New Subaru XV to be known as the Subaru Crosstrek

The third-generation Subaru XV has been revealed in Japan, however, the XV nameplate is being scrapped globally in favour of the existing but unfamiliar (for us) Subaru Crosstrek name.

Subaru Australia has confirmed a local release for the new 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, which will be launched in its native market next year, but stopped short of confirming any specifics.

“The latest global reveal from Subaru Corporation is very exciting,” a spokesperson said.

“Details for the Australian market to come soon.”

The new Crosstrek’s design will be immediately familiar to anyone who’s seen the original or second-gen versions, presenting with similar proportions but featuring angrier contours and a more bulbous front bumper.

Subaru itself says the “unique design of the previous model [has] been emphasised” and that’s true of all the key dimensions too, with just 5mm difference between the current and new generations in terms of overall length (4485 v 4480mm).

The new model is 5mm longer between the axles (2670mm) and retains the familiar 1800mm overall width, but stands some 35mm shorter in terms of overall height (1580mm), 20mm of which has come out of the ground clearance (now 200mm).

Inside the cabin you’ll find the same 11.6-inch vertical infotainment screen as the rest of Subaru’s new products, along with a redesigned dash and instrument panel, plus new seats split by an equally new and raised centre console.

No storage or specific cargo figures have been announced yet but the 60:40-split, folding rear seat has rightfully been retained, while up front there are “clever storage-space design improvements”.

In terms of mechanicals, Japanese versions will launch exclusively with a familiar 2.0-litre ‘e-Boxer’ hybrid powertrain, sending drive symmetrically to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Stiffness and sound-proofing improvements have been made to the new body structure, which should pair nicely with the new dual-pinion electric steering system and revamped suspension set-up.

Par for the course of any new-generation model, the Subaru EyeSight safety suite has been upgraded too and now features a wide-angle mono camera to monitor the road, detect potential hazards and react faster.

Standard equipment highlights in Japan at least will include cloth upholstery, 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED tail-lights, multi-view monitor and the latest version of the Subaru Starlink connected services suite.

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