Back to News Release
March 7, 2017

World Premiere of All-New Subaru XV at 2017 Geneva International Motor Show

New Subaru Global Platform significantly enhances safety, ride comfort, and agility
A 2.0-liter Boxer engine gains direct fuel injection and Symmetrical AWD System are standard on all models
Symmetrical AWD System is equipped with X-Mode for enhanced drivability on poor road surfaces and real SUV capability
Distinctively rugged and sporty design reflects Subaru’s “Dynamic x Solid” design philosophy and greatly enhances interior and exterior quality
Subaru’s original EyeSight driver assist technology comes standard on all models*1, delivering outstanding preventive safety

Tokyo, March 7, 2017 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today unveiled the all-new Subaru XV*2 at the Geneva International Motor Show 2017.

Combining a compact body with real SUV capabilities underpinned by Subaru’s original Symmetrical AWD System and a rugged and sporty design, the Subaru XV is a crossover SUV suited to a multitude of settings, from urban driving to the great outdoors. Representing the first full model change since the original Subaru XV was launched in 2012, the new model offers distinctive design and enhanced drivability on poor road surfaces, while adopting the all-new Subaru Global Platform to achieve world-class collision safety and superior hazard avoidance as well as dramatic advances in driver-responsive handling and ride comfort. The Subaru XV provides customers with “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind” as the second*3 of Subaru’s next-generation models offered under the company’s Prominence 2020*4 mid-term management vision.

Details of the all-new Subaru XV product specifications will be announced for other markets in turn, beginning with the Japanese market specifications on March 8.*5
The company will also show the US Crosstrek version at the New York International Auto Show in April.

*1: Specifications may vary by region.
*2: “Crosstrek” in North American markets
*3: The first model offered in European markets to adopt the new platform
*4: Announced in May 2014
*5: At 11:00 a.m. JST

All-new Subaru XV

All-new Subaru XV

Main Features of All-New Subaru XV

Design package is distinctively rugged and sporty, while remaining true to the Subaru identity
Distinctive design unique to the rugged and sporty Subaru XV reflects Subaru’s Dynamic & Solid design philosophy. The quality of interior and exterior finishes shows a sharp eye for detail, while Subaru’s signature functionality has been taken to all-new levels.

< Exterior >

The Subaru look is seen in the Wide & Low stance with its sporty impression, and in the unified three-dimensional structure extending from the hexagonal grille that symbolizes the Subaru identity to the hawk-eye headlights. The front face plays the role of starting point from which the front flows via the sides to the rear, with each part uniting into a solid form. The powerful form of the hexagonal grille and the matte-black cladding on the front bumper express SUV functionality, underlining the rugged character of the Subaru XV.
The rich inflection of the character line extending from the front fender to the door panels and rear shoulder, and the line rising energetically toward the rear from the lower door panel, give dynamism to the solid body surface. The powerfully extended fender flares express the reliability of Subaru All-Wheel Drive. The matte-black cladding running from the front bumper over the wheel arches and side sills to the rear bumper creates a dynamic form expressing all the enjoyment to be expected from a crossover vehicle.
The rear combination lights sharing the same motif as the headlights express a Wide & Low stance similar to the front. The tightened cabin silhouette and powerful shoulders thrusting above the rear combination lights create a nimble, sporty design. Its contrast with the rugged flavor imparted by the black rear spoiler and matte-black cladding on the rear bumper emphasizes the distinctive character of the Subaru XV, which is equally at home in a range of settings.
The new model also combines the Subaru performance essentials of superior aerodynamics and visibility with advanced styling.
The aluminum wheels feature a new design embodying the sporty, casual, and rugged character of the Subaru XV.
New exterior paint schemes offer a choice of two fresh solid colors: Cool Gray Khaki and Sunshine Orange. Both tones set off the matte-black cladding to maximum advantage, spotlighting the active and functional image of the Subaru XV.

< Interior >

The combination of sporty and advanced design and sophisticated construction delivers an interior that far surpasses its class.
The spacious design flows from the instrument panel through the door trim for a feeling of refinement.
The seats’ structures that are made more fitting to the bodies of passengers have been revamped to far surpass the quality of its class. Moreover, breathable seat covering and varying shades of gray emphasize the active character of the Subaru XV.
In the center of the instrument panel is an 8.0-inch touch-screen display for the infotainment system, which can connect with smartphones.
The multifunction display offers a comprehensive range of content. New screen design clearly communicates fun, useful information to all passengers.
Detailed orange stitching on the instrument panel complements the quality feel while expressing the model’s active character.
In addition to the enhanced interior design, signature Subaru functionalities have been further strengthend inluding the excellent all-round visibility, spacious cabin, and cargo room.
A new, smaller-diameter steering wheel delivers ease of maneuverability and snappy steering.
Drivability that combines real SUV performance with dynamic feel
The new Subaru XV incorporated a number of improvements to achieve enhanced dynamic feel such as a secure and comfortable feel for the driver. Based on the thorough and precise analysis of the steering and pedal feedback, vehicle behavior, vibration and noise, and other elements that driver senses, the setup realize a dynamic quality that far surpasses its class. At the same time, further enhancement of essential SUV capabilities such as drivability on poor road surfaces masterfully reconciles the conflicting demands placed on crossover vehicles.

