Economical 2.0-litre petrol engine with ‘Auto Start Stop’
Comfortable ride
All-wheel drive traction (albeit via two different systems)
High standard of interior fit and finish
Short-throw manual transmission easy to use…

… but ratios not well-suited to the engine
Body roll when cornering
Whining noise from continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Reports of high oil consumption for 2.0-litre FB20 engine

Review: Subaru GP.I XV (2012-15)

Overview

Released in January 2012, the Subaru GP Series I (GP.I) XV was a compact, all-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in Ota, Japan, the Subaru XV was powered by a 2.0-litre flat four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission with six pre-set ratios (Subaru’s ‘Lineartronic’). Furthermore, the XV range consisted of three variants: 2.0i, 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S.

FB20 engine

The 2.0-litre FB20 horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine had an open-deck aluminium alloy cylinder block, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing (Subaru’s ‘Dual Active Valve Control System’) and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. The FB20 engine also included Subaru’s ‘Auto Start Stop’ system which enabled the engine to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic to reduce fuel consumption.

Subaru GP XV specifications
Variants	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S	2.0-litre FB20 petrol F4	6sp man., 6sp CVT	110 kW at 6200 rpm	196 Nm at 4200 rpm

AWD systems

For Subaru XV models with the Lineartronic CVT, the active torque split AWD system utilised a multi-plate clutch to distribute torque to the rear wheels. In normal conditions, the system provided a 60:40 (front:rear) torque distribution pattern but the transmission control unit could adjust the distribution in real time.

For Subaru XV models with the manual transmission, the centre differential AWD system utilised a viscous limited slip differential. In normal conditions, the system provided a default 50:50 torque split, though torque could be redirected to the wheels with grip in the event that traction was lost.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the GP Impreza hatchback on which it was based, the Subaru GP XV was 130 mm shorter (at 4450 mm), 40 mm wider (1780 mm) and had a 10 mm shorter wheelbase (2635 mm); the XV was also taller 150 mm (at 1615 mm) due to its standard roof rails and raised suspension which increased ground clearance to 220 mm (up from 145 mm). The XV had MacPherson strut front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Subaru XV included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbag, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

ANCAP and Euro NCAP testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the GP Impreza sedan received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.33 out of 37. Based on information supplied to ANCAP, this rating was also applied to the XV. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the front occupants. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

In Euro NCAP testing , a 2012 Subaru XV received a five star safety rating which included an 86 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 90 per cent child occupant protection rating.

Features: Subaru XV 2.0i, 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S

Standard features for the Subaru XV 2.0i included 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, MP3/WMA compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB) and a 4.3-inch multi-function display, Bluetooth mobile phone and audio connectivity, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, a reversing camera, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, roof rails, a rear cargo blind, trip computer and an immobiliser. For models with the CVT, steering wheel gearshift paddles were also fitted as standard.

The XV 2.0i-L was further equipped with dual-zone climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation with SMS voice-to-text and voice command, ‘leatherette’ seat trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a powered sunroof and rear privacy glass.

Beyond this, the XV 2.0i-S added leather upholstery, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, xenon headlights with washers and silver roof rails.

2014 Subaru XV Black

From May 2014, Subaru XV 2.0i, 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S variants were available with a ‘Black’ option pack which included resin underguards (front, side and rear), a rear resin cargo step panel, a shark fin antenna, window tint for enhanced UV protection and wingbar edge roof racks with a choice of four attachments (bike rack, universal locking arms, surfboard holder or water craft holder). Solely available for models with black paint finishes, the XV Black models could be identified by their ‘Black’ badges.

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