Geneva 2017: All-New Subaru XV Unveiled – New Platform and Direct-Injected Boxer Engine

Among the quieter, but no less prominent introductions at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, was the all-new second-generation Subaru XV, which was first teased in January. The first generation, launched in 2012, combined rugged looks, SUV practicality and Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD technology – traits the second-gen car intends to improve on.

The new model adopts the new Subaru Global Platform architecture and measures 4465mm in length, 1800mm in width and 1615mm in height – 15mm longer and 20mm wider than the previous model, with no increase in height. The wheelbase has grown by some 30mm to 2665mm now. Ground clearance is 220mm now.

The new platform achieves a center of gravity that is 5 mm lower than the outgoing model. Together with the major improvements in rigidity (claimed torsional rigidity up by 70%) and the improvements of the suspension system offers up better driving dynamics. The increased use of high-tensile steel plates including materials formed by the hot press method also enhance impact energy absorption by 40% in the event of a collision.

The steering gear ratio has been quickened from 14:1 to 13:1, further enhancing the Subaru XV’s maneuverability. Active Torque Vectoring enhances turning and steering performance. An electronic parking brake is a new addition.

The new XV is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed (Boxer) four-cylinder engine, which now gains direct-injection. Subaru claims 80% of the components have been revamped in the new engine, making it 12kg lighter than the outgoing unit. The engine produces 156PS and 196Nm of torque.

The engine is paired to a CVT-type automatic transmission which is now 7.8 kg lighter than before and has an expanded ratio coverage from 6.28 to 7.03. The new unit also includes a 7-speed manual mode. Power is sent to all four wheels through the company’s Symmetrical AWD system, equipped with Hill Descent Control.

As a standard safety equipment, Subaru’s ‘EyeSight’ suite of driver assist technology now adds Pre-Collision Braking Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist functions. High Beam Assist technology, which uses a monocular camera, detects preceding and oncoming vehicles and automatically switches headlights between high and low beam. The list also includes dynamic cornering headlights, which follow the steering direction of the car. Also added is blind spot detection, lane change assistance and reversing assistance.

On the interior, Subaru have addressed the infotainment system with 8.0-inch touch-screen display. The seat structures have been improved to aid quality and is now wrapped in 'breathable' seat covering, a smaller diameter steering also complements the new interior.

Details of the all-new Subaru XV product specifications will be announced for other markets in stages, beginning with the Japanese market specifications on March 8. The company will also show the US Crosstrek version at the New York International Auto Show in April.