Subaru XV Concept Ready for Aussie Auto Show

After presenting the XV Concept at the 2011 Auto Shanghai, the Japanese manufacturer with an eye for high-performance production cars will be taking the model in Australia, where it will be presented during the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne on 1 July.

Powered by a 2.0l 4-cylinder Horizontally-Opposed DOHC engine, paired to a Lineatronic CVT transmission, the XV is intended as a combination of “Professional tool" and "Trendy design," as the manufacturer likes to put it.

The crossover, if you like, is a concept as car makers used to build them in the good old days, when the green trends of today were somewhat of a distant future. The car features no revolutionary elements, being just a study of what a future Subaru could look like.

The exterior is characterized by the hawk-eye headlamps, hexagonal-shaped rear and a panoramic glass roof. The car meets the road through aluminium alloy wheels with silver spokes, black rims and clear blue centre caps.

At the interior, the defining traits are the silvery white leather, sporty mesh in selected areas, yellowgreen piping and a large multifunction display in the centre panel.

“We’re delighted to showcase this newest Subaru concept and will be seeking feedback on our stand at the show to gauge the level of possible customer interest in such a car,” said Nick Senior, Subaru Australia managing director.

“It promises to be a totally new offering. The XV Concept was warmly received in Shanghai and based on the long-term success of Forester and Outback, we can see this type of vehicle could have huge potential in pursuing a new niche in Australia.”