Already a hugely successful AWD SUV, the XV mild hybrid features a 2.0 litre horizontally opposed Boxer engine linked via Motor Assist to a high voltage lithium ion battery, offering fuel economy benefits, particularly in congested city driving.  There is a slight 100kg weight penalty with the new engine.

Depending upon driving environment, vehicle and battery condition, it can operate in fully electric mode up to 40 km/h.

TO LISTEN TO THE RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

When driving in fully electric mode (both forward and reverse), the Pedestrian Alert system emits a sound, to alert people in close proximity. The system operates when the vehicle speed is 24 km/h or less.

The XV retains the CVT and X Mode AWD SYSTEM. It’s a breeze to drive with no noticeable difference to a full petrol hybrid vehicle.

Sitting midway through the model range the MHEV is priced at $39,987 RDP and relatively good value.  A full hybrid would be welcomed.

This is a Motoring Minute

What is good?

• AWD Capability
• Class leading Safety
• Ride and dynamics

What is not so good?

• Not a full Hybrid
• Not the top spec
• A little pricey and missing some features

 Also Look at:

• Mazda CX-30
• Kia Seltos
• Honda HRV
• Hyundai Kona
• Peugeot 2008 GT
• Skoda Scala

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

Motoring Minutes are heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. Motoring Minutes have an average daily audience of over 150,000 listeners. This is more than 750,000 listeners a week.

Motoring Minutes are also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia and has a weekly audience of over 430,000.

The post Subaru XV Hybrid 2021 Review appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

We have reviewed XV many times. Here are those, and other Subaru stories:

• Subaru XV in the snow  Part 1
• 2020 Impreza
• Impreza and Levorg in the snow
• Subaru XV  in Perisher Part 2
• Subaru XV Launch Review
• XV Mild Hybrid Launch
• XV Mild Hybrid Review 

XV Outside:

XV is handsome. Big, bold, light clusters include automatic halogen headlights with high beam assist.

There are built in roof rails, and deep body carving to add a play of light under the doors and on the front and rear facades.

The lower body and wheel arches have sacrificial black plastic trim.  Better to scratch that than the duco.

Measurements:

• 220mm ground clearance
• 4465mm long, 1800mm wide,
• 1595mm high (20mm lower than petrol models), and has a
• wheelbase 2665mm
• Cargo volume is 345L/919L (petrol models at 310L/765L)

Subaru has no spare tyre. Instead, that excess space is split between battery and cargo volume. There is a puncture repair kit so if you’re heading to your country cottage high on a remote peak, put a spare on the roof.

The only hint of the hybrid drivetrain is a discrete Eboxer badge on the front guards and rear hatch. One doesn’t want to be too ostentatious.

XV Cabin:

All XVs have Smart Key entry, and push-button start. Inside, a clever identification system scans and welcomes the driver, and sets the profile accordingly.

Subaru covered the seats premium cloth, which has a slightly industrial feel. The dash has a similar sturdiness to it. The lines are complex, and the materials soft. Everything is where you expect it to be.

XV Hybrid has one trim level, a mix of the various trim levels in the other models.

Uou get single zone climate control, but all the EYESIGHT safety features. Only the Premium and S XVs have built in navigation. On all other XVs, you can use Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and the maps contained therein.

This phone mirroring gives you full control via the 6.5” touch screen, and there is voice control too. Use Siri for full voice control, but if you prefer radio, DAB/FM/AM stations can be stored as favourites.

Displays:

Functions are cleverly split, and in some cases duplicated. Driver displays have twin dials, and a 4.2” MFD (multi-function display).

On the centre stack, another MFD is set above the touch screen. Both MFDs are shielded by deep visors to prevent excess glare from the sun. Other surfaces are matte to stop the afternoon sun from blinding the driver. Only the touch screen and gear knob have shiny piano black. That’s a fashion I hope soon will pass.

You get 2X 12v sockets, a AUX socket, and a USB jack, as well as a bin to rest your phone while plugged in. There are a further 2 USB charging points trussed up in the centre console armrest bin.

There are 2X cupholders in front of the gear selector, large bin/bottle holders in all 4 doors, a cargo blind, and some neat hooks for bags and so forth.

XV Driving:

XV has supportive seats and a perfect driving position. There is plenty or room. Even the rear passengers find more than enough room even with all occupants being adults.

