New Subaru XV to go on sale in 2018

The new Subaru XV crossover has been revealed at the Geneva motor show, although it won't be coming to the UK until early next year.

The new XV is built on Subaru's Global Platform, which also underpins the Impreza. It's claimed to bring extra refinement and ride comfort to the XV - and both are areas where the current car feels compromised, especially in the face of stiff competition from the likes of the Nissan Qashqai.

Sporting a more muscular and agressive appearance than the existing model, the new XV features body cladding around its lower edges, air intakes around its front bumper and a larger front grille. No pictures of the XV's interior have been released, but Subaru says it features a new 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system that includes smartphone connectivity.

Subaru says it has improved the XV's driving style to offer increased steering and pedal feedback and reduce noise and vibrations. The new platform is 70% stiffer than that of the current XV and body roll has been reduced by 50%.

The XV continues to come with all-wheel drive as standard, but now the car also comes with X-Mode, which is designed to optimise the engine, brakes and steering to reduce slip on low-traction surfaces, such as mud, snow or greasy roads.

Engine options include a revamped version of the old XV's 2.0-litre diesel, with 154bhp and 145lb ft of torque. Subaru says 80% of the engine's parts have been upgraded, making it lighter, more economical and more powerful than the old engine. A petrol variant will also be offered that is likely to be the same 2.0-litre unit you can buy today. Both can be had with a seven-speed CVT transmission.

The XV's suite of safety technology features Subaru's Eyesight system, which combines automatic emergency braking with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance. This XV also features steering-responsive headlights and rear vehicle detection, which warns drivers if a car is in their blind spot.

With the car not coming to the UK for another year, official prices have yet to be announced. The current XV is priced from £22,180 - a figure that is expected to rise to take into account the new model's larger array of equipment.

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