Subaru Crosstrek – let’s get active

FOR a company that doesn’t design cars for a mass audience Subaru is doing incredibly well.

Niche manufacturer it may be, but the Japanese brand produced a healthy 874,000 cars in 2023 and was bang on course to top a million by the close of last year.

Like many other motor manufacturers Subaru is in the throes of that inevitable march towards electrification with four new SUVs scheduled for the fully electric line-up by the end of 2026, two of them new to the UK.

The latest model arrived less than a year ago in the form of the new Crosstrek, a self-charging hybrid with trademark Subaru design in that it looks refreshingly different from most other compact SUVs.

As the replacement for the Subaru XV, it heralds the entry level to the company’s range and is available in two trim grades – Limited and Touring – with prices from £34,290.

The Crosstrek has a 10 per cent stiffer chassis for better ride quality and dynamic performance, and like all Subarus also has permanent all-wheel drive.

Another valuable standard feature is the brand’s latest Eyesight driver assist tech, equipped with a new stereo camera with a much wider recognition range.

That means this invaluable safety system can identify bicycles and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, when needed, alert the driver and apply brakes to avoid collisions. Blind Spot detection is also standard.

Subaru believes adventure and versatility are at the heart of the rugged looking Crosstrek’s appeal, so the model clearly has owners who enjoy an active lifestyle in its sights.

And with the great outdoors in mind, the Crosstrek’s 220mm ground clearance is greater than that of many SUVs, at the same time maintaining a comfortably low step-in height for front and rear passenger entry.

Topping the adventure gear though is the driver-selectable X-MODE with Hill Descent Control system which ensures wheel control on slippy surfaces and steep inclines.

Flagship spec Touring models get an upgrade to a dual-function X-MODE for better capability in a wider range of conditions, and every variant includes Incline Start Assist, which restrains the vehicle while the driver pulls away from standstill on a hill.

Potential buyers are spared any dilemma over engine choice – because you get what you’re given, in the case of the Crosstrek a 2.0-litre four-cylinder e-BOXER petrol unit developing 136PS.

It’s a strong if a little revvy powerplant capable of accelerating from 0-62 in 10.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 123mph, while its official fuel return is 37.98 miles per gallon.

Transmission comes via a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which is smooth and silent and Touring trim (a £2,000 upgrade) also has a manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters.

There’s not much the Crosstrek can’t do off-piste but out on the road, where the lion’s shasre of its time will be spent, the Subaru is lively enough to drive with enthusiasm – feeling assured and well balanced.

Interior space is ample for four, though a little cramped for three across the back, and oddment space includes bottle holders in all four door bins, various cup holders, slots, trays, a lidded container and glovebox.

As for load space, the 315-litre boot expands to 922 litres with the 60:40 seatbacks folded down and the tailgate has a low lift-over height for easier access.

Standard equipment on all models includes a 11.6-inch multimedia touch screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 17-inch diamond turned alloy wheels, auto LED steering-responsive headlamps, a rear-view camera, heated front seats and a plethora of safety kit.