Subaru XV takes on sportier bent

A major update for the Subaru XV has arrived in Australia, with the MY21 series bringing changes to the popular small SUV’s styling, specification and dynamic performance – much of which is aimed at providing a sportier drive.

Arriving less than eight months after the local debut of a hybrid powertrain variant, the MY21 Subaru XV also breaks out the XV Hybrid into two grades: entry-level XV Hybrid L (from $35,490 plus on-road costs) and flagship XV Hybrid S (from $40,790).

Pricing has increased by up to $1170 across the four non-hybrid models, now starting from $29,690 plus ORCs for the 2.0i (+$450), $31,990 for the 2.0i-L (+$380), $34,590 for the 2.0i Premium (+$1170) and $37,290 for the 2.0i-S (+$760).

Suspension changes across the all-wheel drive Subaru XV range include revised damper settings and reshaped front coil springs, the combination of which is said to improve handling, steering response and ride comfort.

All variants are also now equipped with the brand’s SI-Drive powertrain mode-switching facility, which via steering wheel controls allows the driver to choose between fuel-saving I mode and sportier S mode, the latter bringing improved engine responsiveness.

Similarly, the hybrid models gain what Subaru terms ‘e-Active Shift Control’ for more responsive performance in differing situations.

This system operates automatically when the driver selects S mode from the SI-Drive, and is triggered by G-sensor and accelerator inputs.

It delivers higher engine speeds for braking and acceleration when entering and exiting corners, and also adjusts the operating ratio of the continuously variable transmission for increased engine braking while descending hills.

The MY21 update is easily identified by the XV’s revised grille, front bumper, fog light bezels and new alloy wheel designs.

Most models ride on 17-inch wheels with the XV 2.0i-S and XV Hybrid S both running 18-inch alloys.

All variants gain auto door locking and unlocking, while the entry-level 2.0i gains electric fold-in exterior mirrors with integrated indicators.

The big step up in pricing for the 2.0i Premium reflects a raft of new driver-assist features, including blind spot monitor, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, reverse automatic braking and front view monitor.

It also gains heating elements for the exterior mirrors.

At the top end of the non-hybrid range, the sporty 2.0i-S now has a gloss black climate control panel, stitched multi-function display visor, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat with two-position memory (including mirrors) and auto-dipping door mirror on the passenger side (when reverse gear is selected).

Not stopping there, the 2.0i-S and the new XV Hybrid S variant are equipped with a front view monitor and side view monitor for all-round viewing, plus the two-setting X-Mode off-road traction control system.

Relative to the superseded XV Hybrid, Subaru has reduced the price of the XV Hybrid L by $90, however Vision Assist features that were previously standard in the XV Hybrid have been withdrawn from the specification list.

These include blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, high beam assist, rear cross traffic alert and reverse automatic braking.

All of these are now on the more expensive XV Hybrid S, while other features over and above the Hybrid L include the front and side view monitors, satellite navigation, leather seat upholstery, eight-way electrically-adjustable driver’s seat with two-position memory, heated front seats, electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, sports pedals, dual-zone climate control and illuminated vanity mirrors.

Additionally, the XV Hybrid S comes with the following features offered in the conventional XV 2.0i-S: self-levelling, dusk-sensing LED headlights (with cornering function), LED daytime running lights, auto-dipping passenger side mirror, power fold-in mirrors linked to position memory, electric sunroof and Crystal Black Silica rear garnish.

Two new exterior colours are also now available on the Subaru XV: Plasma Yellow Pearl replacing Sunshine Orange and Horizon Blue Pearl replacing Quartz Blue Pearl.

How much does the 2021 Subaru XV cost?
2.0i AWD – $29,690 (+$450)
2.0i-L AWD – $31,990 (+$380)
2.0i Premium AWD – $34,590 (+E1170)
2.0i-S AWD – $37,290 (+$760)
Hybrid L AWD – $35,490 (-$90)
Hybrid S AWD – $40,790 (new model)
* Prices exclude on-road costs