Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru vehicles have unveiled the 2018 Subaru XV at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show.
Now based on the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP) as the new Impreza, the new 2018 XV receives a significantly more rigid body and chassis, up to 100% increase over the outgoing model. Suspension system also sees an improvement, plus achieving a much lower centre of gravity without sacrificing its 220 mm road clearance.
On top of that, by utilizing the new platform, Subaru is able to increase the rigidity of the suspension mounts, thus delivering a smoother ride. Steering ratio has also been improved, now at 13:1 versus 14:1 of the old model. Elsewhere, Subaru said that the 2018 XV also gets Active Torque Vectoring to improve steering performance.
Under the hood is a redesigned 2.0-litre Boxer engine with direct fuel injection with roughly 80% new parts, now 12 kg lighter. Power output is now 156 PS and 196 Nm, mated to an improved Lineartronic CVT-type automatic that drives all four wheels via Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system. A 7-speed manual mode is also available on the new transmission.
As for the interior, the 2018 Subaru XV carries most of the interior bits from the Impreza sibling, including the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Compared to the outgoing model, the 2018 model gets revised seat structure, new multi-function display plus orange stitching on the instrument panel.
Like all new Subaru models, the 2018 XV is also host to Subaru’s suite of active and passive safety technologies, like the hot press formed frame structure that improves impact energy absorption by 40%, Subaru EyeSight as standard equipment, which includes Pre-Collision Braking Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist function. High Beam Assist, Steering Responsive Headlights and Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection, offering Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assistance (LCA) and reversing assistance.
The 2018 Subaru XV is expected to make a local debut some time this year, likely in CKD form.
