it carefully we will see that there are some details that do differentiate it. First we will stop at the front. There we find the optical group ring in silver, a new grille in metallic and black finish or the anti-fog LEDs, with the casing in a metallic finish.
If we lag behind, there are also news. First of all, there are the piano black and metal finish roof rails. In the background there is a spoiler on the piano black window. Finally, as expected, the deserved ones appear ecoHYBRID logos that differentiate this version from the others. The rest of the basic lines do not vary, although a new tone to dress the bodywork: Lagoon Blue Pearl.
Subaru XV ecoHYBRID cockpit receives slight changes
like all good Subaru, the XV ecoHYBRID exudes quality, good materials and careful adjustments. As is the case on the outside, the interior does not undergo changes in depth, although nuances arrive to remind us of which version we are facing. First of all, there is the HD screen with information about the hybrid system. Second, the cockpit receives a new blue background, providing a touch of elegance and distinction.
Moving on to the dashboard and doors, there are some bronze trim. Finally, the Executive Plus version dresses its two-tone leather seats black-pearl This combination of colors, textures and materials is designed to last for many kilometers, whether on the road or in the field. In this land it is surprising how well isolated it is and the absence of crickets or parasitic noises from poorly fitted or low quality materials.
Habitability and trunk capacity in the segment average
The Subaru XV ecoHYBRID is built on the global brand platform. Thanks to it, it offers generous dimensions that allow it to offer a habitability in the average of its segment. With 4,46 meters in length and a 2,66 meter wheelbase allows five occupants to accommodate without great stress. The front seats are generous in all its dimensions, with amplitude of adjustments in the case of the driver.
In the second row the situation changes a bit. The outdoor spaces are generous and spacious, but the central one loses some space for the feet through the central tunnel, although there are rivals with worse space. Lastly is the trunk. Regarding the unhybridized XV, the capacity is 340 liters up to the tray. If we lower the seats, keeping the tray, it is 765 liters. With these shot down and without a tray it amounts to 1.193 litres.
EyeSight: the guardian angel of all Subaru
One of the great novelties of the XV is the EyeSight security system. The priority at the Japanese firm is to offer the best safety in its cars and for this it proposes a set of market-leading active driving aids. In this package, there is no lack of elements such as the pre-collision braking function, pre-collision brake assist, cruise control and adaptive cruise or lane departure warning function.
Completing the equipment, which is standard throughout the range, the lane keeping function, throttle control, skid warning and the forward car advance warning. To all are added the adaptive Full LED headlights or rear vehicle sensing system and dead angle (SRVD). To bring this technology to life, it relies on the cameras located in the upper area of the windshield and the interior that monitors the driver.
The protagonist in the Subaru XV ecoHYBRID is under the hood
Doing some memory you must remember the Subaru Crosstrek Well, have we ever told you about him? In summary, I will tell you that it is the XV that is sold in the US. A year ago they announced that in this market they would add to their offer the brand's first plug-in hybrid powertrain. Its name is StarDrive and unlike the one we have tested, the technology that gives it life is developed in collaboration with its partner Toyota.
Taking into account this starting point and the Subaru Forester Eco Hybrid launch, let's find out what changes one and the other. Regarding the first, say that it is not pluggable, limiting itself to adding the support of a single electric motor to the thermal block. With the second, the similarities are more pronounced, since basically it is the same technology transplanted to another model.
Part of a gasoline block 2.0 liter e-Boxer without turbo and, this time, with direct injection. It delivers a power of 110 kW (150 hp) and 194 Nm of torque at 4.000 rpm. To help you rely on a electric motor, integrated into the Lineartronic automatic transmission, with 12,3 kW (16,7 hp) and a maximum torque of 66 Nm. The joint return is 150 CV and the maximum final torque is identical to that offered by the e-Boxer engine.
Its force reaches all four wheels through the brand's AWD symmetrical all-wheel drive system. To power the electrical part, it uses a 118,4-volt lithium-ion battery. The maximum power output is 13,5 kW, so it is limited to support under certain circumstances to the thermal block. And how does it feel going? Well, it maintains the hallmark of Subaru mechanics: refinement and sweetness.
Agile dynamics on the road and powerful in the field
Sitting behind the controls of the Subaru XV ecoHYBRID is like doing it on the sofa at home. With a single glance, you know where every control and screen is to control what happens while driving. achieve the ideal driving position It is very easy, making the passing of the kilometers not noticeable. From that base, and the knowledge he had of other models of the brand, he knew that this test, although brief, would be intense.
First, we circulate through the city, highway and motorway
The first section ran from Atocha to Finca Montealegre. The route was chosen on purpose, to demonstrate that we were driving a model that can circulate in the center of large cities and on roads open to traffic with great solvency. Talking about consumption in such a short test is difficult, because there is no time to get reliable data. However, even being somewhat more greedy than his rivals, keeps stockings tight for what it offers.
In any case, the important thing is to explain how your manners feel. On roads open to traffic, it is comfortable when it has to be and dynamic when tickles are sought, although a mountain stretch will not be its ideal place. The steering isn't the most communicative on the market, but with 2,6 turns between locks and the variable ratio VGR system It helps us guide you with ease and confidence.