Although the XV Hybrid misses power adjustment and heating, the driver can still lift the seat manually. The steering wheel adjusts for reach and height, and all controls fall easily to hand.

There are driver aids and safety gizmos galore. EYESIGHT’s twin cameras work with radar and parking sensors to provide:

• Active lane control
• active cruise control
• active blind spot monitor
• AEB forward/reverse
• Brake light recognition
• Lane sway warning
• Lead vehicle alert
• Pre-collision braking/brake assist
• Pre-collision throttle management
• Rear cross traffic alert
• High beam assist
• Lane change assist
• Reversing camera

Kids are forgotten either. There are 3 child anchor points and 2 ISOFIX points along with rear door child locks.

The Ride:

The ride is brilliant. XV has sophisticated suspension: stabiliser bars front and back, Macpherson struts up front, and double wishbones at the back.

In the bends, that smooth ride morphs into sporty grip. You dart into corners with the clever electronics working to brake wayward wheels. It makes good drivers even better. Bad drivers should just stay off the road for everyone’s sakes.

XV Hybrid Engine and Transmission:

XV Hybrid has 110kw/196Nm, with the electric motor adding a further 12.3kw and 66Nm. Like all Subarus (except for BRZ) XV Hybrid has AWD. The power gets to the wheels via a CVT automatic. The CVT has no physical gears but will simulate gear rations when pushed. There are manual gear paddles on the steering wheel to suit sporty drivers.

As you get to cruising speed, or simply beetling about the town, revs go up and down to find the perfect match of performance and economy.

There are slight fuel savings over the petrol-only XV models. 6.5L/100 vs 7L/100k and CO2 of 147g/km vs 159g/k may not sound like much, but it adds up. Forester is slightly better with a 19% fuel saving around town.

XV Hybrid will run for short periods in EV mode, using only the electric motor as long as the batteries are charged up. The hypnotic display above the touch screen tells you battery charging, and what engine is driving the wheels..

You do not need to plug in to a socket. XV Hybrid charges as you drive.

XV Hybrid differs from full hybrids. The motor and batteries are much smaller than Prius for example.

Conclusion:

XV Hybrid uses Subaru’s new platform that can take petrol, hybrid, or electric drive trains. It has the symmetrical AWD system Subaru is famous for. That alone puts it ahead of most other brands in the segment.

It comes with a 5 year warranty, 5 year/62,000km capped price servicing,  batteries have a separate 8 year/160,000km warranty. With most electric cars, the batteries will outlast the car. Warranty usually kicks in if the batteries are at 70% or less efficiency, but check with you dealer when you have a service..

The important thing is you can drive this car just like any other car. You can go as far as the 48L petrol tank will get you, then you just fill up again.

Subaru XV Hybrid

Price: $35,580 (plus onroads)

Engine:

• petrol – boxer, 2.0L, 91ron
• Electric – Permanent magnet AC synchronous motor

Power:

• petrol – 110kw
• Electric – 12.3kw

Torque:

• petrol – 196Nm
• Electric – 66Nm

Econ: 6.5L/100k (7.5 city, 5.9 highway)

CO2: 147g/km

The post 2020 Subaru XV Hybrid Small SUV Video Review appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

Subaru releases the XV Hybrid

Subaru XV, a multi COTY award winner at OzRoamer, now comes in a mild hybrid version. These are available now and in fact, Subaru is in the pleasant position of having the first 4-5 months allocations already pre sold.

We didn’t have a chance to drive the Hybrids at the Press Release that will come in a few weeks, so here are the details. XV Hybrid is priced from $35,580 MLP*

Subaru’s first steps in the hybrid arena form part of a long-term strategy that will produce a variety of next generation power plants and technologies in the coming years. As of the launch date Subaru has already achieved over 500 Forester and XV hybrid sales with fleet customers. And another 200 odd private customer orders.

XV Hybrid offers over 14% improvement in fuel efficiency over equivalent petrol variants in the urban ADR cycle and over 7% improvement in the combined ADR cycle. There is a slight 100kg weight penalty with the new engine.

XV Hybrid e-boxer engine

The XV Hybrid model is an addition to the range and features e-Boxer power – a 2.0 litre horizontally opposed Boxer engine linked via Motor Assist to a high voltage lithium ion battery, offering fuel economy benefits, particularly in congested city driving.

