The Subaru XV has finally reached Philippine soil. Motor Image Pilipinas, the official distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country, recently launched the newest iteration of the Subaru XV last September 7, 2017 at the 9th Avenue of BGC, Taguig city.
Locally, the Subaru XV will come in two new variants—the base model XV 2.0i, and the high-end XV 2.0i-S. Both are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Boxer petrol engine that’s capable of 152hp at 6,000rpm and 196Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. In the absence of a local introduction of the MT variant, shifting on these models will be handled by a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Photos by Jael Mendoza
At first glance, the compact SUV comes of as both playful and sporty—its look definitely gives off a vibe of a vehicle ready for adventure and city cruising. Not too rugged, and not extremely poised, the vehicle’s looks sits just in the middle of the spectrum, making it a beauty to look at.
Much of the vehicle’s exterior design, as well as its interior, are borrowed from the Subaru Impreza, and despite minimal new design introductions, the XV still gives off a more than decent impression.
As with the Impreza, the Subaru XV features the car manufacturer’s new DYNAMIC x SOLID design philosophy that focuses on upgrades on detailed finishes. At the front of the car, we see Subaru’s iconic hexagonal grille that sits between the C-shaped headlights. Around the car are bumpers that give a contrast to the XV’s playful and sporty colors. Sculpted accents bring boldness to the car, while its new aluminum wheel design flaunts the vehicle’s sporty aesthetic. Sporting a wide but low low stance, the XV sits pretty, but is one that’s built with utility in mind. Aerodynamic styling assures the driver of a smooth cruise.
Inside the XV is a comfortable cabin that features ample space, and an elegant design. If you’re one who’s mindful about space, then you’d be happy to know that there’s more shoulder room between the front seats, and for the passengers, more legroom. Stepping inside the vehicle, you’ll be greeted with stylish yet elegant materials, and bright orange stitchings. These are joined by spacious cargo space and an infotainment system for all your smartphone connectivity and entertainment needs.
Additional features of the Subaru include steering responsive headlights,high-beam assist, a stronger frame for safety, and rear vehicle detection, among others. With Subaru’s X-Mode, driving on rough roads, terrain, and hills, can be done with ease.
The base model XV 2.0i can be had for PHP 1,348,000 while the high-end XV 2.0i-S, for PHP 1,538,000.