Our take: Subaru XV Crosstrek

Today automakers are pulling out all the stops to attract younger, college aged or recent graduate, buyers to their bands. This generation is interested in three things: How fuel efficient is it, how much value is it, and how versatile is it. This has brought about a new segment of smaller more environmentally friendly compact cross-overs.

The latest entry into this ever expanding segment is the Subaru XV Crosstrek.  Some will look at it and with a sneer and say, “It’s just a slightly taller Impreza.”

Those who think that are both right and wrong it is based on the Impreza “hatchback.” But don’t expect to be able to use any of the body panels off the hatchback. The reason why body parts are not interchangeable is because Subaru gave the Impreza some growth hormones and the body itself is four inches taller than the regular hatchback.  The Crosstrek also features unique front and rear fascia’s and contrasting body side cladding.

Underneath the slightly different body power comes from the same 2.0-liter Boxer engine out of the Impreza.  But if you are going to keep anything exactly the same as the Impreza this engine is it. Subaru says the Crosstrek will give you 25 mpg city and 33 mpg on the highway making this the most fuel efficient crossover in America.  Those numbers come with standard fulltime four-wheel drive. The engine is cuppled to either a six-speed manuel transmission or CVT automatic.

The suspension is also different form the Impreza it features new shocks, dampers. Larger anti-sway bars so it doesn’t roll about like Winnie the Pooh falling down a hill.

Subaru has also upgraded the cooling capacity of the Crosstrek which means this little crossover can tow up to 1500lbs which you would be hard pressed to do in a regular Impreza. Finally the biggest change to over the Impreza is the Crosstreks ground clears which is whooping 8.3 inches that is the same as Jeep Grand Cherokee.

When it comes to value for money you will be hard pressed to find another crossover with this value for money. The base model which Subaru is calling the Premium comes standard with:  a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio and Bluetooth controls, power windows, door locks and mirrors, and smartphone app audio streaming.

Choose to upgrade to the Limited model and you will get: leather trimmed seats, steering wheel, and shift handle, automatic climate control, auto on/off headlamps and a 4.3in infotainment display with integrated rear camera. Optional on both Premium and limited models is the All-Weather package which gives you heated; seats, exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-ice.

The Crosstrek is not only capable off road and a good value for money but it is also very versatile. The rear seat offers passengers an impressive 35 inches of leg room which is the same as most mid-sized sedans. That means the Crosstrek can take four full-grown adults in reasonable comfort.  Fold the rear seats down however and you will be able to stand two regular size mountain bikes up inside the car with the bikes front wheels removed.

Subaru expects the Crosstrek to compete with the Nissan Juke, Mini Countryman, Hyundai Tucson and the Suzuki SX4. But when the Crosstrek goes on sale in there will be two other competitors the Buick Encore and BMW X1. The Crosstrek is a very viable candidate for those who are just starting out and lead very active lifestyles or those who simple want to look like they do. Expect to see the XV Crosstrek in showrooms in early October.