Over its first 2 generations in South Africa, Subaru’s Impreza-based crossover was known as the XV. However, for the 3rd iteration, it’s switched to the Crosstrek badge. And now that model has touched down on local soil.
Like the XV it replaces, the new Subaru Crosstrek line-up comprises just a pair of derivatives, each employing the Japanese brand’s familiar naturally aspirated 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder Boxer petrol engine. With symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard, power again goes to all 4 corners via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters and 8 pre-set steps.
In the Crosstrek, this horizontally opposed motor makes an unchanged 115 kW and 196 Nm, though now sips at a claimed 7.2 litres per 100 km, making it ever-so-slightly more efficient than before. Luggage space, meanwhile, is listed as 320 litres, while ground clearance comes in at 220 mm.
So, how much does the newcomer cost? Well, the Crosstrek 2.0-i L ES is priced from R579 000, while the Crosstrek 2.0-i S ES kicks off at R669 000. For the record, the outgoing XV 2.0i was last listed for R464 000, with the XV 2.0i-S ES having cost R531 000.
Oasis Blue is one of 9 exterior colours offered on the new Crosstrek.
Inside the new Crosstrek, you’ll find a portrait-orientated 11.6-inch touchscreen (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) linked to a 6-speaker audio system, as well as a wireless smartphone charger and USB-A plus USB-C ports up front. There’s also a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers and push-button start. While the Crosstrek 2.0-i L ES is fitted with fabric seats, the 2.0-i S ES upgrades to leather upholstery.
The flagship derivative furthermore rides on 18-inch alloy wheels (as opposed to the base model’s 17-inch items), while also scoring items such as a sunroof, LED (as opposed to halogen) daytime running lights, dusk-sensing (and steering-responsive) headlamps and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
The S-badged model features a front-view monitor, a 360-degree camera system and high-beam assist, in addition to the blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist and rear parking sensors offered on the L-badged version. Both derivatives, though, ship standard with Subaru’s 4th-generation EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes functions such as adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and pre-collision throttle management.
As many as 9 exterior paint colours are available for the new Crosstrek, including bright hues such as Sun Blaze Pearl, Pure Red and Oasis Blue.
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0-i L ES – R579 000
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0-i S ES – R669 000
A 5-year/150 000 km warranty and a 3-year/75 000 km maintenance plan (with intervals of 15000 km) are included in the above purchase prices.
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