Autoblog

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid finally adds gas-electric option to the brand [w/video]

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Crossover, Subaru

For a company that does a pretty great job of tying its vehicles to the environment - or, better said, to people who like to actually get out into the environment - Subaru hasn't exactly been a leader in green vehicle production. In fact, it's 2013 and the company is finally releasing its first-ever production hybrid, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid. Tom Doll, Subaru's executive vice president, admitted as much at the unveiling today at the New York Auto Show: "We at Subaru were not the first to market with a hybrid, but we sure made sure we did it right."

That may be, but for now the automaker doesn't want to tell us all the details of how right it is. We do know that the powertrain takes Subaru's 2.0-liter boxer engine and adds in a 13.4-horsepower electric motor and continuously variable transmission. All-wheel drive will be, of course, standard, and Subaru promises the XV Crosstrek Hybrid will offer the "same utility and versatility as the gasoline model," including 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The hybrid does weigh 300 pounds more, though, which required a re-engineered chassis.

The motor can move the lifted Impreza in all-electric mode up to 25 miles an hour (distance not specified). Subaru isn't talking precise fuel economy numbers, either, just that it will be the "most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive crossover in America" and will unsurprisingly have start-stop functionality. We do hear, though, that the hybrid will get around 10-percent better fuel economy than the standard gas-only XV Crosstrek. The most efficient version of that car, the one with the CVT, gets 25 miles per gallon in the city, 33 highway and 28 combined. Whatever this hybrid XV Crosstrek gets, we expect Subaru'll sell a million in Portlandia. For more, scroll down to watch an official video and read the press release.

Continue reading 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid finally adds gas-electric option to the brand [w/video]

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid finally adds gas-electric option to the brand [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru announces 2013 XV Crosstrek prices to start at $21,995*

George Kennedy — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Crossover, Subaru

Subaru has announced pricing for its new 2013 XV Crosstrek. The quasi-crossover starts at $21,995 for the Premium trim, while a Limited model carries an MSRP of $24,495 (*not including a destination charge of $795).

The XV Crosstrek is essentially a high-water Impreza five-door with a little extra cladding and ground clearance. Listed at 8.7 inches to be exact, the ground clearance is a healthy three inches greater than the standard Impreza.

The compact model will feature the same 2.0-liter Boxer engine as its pavement-bound brethren, generating 148 horsepower and 145 pound feet of torque. The XV effectively replaces the Subaru Impreza Outback, a model that was quietly discontinued when the fourth-generation Impreza showed up for 2012.

Subaru announces 2013 XV Crosstrek prices to start at $21,995* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek

David Kiley — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Subaru, First Drives

A Utility Knife For The Sensible Shoes Crowd

There are stories in every culture about a young man or woman who is supposed to marry someone sensible, attractive, a good cook and good provider. But when the protagonist of the story meets the would-be fiancee's more interesting, vivacious, funny and unconventional sibling or best friend, sparks fly and the original relationship doesn't stand a chance.

And so it was when we drove the 2013 Subaru XV through the roads and highways of Tuscany. On Day One, we drove the version the U.S. will get in the third quarter of next year. The first thing to hit us: déjà vu. This is the 2012 Impreza hatchback, albeit with cladding above the wheel wells and a a seriously jacked up stance. It will have the same, brand-new 2.0-liter flat-four as the Impreza hatch we tested a few months ago that is just hitting dealer lots. So what's the verdict? The XV can cook an acceptable pot of tomato sauce and cleans up nicely for Sunday mass. She's a nice girl and good company.

We should have left it there. We should have called it a test after Day One. We should have simply driven off with the girl we came to meet. Why? Because on day two of our drive, we met the cousin with the better personality, the longer legs, the Sophia Loren cheekbones and the killer personality: the 2.0 liter turbo-diesel with the manual transmission. We drove her through the winding back roads north of Florence amidst the Chianti vineyards, villages and Fiat fix-it shops, but she refuses to come to the States. You see, she will only date Europeans.

Continue reading 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru teases XV crossover ahead of Frankfurt debut

Noah Joseph — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Subaru

For a relatively small automaker, Subaru sure does have some big plans for this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. Not only is it showing a "technology concept" to preview the BRZ rear-drive coupe it's developing with Toyota, but the Japanese automaker is also set to unveil the XV crossover there, as well.

Previewed by the XV concept unveiled in Shanghai a few months ago and the rudimentary sketch from earlier in August, the new crossover is essentially a high-riding Impreza that's a further extension of the Outback Sport. Considering how imprezive that vehicle can be - particularly in WRX or STi trim - that could prove a good thing. We'll reserve judgement until the vehicle's unveiling, but in the meantime Fuji Heavy has hit us with the teaser image above to keep our interests piqued.

Follow the jump for the press release, containing dimensions and powertrain for both new debuts.

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Subaru teases XV crossover ahead of Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru teases XV crossover ahead of Frankfurt

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:35:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Crossover, Subaru

If you were smitten by the Subaru XV concept, Fuji Heavy Industries is ready to make your dreams a reality at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Influenced by the concept that debuted in Shanghai this April, the production version of Subaru's next generation crossover is set to land in European showrooms later this year. For those of us in the States, you'll know the XV as the Impreza Outback, although it's unclear if the Euro-XV will form the basis of the next Outback wagon or another variant of the Impreza. We'll know soon enough once we hit the floor in Germany. Check out the brief press blast after the jump.

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Subaru teases XV crossover ahead of Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #225: Best interiors, Subaru XV, Jaguar SUV, a million Prius sales

Dan Roth — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Ford, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Subaru, Volvo, Shanghai Motor Show

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Autoblog Podcast #225 features Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth. We start with Ward's Auto's ten best interiors for 2011, speculate about the Subaru XV concept and a Jaguar SUV before contemplating what one million U.S. Prius sales means. Your feedback in our Q&A module winds us up, and we've embedded that in the post below, as well. Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #225: Best interiors, Subaru XV, Jaguar SUV, a million Prius sales

In the Autoblog Garage:

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Chris Paukert

Runtime: 01:20:38

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Autoblog Podcast #225: Best interiors, Subaru XV, Jaguar SUV, a million Prius sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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