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18/08/2011
REVIEW By EWAN KENNEDY
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It’s no longer a dream, it’s going to be a reality. When we saw the Subaru XV Concept at the New York Motor Show earlier this year we instantly fell in love with it. So did many Australians when the show car came to Melbourne to be displayed at AIMS (Australian International Motor Show) in July.
Now, the Japanese company has announced the Subaru XV will go into production. Note that it’s called simply Subaru XV at this stage, rather than Impreza XV, a title that has been used in previous XV models. The XV is, of course, based on the upcoming new Impreza range.
That’s the good news, the bad news is that Subaru hasn’t yet been confirmed as definitely coming to Australia. Given that Aussies have bought all-wheel drive (AWD) wagons from Subaru for many decades, the sooner a positive answer is announced the better…
Subaru has long been famed for tough station wagons that not only have the added traction of all-wheel drive, but also extra ride height. These are not 4WDs in the true sense of the term, although a good driver can tackle semi-serious off-road conditions.
The crisp lines of the new generation Subaru Impreza are a welcome change from the somewhat average looks of Imprezas of recent years. In XV format comes with lower body changes, particularly at the front, that give it plenty of character. The black coloured lower bumper areas and wheel-arch protection mouldings not only add toughness to the VX Concept’s appearance, but also provide protection when used in off-road conditions.
There’s an interesting treatment of the exhaust outlets, again done in black.
A departure from Subaru’s normal design theme in the Subaru XV, at least in its concept format, is the use of an all black glass roof. This roof type is all the rage in Europe and it will be interesting to see if that detail is offered on all models.
The Subaru XV in concept form was powered by the company’s latest design of 2.0-litre boxer engine and would presumably will sit in front of the continuously variable transmission Subaru calls the Lineartronic. Subaru’s turbo-diesel engine would work well in Australia and is no doubt on the list of options being considered by the chiefs at Subaru Australia.
Interior space in the upcoming new Impreza is good so a Subaru XV could be used as an all-purpose family vehicle. One used to commute and/or shop during the week, then to explore this great land of ours at the weekend.
We can’t wait for Subaru Australia to announce the XV will definitely come to this country. In the meantime Subaru lovers may care to hassle their local dealers and the company’s head office to put their point of view. And while you’re at it, you may also ask them about the possible re-introduction of the very useful Brumby 4WD ute! |
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