Subaru of Japan is a brand that is seventy years old. Having honed its skills on rally roads and built its identity on proprietary technology like the Boxer engine, it commands love and respect like a Samurai does. For those looking for a compact crossover or SUV that stands apart with old-school values and modern safety technologies, the Subaru Crosstrek, formerly familiar as the Subaru XV, is a family-friendly option that places the driver at its heart.
PERFORMANCE:
154 hp @6000 rpm | 196 Nm @4000 rpm
Top speed: 198 kmph | 0 – 100 kmph: 10.5 sec
Turning radius: 5.4 m
Design
Subaru Crosstrek has elements of an SUV mixed with qualities of an estate model. The longish shape and the seeming closeness to the ground can be deceiving in both respects –in reality, Crosstrek is only 4.48 metres long but has a ground clearance of 220 mm. Preserving an inherently Japanese and somewhat traditional styling, Subaru Crosstrek sets itself apart by an absence of loud design elements that mark many newcomers. The SUV nature of the vehicle is impressively conveyed with the large protective fibre fenders, lower bumpers and roof rails. Inside too, the styling is underplayed even as the leather seats and cabin trims set the tone of a reliable, no-nonsense SUV that cares for the comfort and safety of its passengers.
DIMENSIONS: 4480 x 1800 x 1600 mm (L x W x H)
Wheelbase: 2680 mm | Ground clearance: 220 mm
Cargo volume: 1278 L | Kerb weight: 1492 kg
Cabin comforts
Driving the top trim of the Subaru Crosstrek, I enjoyed the supportive comfort of the 10-way electrically adjustable leather seats with lumbar support. While being equipped with dual zone air-conditioning, rear AC vents are absent in the console rear end where two USB ports find a place. However, the vehicle isn’t large enough to spell that as a disadvantage. There is ample rear stretch space along with a boot that offers the convenience of 1278 L of storage, when the 60-40 folding seats are dropped down. The Crosstrek console houses a wireless charger and the device streaming convenience of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Comfort features in top trim:
10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support • 60/40 folding rear seatbacks • Wireless charger (top trim)
Premium features as standard:
Dual zone air conditioning • Voice-controlled air-conditioning • 11.6” full HD audio system with 6-speakers
Wireless Apple CarPlay / Wired Android Auto • Voice recognition system • USB ports Type-A and -C
The legend of the Boxer and the symmetry of a driver’s car
Made famous by Subaru and Porsche, the Boxer engine is marked by its defining horizontally opposed placement of the pistons, where they throw punches at each other like a boxer. The design of these engines is lighter and calls for less space in the engine bay so much so that the engine can be placed lower than usual. Understandably, this lowers the centre of gravity of the vehicle, adding to the stability of the drive. Another defining aspect that contributes to the stability is the ‘symmetrical all wheel drive’. This simply means the drivetrain enjoys a uniquely linear placement of the engine, gear box and differential in such a way that the weight distribution is split almost as perfect halves on both sides of the central axle. These are two technologies that Subaru has historically based its claim of superior drivability on. Now, there is one more.
Quirkily named as “Eyesight”, this is a bundle of driver assistance technologies based on modern camera and sensor technologies – the dual camera is meant to offer a ‘stereo view’ of the road as would our eyes. Simply put, this is Subaru’s name for the many driver assistance features found in vehicles vested with an extent of autonomy in driving. From detecting obstacles in blind spots to applying brakes in time to avoid accidents and staying in lane, ‘Eyesight’ makes driving a safer task. (Check out the full list in the ‘safety’ section.)
DRIVETRAIN SPECS:
2.0L Direct Injection Boxer engine • Lineartronic CVT • Symmetrical All Wheel Drive • 63 L fuel tank
Suspensions: MacPherson strut type (front) • Double wishbone (rear) • Brakes: ventilated disc brakes (front and rear)
Aluminium alloy wheels 17” and 18” • Paddle shifters • SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive)
The Drive
Well, ‘task’ is not exactly how a Subaru driver would describe driving. The Crosstrek isn’t marked by immense power or exceptionally sporty handling but the compact SUV offers remarkable stability and practically impressive multi-terrain handling. Like all Subarus, it is an AWD and makes good use of its symmetrical design. The way traction and torque are distributed, the Subaru Crosstrek holds its ground even when it leaves the tarmac behind. The 5.4 m turning radius also contributes to enjoyable handling.
For driving enthusiasts, Subaru offers two time-tested pleasures. One, the uninterrupted joy of a naturally aspirated 2.0L engine producing 154 hp and 196 Nm of torque that gets the stationary Crosstrek to the 100 mark in a tame 10.5 seconds. Two, a fuel efficient CVT that Subaru calls ‘lineartronic’, designed to eschew all that CVT haters love to hate. Subaru Crosstrek offers fuel economy figures of up to 13.5 kmpl, averaging out around 11 km on mixed drives.
Advanced drive functions as standard: Hill descent control • Auto Hold • Auto start-stop • Active torque vectoring • Vehicle dynamics control system • Electronic parking brake • Steering responsive headlights • Subaru rear vehicle detection • LED cornering lamps • High beam assist • Reverse automatic braking • Rear view camera • Seatbelt indicator • Emergency Call System (e-call) • Automatic anti-dazzle rear view mirror (top trim)
The modern face of Subaru
Under the conservative wrap that quietly delivers practical comfort and driving joy, the Crosstrek cabin makes a contemporary statement with its 11.6” vertical touchscreen, which showcases everything from a graphical representation of the Symmetrical All Wheel Drive to one-touch access to cabin controls and driving metrics.
The symmetry of safety and economy
Through advanced electronic assistance as well as active safety features like 7 airbags, Subaru Crosstrek demonstrates balance as a family-friendly vehicle. The front passenger is protected by a seat-mounted central airbag while the driver gets an exclusive knee-airbag. Rear camera comes as standard but my top trim test car afforded the luxury of a 3D view – I could get a better all-round view by simply turning the car around with my finger. Features that usually comes in premium cars – like headlamps that turn with the steering – are quietly incorporated into the bargain.
Eyesight package (standard): Pre-collision braking • Autonomous emergency steering • Adaptive cruise control • Lane centering control • Lane departure prevention • Lead vehicle start alert • Pre-collision throttle management
Airbags: Front, Front side, Knee airbag for driver, Seat cushion airbag for front passenger
The essential Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Crosstrek is a compact SUV that deserves to be on a buyer’s shortlist for its thorough practicality, unassuming yet adventure-ready prowess and all-round family safety. A hugely impressive aspect of the Crosstrek is the plethora of features that come as standard. The 2024 Crosstrek range is priced between AED 102,000 and 134,000 at Al Khoory Automobiles along with a 3 year’s or 100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty and 4 years or 50,000 km service package from the dealer.
