Subaru XV previewed - early bird price RM139,800

Motor Image has opened up the chance for the public to see the forthcoming crossover, Subaru XV up closer at their showroom in PJ. There is also a special early bird price for the locally-assembled crossover at RM139,800 although how much it varies from the final price is yet to be known.

For the uninformed, Tan Chong Motor has announced in March that it will assembled a series of Subaru cars, starting with the crossover XV. Subaru XV is the jacked-up Subaru Impreza hatchback with 220mm ground clearance and chunky body cladding slapped on. This is a true crossover between a hatchback and an SUV as despite the higher ground clearance, Subaru XV has  a slim and raked screens more akin to a hatchback. This will set it in a unique class, unlike the mainstream SUV like Honda CRV and Mazda CX-5. 

For Malaysian market, Subaru XV will be powered by the 2.0L flat-four engine cranking out 150bhp@6,200rpm and 196Nm@4,200rpm. The gasoline engine is paired with Linertronic CVT, channelling the drive to all four wheel via Subaru trademarked Symmetrical AWD.

Subaru XV measures 4,450mm long, 1,780mm wide, 1,570mm tall and rides on 2,635mm wheelbase. With the seating capacity of 5, the crossover also housed a 380L boot. Subaru XV rides on McPherson struts at the front and double wishbone suspension at the back. Braking is provided by disc setup all around.

Some photos of Subaru XV can be found after the jump.

Subaru XV Crossover Scores Highest Safety Rating

Subaru’s new compact crossover, the XV, has received the highest possible safety rating in crash safety tests in the USA. Subjecting the Subaru XV to moderate overlap frontal, side rollover and impact tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the car a ‘good’ rating, which is the top rank across all tests.

Earlier in 2012, the XV was also awarded five stars in the rigorous Euro NCAP safety tests, receiving the highest score ever recorded for child occupant protection at 90 per cent.

Subaru remains the only manufacturer with IIHS ‘Top Safety Pick’ awards for its entire model range currently on sale across North America – an accolade that the manufacturer has held for three consecutive years.  Top Safety Pick is conferred on those vehicles that receive ‘good’ ratings in each crash safety test conducted by the IIHS.

As well as an all-steel unitary structure and a large number of standard-fit airbags (dual front and side, driver’s knee, curtain and torso airbags) for excellent passive crash safety performance, Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control system and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive also contribute to world class road-holding in all conditions.  Ultra high-tensile steel is also used for key sections of the bodyshell to improve rigidity while keeping the XV’s kerb weight down.

For our market, Subaru XV is one the Subaru model to be assembled locally. Malaysian launch is stipulated to happen right at the end of the year.

Subaru XV production model unveiled

Subaru has shown the concept version of its crossover-cum-SUV earlier this year. That basically is a production car with a very loud exterior paint, and a virtually production interior minus the touch screen centre console and glassy surface. Now , the mass production version bowed in at Frankfurt. Looks familiar? Yep you guess it right, the XV is actually a jacked-up Impreza 5DR, with greater ground clearance and Subaru trademark AWD drivetrain.

The crossover has an "Urban Adventure" design concept, with consists of tough SUV-like exterior with features such as high ground clearance (220mm) and cladding around the wheel arches. The interior is re-configurable to maximise space utilization and features 4.3" color LCD. Overall impact is meant to create an enjoyment in urban lifestyle that combined greater fuel efficiency, driving pleasure and strong styling presence. More after the jump.