This new car makes 6,000 Europeans happy with 4.5 centimeters - AutoReview.nl

In 2023, Dutch Subaru dealers sold 58 new cars up to and including September. Their Belgian colleagues did a lot better and sold 274 Subarus up to and including August. But to say that the coffee machines in Belgian showrooms are working overtime would be a serious exaggeration. At European level, Subaru sold 16,000 new cars in the same period. That's not really a number to write to Japan about.

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Successor Subaru XV is called Crosstrek

In an attempt to turn the tide a bit, the Japanese brand is now introducing the successor to the Subaru XV. Just like in the home market and in the United States, the new model will be called Crosstrek. The current Subaru As Subaru tradition dictates, the XV is all-wheel drive as standard. The latter also applies to the new Crosstrek, but it will only be launched as a 2.0 e-Boxer.

Better torsional stiffness

On the outside, the new Crosstrek is still very reminiscent of its predecessor. Although the grille looks a lot more aggressive than before. The narrow headlights look a bit like the lamp units of the electric ones Subaru Solterra. Looking for big news, we read about improved torsional stiffness, more steering feel and safer handling thanks to active torque distribution between the four driven wheels.

Traction weight Subaru Crosstrek

Of course, the car is also completely up to date on the inside: "The interior, available in two colors of upholstery with silver stitching, emphasizes that the Crosstrek is suitable for an active lifestyle," says the proud press release. Just so you know. Subaru used to be very popular among caravan owners - with or without an active lifestyle. However, we are not really impressed by the towing capacity of 1270 kilograms of the new Subaru Crosstrek. Moreover, it is not a kilo more than the current XV can tolerate on the hook.

Lower noise level

What about other important values? Aah, the noise level has been reduced by 50 percent - albeit at a speed of 20 km/h. Mmm, maybe a long maintained speed in difficult terrain, but on the A1 we usually go faster. What about power, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions? These were quite disappointing with the XV, which is why the price of the XV 2.0 e-Boxer easily exceeds 50,000 euros. No information is available yet about this...

Hard numbers about the Subaru Crosstrek

In the end, Subaru doesn't disappoint us. Because the brand has concrete, numerical news to report about the maximum loading space. It has grown from 1310 to ... 1314 liters. An increase of 4 whole liters. But that is nothing compared to the growth that the rear window wiper has experienced. That thing grew 1.5 inches longer!

If you consider that 40 percent of European Subaru buyers choose an XV and you know that Subaru drivers are very loyal, then about 6,000 Europeans are probably very happy that the successor to their But whether it will contribute to Subaru's secure European future is seriously doubtful. And that is close to our hearts, because we actually think it is a very sympathetic, stubborn brand.