Subaru has announced details of a series of upgrades to the XV compact crossover, designed to refresh the car’s exterior styling, raise cabin quality and improve refinement.
In spite of the range of upgrades across the full model line-up, pricing for the Subaru XV is unchanged for the 2016 model, which goes on sale across the UK next month from £21,995 (OTR).
Since its introduction in 2012, the XV has stood out in its sector with Subaru’s legendary permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard. The XV boasts higher ground clearance than most rivals and is among the lightest vehicles in the compact crossover segment, aiding the car’s genuine off-road ability. Its centre of gravity and low-mounted four cylinder Boxer engines make it one of the most agile compact crossovers on the market.
Updates to the 2016 model follow hot on the heels of a range of upgrades made in 2015 which included a raft of suspension modifications and a quicker more direct steering rack, resulting in more engaging and assured handling and smoother ride.
Among the most important changes to the XV is an upgraded interior, finished in higher quality materials and featuring Subaru’s new factory-fit 7in touchscreen infotainment and navigation system. Changes include the adoption of new metallic and piano black trim as well as new contrast stitching throughout the cabin. The driver’s TFT LCD instrument binnacle has also been redesigned, now emitting a soft, contemporary blue glow.
The overall result of these changes is a cosseting ambience with a higher-quality, more modern look and feel.