Today, practically all manufacturers on the market offer attractive SUV body models and crossover philosophy. These cars offer a higher driving position and aesthetic proposals that seduce the customer.
However, the consolidation of these models has coincided with a progressive disappearance of the versions equipped with all-wheel drive. Many customers want the image of robustness or the aforementioned elevated position behind the wheel, but they are not considering leaving the asphalt to explore new places on dirt tracks.
In any case, all-wheel drive is an important added value in terms of dynamic safety, especially when driving regularly on surfaces with poor grip. Subaru is a leading brand in SUV cars, with a long and fruitful history based on models as charismatic and effective as, for example, the Forester.
The new proposal from the Japanese brand is the Crosstrek, a model that replaces the XV. If we take a look at its characteristics, it is another 4.5 m SUV, one more in an extensive list. So, what are your best arguments? Does it offer any added value?
Subaru has historically been a different brand and, above all, its hallmark has been all-wheel drive, which has been maintained over the years and with the launch of new models. The traction of this car is managed through X-Mode and is a system that controls the engine, transmission, traction and brakes, managing to optimize traction on slippery surfaces and on steep slopes.
This technology makes a difference and the driver can select between Snow Dirt and Deep Snow Mud driving modes, thus adapting to the surface on which they are driving. Without being a pure off-roader, the Crosstrek provides many joys to drivers who like to explore complicated terrain. In addition, it has a hill descent control that reduces speed and allows you to make descents without applying the brake and focusing solely on steering.
We liked other details that affect off-road driving. For example, X-Mode also works when driving in reverse. Likewise, it is important, when tackling rocky areas or large ruts, to have considerable body clearance: in this sense, the Crosstrek has an excellent minimum ground clearance of 220 mm.
The Crosstrek offers a single engine, a circumstance that may harm its commercial trajectory. That said, the engine seems like a success to us, since it is an option equipped with hybridization (called e-Boxer), thanks to a small electric motor located inside the transmission and that allows you to travel a few hundred meters at a time. speeds less than 40 km/h.
This two-liter, four-cylinder in-line engine develops 136 HP of power, enough to move the vehicle with ease. Hybridization does not prevent fuel consumption from being slightly high (7.7 l/100 km), but it provides the advantages derived from having the Eco label from the DGT.
Aside from its differentiating features, the new Crosstrek offers interesting new features compared to the previous XV. There is an attractive aesthetic update focused on the front and the equipment is truly complete in all sections. The suite of driving aids (EyeSight Driver Assist) has improved with new faster and more efficient software and connectivity advances with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 11.6-inch vertical touch-screen central information screen is excellent and also has hard switches for some functions that can thus be executed without taking your eyes off the road. The interior habitability is correct, although the trunk capacity, at 315 liters, is below that of most of its competitors.
Road behavior benefits from an improved chassis and optimized weight distribution. The truth is that it exhibits optimal passage through curves of all types, the steering is smooth and precise and the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles makes the driver’s work easier at all times.
