SUBARU is about to become the latest member of the ‘crossover club’ with the arrival of the XV five-seater.
With underpinnings from the Impreza hatch, the XV will be available with a choice of 1.6 or two-litre petrol engines or Subaru’s impressive two-litre boxer diesel.
As with all Subarus the XV is all-wheel-drive and the vehicle has a relatively high ride height to help tackle rough conditions.
The car has already gained top marks in the Euro NCAP safety tests and all models are fitted with stability controls as well as a full array of airbags which includes protection at driver knee level.
It will compete against the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga and is due on sale in the next few weeks.
Prices and exact specification have still to be announced but it is likely the XV will tip the scales around the £20,000 mark.
The petrol versions will be fitted with stop/start technology to improve economy while Subaru has also developed a new CVT gearbox which will be available as an option. The standard set up makes use of six-speed manual transmissions.
In the current Subaru line up the XV will sit between the Impreza hatch and the Forester SUV and its rugged styling is likely to give it necessary appeal in the leisure market.