Subaru Crosstrek confirmed for Australia

Subaru Australia has confirmed the new 2023 Subaru Crosstrek – the replacement for the second-generation Subaru XV – will be heading to our market in both internal combustion and hybrid forms… we just don’t know when.

The logical and most likely answer to this burning question is the first or second quarter of next year, but the Japanese brand is staying tight-lipped on the matter for the time being, reiterating that more information “will be revealed in the coming months”.

Still, we do at least know the basics, which include a tweaked Subaru Global Platform, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer petrol engine, a 2.0-litre ‘e-Boxer’ hybrid, symmetrical all-wheel drive, a new look, new cabin, improved dynamics and all the latest cabin and safety technology.

Both the internal combustion and hybrid powertrains will drive all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight pre-set ‘ratios’ designed to make it feel more like a traditional torque converter auto, especially in manual mode.

As we’ve reported, the Crosstrek’s design will be immediately familiar to Aussies given it shares its key attributes with its XV-badged predecessors, albeit with its surface contouring and overall chunkiness dialled up to 11.

The interior has been modernised too, thanks to the addition of Subaru’s proprietary 11.6-inch infotainment system and the inevitable dash redesign needed to accommodate it.

Standard equipment highlights nominated by Subaru Australia include the just-mentioned infotainment interface with smartphone mirroring, plus wireless charging, latest-generation Subaru EyeSight safety suite, nine airbags and paddle shifters.

Equipment listed globally comprises new seats with 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 – depending on the variant.

Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read said the XV’s new name “embodies what the Crosstrek does and is, an all-wheel drive crossover small SUV that’s capable of trekking almost anywhere”.

“The all-new Subaru Crosstrek SUV encapsulates an active lifestyle, through its distinctive exterior design and drivability, and offers plenty of versatility meaning its skilled to take on any adventure with a sense of ease,” he said.

Despite local details still being thin on the ground and first local deliveries remaining six months or more away, registrations of interest are now being taken by Subaru Australia dealers and directly via its website.