IN the Subaru SUV lineup, next to the Forester and Outback, the all-new Crosstrek replaces the previous generation Subaru XV as the small SUV.
The Crosstrek moniker has now been used globally, including here in Southern Africa, where the XV and Crosstrek names were formerly used individually in various countries across the world.
The phrases "crossover" and "trekking", which convey the car's adaptability and capability in a variety of terrains and settings, were combined to create the name.
Twelve years ago, the Subaru XV/Crosstrek made its global premiere, taking a risky step into the compact SUV market while surpassing rivals with its unmatched ground clearance, off-road prowess, and distinctive styling.
Next to the Forester, the XV/Crosstrek has swiftly become one of Subaru Southern Africa's most well-liked cars. The new Crosstrek, now in its third iteration, makes a significant advancement.
The new Subaru Crosstrek raises the standard for occupant safety and comfort to entirely new heights. The formula has been improved and refined with meticulous attention to every last detail.
A Revolutionary Improvement A revamped Subaru Global Platform serves as the foundation for the new Subaru Crosstrek. Around 10% more torsional stiffness has been achieved.
The engine mounts are now liquid-filled for increased balance and refinement, and the suspension has been redesigned to be more stable and robust. A new dual-pinion electric power steering system improves vehicle dynamics and overall driver feel.
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Strong design
The Subaru Crosstrek's evolutionary design embodies the Crosstrek's ethos: A daring, unconventional shape that screams adventure and playfulness.
The redesigned hexagonal 3D grille, which is surrounded by sharper headlight clusters and protruding wheel arches, accentuates the car's undeniable adaptability while also giving it a lightness.
The Crosstrek has bigger wheel arch cladding and rocker panels all over the car than the previous model did. The C-shaped tail light clusters' curves are more prominent when viewed from behind.
There are nine exterior colour options available for the Subaru Crosstrek: Crystal white pearl, ice silver metallic, magnetite grey metallic, crystal black silica, oasis blue, offshore blue metallic, sapphire blue pearl, sun blaze pearl, and pure red.
The available 17-inch and 18-inch diamond-cut, dual-tone black/silver alloy wheels add to the body colour/cladding combination's ability to contrast.
Comprehensive upgrades
The Subaru Crosstrek has always prioritised a feature-rich interior environment, but the new model represents a considerable advancement in terms of in-car refinement and human-centered design.
To begin with, Subaru's newest interior and operating architecture, which was previously seen on the new Subaru Outback and Subaru WRX models in Southern Africa, is carried over to the Crosstrek.
The latest multi-function driver's display, steering wheel, and central 11,6-inch touchscreen are all included in the Crosstrek. The premium Crosstrek iS has a bigger HD display with a portrait orientation and the most recent Subaru infotainment architecture. This touchscreen system combines several on-board features, such as numerous smartphone connectivity and integration.
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM integration, Bluetooth® connectivity for audio and phone call operation, and a wireless phone charging pad are all new features on the Crosstrek compared to the outgoing model.
The infotainment system also controls the settings for the car, including the X-Mode settings and EyeSight Driver Assistance functions, to mention a couple.
Subaru leather seats with 8-way power adjustment are standard on the iS, while fabric seats are included with the base iL. The best lower back support is provided by the new chairs' hip, headrest, and back curves, which were all developed with the needs of people in mind.
Additionally, the redesigned seat design minimises movement of the human body inside the cabin, which lessens tiredness and enhances the overall comfort and sophistication of the experience.
Numerous comfort features are available in the Crosstrek line. Across the board, Remote Keyless Access is standard. Dual zone climate control is now a standard feature across the board, with an improved focus on the seats that are occupied rather than the entire cabin. New tyre pressure monitoring technology and steering-responsive LED lighting with Auto High Beam function are further features.
Small adjustments to the packaging and storage facilities inside the cabin have increased its overall usability. Changes have been made to the coin holder below the gear shift lever and the variable usage cupholders.
If necessary, the split-folding 60:40 rear seats in the back may expand the interior space, and the wide-opening rear doors and boot lid make getting in and out of the vehicle much safer and simpler.
A new baggage cushion with the Subaru logo, a new trim finish with a diamond pattern, and the addition of an anti-slip surface with a mountain motif at the entry to the cargo area are all nice additions in the boot area.
It exemplifies the active and adaptable lifestyle that the Subaru Crosstrek has been designed for.
System for innovative driver monitoring
The ground-breaking Driver Monitoring System, which has gained popularity in Southern Africa with the new Outback and WRX models, is also present in the brand-new Crosstrek.
The Driver Monitoring System offers two types of assistance to drivers by utilising an infrared LED and a camera. The first is to watch out for signs of exhaustion, drowsiness, or lack of concentration in the driver.
The technology will alert the driver visually and vocally to refocus or take a break when it notices indicators of tiredness or a lack of attention.
The second feature is the most convenient for drivers; it uses facial recognition software to store and set up to five unique driver profiles, allowing drivers to select and customise their preferences each time they get into the car. These include preferences for the climate.
Performance married to adventure
The new Crosstrek was designed with the popular lifestyle in mind, giving capabilities priority without sacrificing comfort or performance.
The renowned Symmetrical other-Wheel Drive technology is a standard feature across the Crosstrek line, as it is with other Subaru models marketed in Southern Africa.
With quicker response times, this always-on all-wheel drive system has been further refined, enhancing the car's agility and handling in a variety of diverse driving situations and road surfaces.
A 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled BOXER® engine that generates 196 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm and 115 kW of power at 6,000 rpm powers the new Crosstrek.
This engine is mated to a Lineartronic CVT, which is quieter and more effective. It also has paddle shifters for manual mode operating through eight pre-set gears. The oil pump and oil pressure system have also been optimised for better fuel economy, and the gear ratios inside the transmission have been increased for quicker acceleration.
Five-star unparalleled levels of safety
Subaru's goal for safety is to eliminate all fatal collisions involving its cars, including those involving pedestrians and bicycles. This audacious ambition has led to advancements in primary, active, and passive safety technology for the Crosstrek.
The driver's peripheral view has been considered by primary safety, and the A-pillar and D-pillar designs have increased visibility, particularly when cornering.
Subaru's all-wheel drive system is still a crucial component of the Active Safety systems on the Crosstrek, and it has been further enhanced to react more quickly, giving the driver greater control to prevent an accident. The Subaru Global Platform significantly reduces occupant or pedestrian damage in the case of a collision when it comes to passive safety. For enhanced protection, additional sub-frames have been added to the platform's front, side, and back.
The Crosstrek has nine airbags, including airbags for the driver's knee, the passenger's seat cushion, and an airbag that deploys between the front seats to lessen the severity of collisions involving front seat occupants. The Subaru Crosstrek will initially be available in Southern Africa in two trim levels: the entry-level Crosstrek iL and the top-of-the-line Crosstrek iS.
My decision
For the price, Subaru delivers a lot of goodies. It is well-built. The interior of the Crosstrek is filled with lovely soft-touch materials, especially at the top Limited trim level. Although a top-trim Mazda CX-30 is finer still, the Crosstrek's price is readily justified overall. The Crosstrek excels in jagged terrain. Only one or two cars in this class can travel as far from the usual route as the Crosstrek, especially when you consider the features that are offered and the affordable pricing.
With a little of its own flash, style, and eventually enough power, it serves as a portal to the outdoors.
- andrew@muzamhindo.com.