True, we are in an SUV with a ground clearance of 22 centimeters. Therefore, still not expecting the dynamics of a GTI, we can say that it turns very stable and very safe towards the place that we indicate with the steering wheel. The only point we could criticize would be the CVT shift noise. In manual-sequential mode, the seven preset speeds are well chosen and the paddles help with rapid insertion.
On the other hand, circulating in automatic mode, and in situations of high power demand, the slip and sound is not the most pleasant. Another strong point is the AWD symmetrical all-wheel drive system with Active Torque Vectoring (ATV). Thanks to a distribution of 60 percent in the front axle and 40 in the rear, the grip is assured in any situation.
And then came the field and the fun
The last part began a few kilometers from the farm, making it clear that he can enter areas where his rivals would have a very, very bad time. In the field it is surprising, because at first glance one might think that it will get stuck anywhere. But no, it is not like that, because if you take a look at the video on our Instagram you will see that he is a full blown giant killer.
Several factors come into play here. On the one hand the AWD all-wheel drive, on the other hand the X mode system and finally the off road dimensions. With 18 degrees of approach angle, 21,5 degrees breakover and 28,6 degrees of departure, it can tackle steep climbs and descents without fear of hitting the bottom. In addition, this area is covered to improve aerodynamics on the road and avoid breakage due to blows when we circulate in the field.
The tests that they had prepared for us were of two types. A completely muddy circuit where we could check motor skills in extreme situations. Another track where we had to pass various tests, such as a inclined step, a steep descent and rise, or asymmetric grooves more than 40 centimeters deep. He overcame all of them without breaking a sweat, proving that the XV ecoHYBRID is an SUV with capital letters.
Conclusions
The Subaru's plans for this and the next decade they are ambitious. By 2025 they will launch their first one hundred percent electric model on the market and by 2030 they want 40 percent of their sales to be from electrified models. This figure should rise to 100% by the middle of this decade. They seem ambitious, but the XV ecoHYBRID is a very sensible step and adapted to what the market demands today.
What I'm going to say sounds like an advertorial or even some of you will think that I've been paid to say it, BUT IT'S NOT LIKE THAT. If he Forester is a recommended model, the XV ecoHYBRID is even more so. I explain. We are facing one of the safest, most reliable and exclusive compact SUVs on the market. The hybrid mechanics, even spending a little more than its rivals, is a delight for touch and solvency, not to mention its manners.
The counterpoint could be that it is only available with the two most complete finishes of the range. For this reason, its rates may be a bit higher than its rivals, but it is really worth it. In addition, we are in an era where everyone wants an SUV and where everyone is equal. With the XV ecoHYBRID you will flee from the path marked out by your rivals to be unique and in this aspect, its safety and reliability make the difference.
Equipment Subaru XV ecoHYBRID
SportsPlus
- EyeSight
- X mode
- AVH (Auto Vehicle Hold)
- VDC (Dynamic Vehicle Behavior Control)
- 7 Airbags (front, side, curtain and knee for the driver)
- Rear view camera
- ABS
- EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution)
- BOS (Braking assistance if accelerator and brake are pressed)
- Active and adjustable headrests
- ISOFIX anchors
- 8-inch central screen with audio system and 6 speakers
- Infotainment system Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
- Bluetooth and voice recognition Siri Eyes Free
- subaru starlink
- Multifunction steering wheel with audio control knobs
- Dual USB port and auxiliary audio input
- High performance multifunction display
- paddle shifters on the steering wheel
- Auto Start Stop with off button
- Electronic parking brake with ramp assist
- 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat
- Heated front seats
- 60/40 reclining rear seats
- aluminum pedals
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- remote control key
- map reading light
- courtesy mirrors
- Center center console with two cup holders
- Rear armrest with two cup holders
- Two 12-volt power outlets
- retractable trunk cover
- Automatic dual climate control with dust filter
- Climate control by voice
- Heated side mirrors
- Heated rear window with timer
- 18-inch wheels
- LED headlights and taillights
- SRH (Adaptive Headlights)
- Pop-up headlamp washers
- LED front fog lights
- rear fog lights
- Power folding mirrors with integrated turn signals
- Tinted windows
- Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Roof bars
- Shark fin roof antenna
Executive Plus (adds to Sport Plus)
- SRVD (Rear Vehicle and Blind Spot Detection System)
- Bi-color leather seat with orange stitching
- 8-way electronically adjustable driver's seat
- Smart access key with push button start
- PIN code access
- Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror
- Power sunroof
- HBA (Light Beam Assistant)
Subaru XV ecoHYBRID prices
| Motor | Change | Traction | Finish | Price without discounts | Price with promotions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | Change | Traction | Finish | Price without discounts | Price with promotions |
| 2.0iHybrid | Automatic CVT | permanent comprehensive | SportsPlus | 32.500 € | 30.500 € |
| 2.0iHybrid | Automatic CVT | permanent comprehensive | ExecutivePlus | 34.500 € | 32.500 € |
Gallery Subaru XV ecoHYBRID
More information about this model
- Plazas 5
- Power 114 - 150 hp
- Consumer goods 7,9 l / 100km
- Assessment 4