Redefining the Crossover

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Motor Image, the exclusive regional distributor of Subaru, took the wraps off a new-generation crossover at the recently concluded 28th Thailand Motor Expo held at the IMPACT Exhibition Center in this Thai capital.

Dubbed the Subaru XV, the new 5-seat compact crossover will be the first model to roll off the production lines at an existing production facility of Tan Chong Motor Assemblies Sdn. Bhd (TCMA). This follows an announcement made earlier this year on a consignment production contract between the Tan Chong Group and Subaru’s mother company Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) for the assembly of Subarus in Malaysia, starting with the new Subaru XV 2.0i.

The production of the new Subaru XV 2.0i in Malaysia will begin in October 2012 and will be marketed in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia through the Subaru sales and distribution network of Tan Chong Group.

Meanwhile, the Subaru XV models meant for the other regional countries under the Motor Image Group, which includes the Philippines, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam, will be imported from Japan.

The Subaru XV comes with an all-new normally aspirated 2.0-liter Subaru Boxer engine, which from our brief drive with it, delivered excellent acceleration with a high level of torque even at low speeds. Already in its third generation, Subaru’s highly acclaimed horizontally opposed engine now features a long-stroke design for better fuel efficiency and enhanced low-rpm torque. Improved Active Valve Control System (AVCS) and an optimised intake also provides for even better low-end torque.

In another first among current Subaru models, the XV employs a Lineartronic CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) for improved fuel efficiency.

And thanks to the integration of Subaru’s effective and highly developed Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system, the XV delivers a sense of stability that would not normally be expected of a high-body vehicle.

With a low mechanical center of gravity, the XV delivers confidence-inspiring handling that belies its raised ride height. The generous 225/55R-17 Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires helped a lot, too. We test drove the XV around a slalom course at the world-class Motor Image Subaru Thailand facility and it acquitted itself impressively well.

The XV’s youthful styling (especially in a Lamborghini Gallardo-like orange) is characterized by a fusion of powerful body sculpting and dynamic cutting-edge lines heretofore unseen in previous (non-STi) Subaru models. The uniquely designed black-and-silver 17-inch alloy wheels add a touch of concept car feel to the production model.

Glenn Tan, Executive Director of Tan Chong International Ltd says, “Consumers are placing more emphasis on functionality and style. The new Subaru XV marries the best of both worlds that drivers have been waiting for, by fulfilling modern practical needs and economy with a combination of the sense of security and urban looks expected of an SUV.”

“I’m confident that urban dwellers would be excited by the new form factor and stunning performance of the new Subaru XV,” he added.

The new introduction underscores Subaru’s commitment to “Confidence in Motion,” a promise of engineering excellence, safety and pleasure, that moves with the times.

The Subaru XV originally made its world premiere at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show in September, prefaced by the unveiling of the design concept in Shanghai last April. The concept was received favorably the global audience, which lauded its distinctive and trendy design and blend of a crossover-like commanding silhouette and an urban-friendly image.

The new Subaru XV is expected to land on Philippine shores by March next year. Slotting in between the Subaru Impreza 2.0 and the Forester 2.0 in terms of size and price, the XV is expected to retail in the vicinity of P1.3 million.