Photo: Subaru
Revealed in 2017 for the 2018 model year, the second-gen Crosstrek has been recently facelifted for the 2021 model year. Of course, the Impreza-based crossover has also been refreshed for the European market.
Scheduled to arrive at dealers in the spring, the XV (that's what it's called on the other side of the pond) is exclusively offered with the e-Boxer engine in the United Kingdom. Essentially a 2.0-liter boxer with hybrid assistance from the Toyota Prius, the all-wheel-drive crossover will be offered in two well-equipped trim levels in this part of the world.
SE is how the base specification is called, and it comes with LED automatic headlights as standard. The Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, high beam assist, 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, keyless entry, and push-button start are included as well, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity.
Upgrade from £31,665 to £33,665 for the SE Premium, and the Japanese automaker adds leather seats, eight-way power adjustments for the driver’s seat, satellite navigation, and a sunroof. From a technical standpoint, the XV promises improved comfort and handling thanks to redesigned coil springs and dampers. As far as the looks are concerned, the front bumper and front grille are the most obvious changes over the 2020 model year.
Subaru has also worked its magic on the bezels that surround the fog lamps, while the exterior color palette welcomes two new additions in the guise of Horizon Blue and Plasma Yellow. Exclusive to the e-Boxer powertrain, the SI-Drive system allows the driver to select engine and transmission characteristics depending on the driving scenario. Intelligent Mode, for example, is set up for efficiency, while Sport Mode needs no explanation.
The X-MODE system also deserves your attention because it now features a dual-function button. Snow and Dirt mode is calibrated for slippery surfaces that include gravel and dirt, and there’s also Snow and Mud mode “for especially treacherous road conditions such as deep snow or dirt.”
If the 2.0-liter boxer isn’t to your liking or the price tag is a little on the steep side, fret not. There are plenty of alternatives out there, including the Corolla Hatchback Hybrid and Camry Hybrid. In the United Kingdom, Toyota is asking £24,480 and £31,635, respectively, for the most basic of trims.
SE is how the base specification is called, and it comes with LED automatic headlights as standard. The Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, high beam assist, 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, keyless entry, and push-button start are included as well, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity.
Upgrade from £31,665 to £33,665 for the SE Premium, and the Japanese automaker adds leather seats, eight-way power adjustments for the driver’s seat, satellite navigation, and a sunroof. From a technical standpoint, the XV promises improved comfort and handling thanks to redesigned coil springs and dampers. As far as the looks are concerned, the front bumper and front grille are the most obvious changes over the 2020 model year.
Subaru has also worked its magic on the bezels that surround the fog lamps, while the exterior color palette welcomes two new additions in the guise of Horizon Blue and Plasma Yellow. Exclusive to the e-Boxer powertrain, the SI-Drive system allows the driver to select engine and transmission characteristics depending on the driving scenario. Intelligent Mode, for example, is set up for efficiency, while Sport Mode needs no explanation.
The X-MODE system also deserves your attention because it now features a dual-function button. Snow and Dirt mode is calibrated for slippery surfaces that include gravel and dirt, and there’s also Snow and Mud mode “for especially treacherous road conditions such as deep snow or dirt.”
If the 2.0-liter boxer isn’t to your liking or the price tag is a little on the steep side, fret not. There are plenty of alternatives out there, including the Corolla Hatchback Hybrid and Camry Hybrid. In the United Kingdom, Toyota is asking £24,480 and £31,635, respectively, for the most basic of trims.
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