< Body & Chassis >

The new platform dramatically increases rigidity throughout the body and chassis (a 70% to 100% increase over present models) and incorporates substantial improvements to the suspension system and achieve a lower center of gravity, bringing about highly responsive steering that allows drivers to control the vehicle precisely as they want. The eradication of unnecessary movement in handling offers superior straight-line stability and cornering performance to grip the road surface while maintaining the ample 220 mm road clearance required of an SUV.
Optimized frame structure and stronger joints between parts allow the new platform to improve overall torsional rigidity by 70% over present models. This distributes the resonance and distortion throughout the body, greatly reducing vibrations from the steering wheel, floor, and seats. It achieves a quietness that goes beyond vehicle class.
The new platform increases the rigidity of the suspension mounting, improving the absorption of the suspension without warping the body of the car, and providing a smooth and comfortable drive. By mounting the rear stabilizer directly to the body, the new platform reduces the body roll of the vehicle by 50% compared to present models.
The steering gear ratio has been quickened from 14:1 to 13:1, further enhancing the Subaru XV’s characteristic strengths as an SUV with agile maneuverability.
Active Torque Vectoring enhances turning and steering performance.
An electronic parking brake boosts convenience.

< AWD control >

In addition to Subaru’s unique Symmetrical AWD system, the new Subaru XV is equipped with X-MODE, capable of enhancing driving performance on poor roads through optimized integrated control of engine, four-wheel drive, braking, and other functions on slippery surfaces. The hill descent control setting gives drivers greater peace of mind by maintaining low speeds on downhill slopes.

< Power unit >

Around 80% of the parts on the newly developed 2.0-liter direct injection Boxer engine have been completely revamped compared with previous naturally aspirated engines, making the new engine around 12 kg lighter to deliver more power and fuel economy.
The improved Lineartronic transmission expands ratio coverage from 6.28 to 7.03 and is about 7.8 kg lighter than previous models to boost acceleration and fuel economy. As well as employing auto-step shift control on all models, the Subaru XV features a 7-speed manual mode function that allows the driver to accelerate as desired.
Noise and vibration are greatly reduced on both the engine and transmission, for more pleasant sounds and a dynamic feel.
World-Class Safety
Subaru’s safety performance has continuously been highly rated by third-party organizations. The new Subaru XV has adopted technologies to further enhance its safety including the new platform and the advanced preventive safety system

< Active safety >

The new platform achieves a center of gravity that is 5 mm lower than present models. Together with the major improvements in rigidity and the evolution of the suspension system, this lower center of gravity offers outstanding hazard avoidance capabilities on a level with a high-performance sports car.

< Passive safety >

Thanks to a frame structure that enables more efficient energy absorption in the event of collision and the enhanced body strength resulting from the increased use of high-tensile steel plates including materials formed by the hot press method, impact energy absorption is improved by 40% over present models.

< Preventive safety >

As a standard equipment, EyeSight, Subaru’s innovative and highly acclaimed driver assist technology, delivers extremely reliable preventive safety and reduces driver burdens through features such as Pre-Collision Braking Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist function.
High Beam Assist technology, which uses a monocular camera, is integrated into the interior rearview mirror. It detects preceding and oncoming vehicles and automatically switches headlights between high and low beam. The automatic antiglare function on the interior mirror uses a sensor to detect strong light from sources such as the headlights of following vehicles and automatically adjusts reflectivity to reduce glare and make night-driving safer.
Steering Responsive Headlights moves the beam right or left when turning at corners and intersections to illuminate the direction of travel. The Subaru XV employs the two headlight controls for the first time, dramatically improving nighttime visibility and recognition capabilities of EyeSight.
The Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection has been newly employed, offering blind spot detection, lane change assistance and reversing assistance to enhance all-round preventive safety.

Main Specifications of the All-New Subaru XV (Exhibited model at 2017 Geneva Motor Show)

Body size
(Overall length / width / height)
4,465 x 1,800 x 1,615*6 mm
Wheelbase 2,665 mm
Minimum ground clearance 220 mm
Engine FB20 type 2.0-liter, DOHC, Horizontally-Opposed, 4-cylinder,
Direct injection, NA
 Displacement 1,995cc
 Bore, Stroke 84 x 90mm
 Maximum output 115kW (156ps)
 Maximum torque 196Nm (20.0kgfm)
Transmission Lineartronic*7
Drive train Symmetrical AWD
Tire size 225/55 R18
Seating capacity 5

*6: Without roof rail: 1,595 mm
*7: Continuously variable transmission (CVT) with fully automatic electronic control

###

Back to News Release