New Subaru XV here in June

Subaru’s new XV will hit local showrooms in June. Pricing and specification details are not expected to be released until next month, however, motoring.com.au can confirm XV will echo its Impreza stablemate in terms of model grade and equipment strategy.

Like the donor hatch, four grades will be offered -- all powered by Subaru’s direct-injected 2.0-litre Boxer four. The 115kW/196Nm engine is matched exclusively to Subaru’s CVT automatic transmission. No manual XV will be offered in the new generation.

Local models will be base 2.0i, with two mid-grades offered -- 2.0i-L and 2.0i-Premium. The top of the range XV will be the 2.0S which is expected to arrive with leather upholstery, sunroof, LED headlights and a range of other goodies.

Subaru insiders suggest a similar price premium between Impreza and XV will be retained in the new model. That should see the XV range kicking off at a similar price to the outgoing model, circa $26,000.

The first of Subaru’s “new generation of SUVs” according to the marketing hype, the new XV borrows the Forester’s more capable X-MODE all-wheel drive system and hill descent control for the first time. That said, save for some body-side cladding and added ride-height and track, the crossover is otherwise all but mechanically identical to its Impreza hatch stablemate.

The XV’s 220mm ride height matches the outgoing generation and is delivered via longer coil springs and dampers. Other detailed suspension changes include larger diameter stabiliser bars front and rear.

Underpinning the new XV is Subaru’s new Global Platform. The new car rides on the longer wheelbase of the new-generation Impreza (25-35mm depending on which stats you believe) and delivers the same improvement in interior quality, fit and finish. Subaru claims the new car has an extra 26mm of rear legroom.

The shared electronics platform means XV gets Subaru’s Eyesight autonomous braking, lane and safety system for the first time. The system will not be offered on the base grade but will grace the three other models as per Impreza.

Even the base grade XV gets a rear camera, however, along with 6.5-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Pandora, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

All higher grade models feature an 8.0-inch screen, with sat-nav set to be standard on L-Premium and S.

The top of the line XV 2.0S also gets Reverse Automatic Braking – a system which stops the car if it detects objects (or beings) in the path of the car.

In Japanese crash testing (JNCAP). XV scored a record 199.7 out of 200 to take out that authority’s grand prize – displacing Toyota’s Crown rear-drive large sedan. Aussie XVs are expected to gain five stars from ANCAP.

XV has been one of Subaru Australia’s top three sellers since its introduction as a standalone model in 2012. For the last two years Forester and Outback have topped it but the crossover comfortably outsells Impreza.

Subaru Australia Managing Director, Colin Christie says the company has strong expectations for the new model.

“We have high hopes for XV, particularly given the addition of serious SUV kit like X-MODE,” he said.

“Extending EyeSight to the majority of Australian XVs will likely mean more than 70 per cent of new Subarus sold locally this year will include the driver assist system – greater uptake of such technology than any other mainstream brand,” he claimed.

Christie said he expected new XV would attract new buyers to the brand.

“XV will only grow our already strong presence in the compact SUV market. Our opportunity with new XV is to attract new audiences, in particular, under 35s, especially females,” Christie stated.

“With the new design and styling elements we have given ourselves every opportunity to broaden our audience.

“Our infotainment package is class-leading, buoyed by the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity on even the base car. This will resonate with our younger buyers in particular,” he said.

Read motoring.com.au’s preview drive of the new Subaru XV here.