The four cylinder 2.0 litre engine produces 110 Kilowatts of power at 6,000 rpm and 196 Newtonmetres of torque at 4,000 rpm and features the efficient intake/exhaust Active Valve Control System (AVCS).

The electric motor produces 12.3 kW of power and 66 Nm of torque, and is self-charging, via kinetic energy captured by regenerative braking and coasting. The XV retains the CVT and X Mode AWD SYSTEM.

The e-Boxer logic adjusts the power split between petrol and electric to match driving conditions and enhances the smoothness and linear feel of acceleration. .

It automatically changes between three modes:

• Motor Assist EV driving
• Motor Assist electric (EV) + petrol engine driving, and;
• Petrol engine driving

From standstill or at low speed, the vehicle is powered by the electric motor only, for quiet, zero-emission driving.

Depending upon driving environment, vehicle and battery condition, it can operate in fully electric mode up to 40 km/h.

When driving in fully electric mode (both forward and reverse), the Pedestrian Alert system emits a sound, to alert people in close proximity. The system operates when the vehicle speed is 24 km/h or less.

At medium speeds, combined power from both the electric and petrol engine produce responsive, linear and more fuel efficient acceleration.

At high speed, the Boxer petrol engine exclusively powers the vehicle, while regenerative braking or coasting with foot off the accelerator, recharges the lithium ion battery.

Under certain driving conditions above 40 km/h, when decelerating or coasting and the battery is charging, the petrol engine can turn off, achieving fuel saving.

As soon as the accelerator is pressed, the engine will re-start.

Depending upon driving style, the e-Boxer hybrid system can offer improved fuel consumption particularly in urban, stop-go traffic.

It also eliminates the unnatural braking feel common to some electric-only vehicles.

The e-Boxer hybrid system uses kinetic energy by converting it into electricity, delivered to the battery located in the sub cargo floor, together with the drive motor inverter and DC/DC converter. All are installed in a high-strength frame, with sound dampening and moisture-repelling qualities.

The electric motor assist and battery pack are aligned longitudinally, with the motor located near the vehicle’s centre of gravity, while the battery and other components are above the rear axle, also contributing to low centre of gravity and optimising front/rear weight distribution.

An unobtrusive cooling system draws air from the cabin to help maintain the battery at operating temperature and to help ensure better longevity.

As with the entire Subaru new vehicle range, all hybrid variants have a five-star rating for occupant safety from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

All Subaru hybrids purchased by private buyers for private use offer a five year unlimited kilometre warranty, plus an eight-year 160,000 km lithium ion battery warranty.

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

XV HYBRID AWD MY20 – MODEL SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE:

SAFETY

• ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Active Torque Vectoring
• Auto dimming rear view mirror
• Brake Assist
• Child seat anchor points on back of rear seat; ISOFIX outer rear seats
• Curtain airbags
• Driver’s knee airbag
• Dual front airbags
• Dual side airbags
• Dusk sensing auto-off headlights
• EyeSight driver assist, featuring:

• Pre-collision braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Pre-collision throttle management
• Lead vehicle start alert
• Lane departure warning
• Lane Keep Assist

• Front LED fog lights
• Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
• Front height adjustable seatbelt anchors
• Pedestrian alert system
• Rain sensing front windscreen wipers
• Rear door child lock
• Rear seat reminder
• Rear view camera
• Ring-shaped reinforced passenger cabin
• Seatbelt indicator lights
• Side intrusion bars
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• Three-point A/ELR rear seatbelt
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Vehicle Dynamics Control
• Vision Assist:

• Blind spot monitoring
• Lane change assist
• High beam assist
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Reverse automatic braking

• X-Mode

INTERIOR

• 6.5-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto compatible, digital radio (DAB+), six speaker audio, steering wheel controls
• Automatic climate control air conditioning
• Bottle holders in all doors + two cup holders in centre console & rear armrest
• Cargo area light
• Cargo hooks
• Cargo security blind
• Central locking – remote
• Cruise control – steering wheel buttons
• Driver’s footrest
• Energy flow display
• Height and reach adjustable steering column
• Height adjustable driver’s seat
• Immobiliser security system
• Leather finish steering wheel and gear shift
• Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission with paddle shift
• Map lights (2)
• Power steering, folding mirrors and windows
• Premium cloth trim – charcoal colour
• Remote fuel lid release – tethered fuel cap
• Seatback pocket (front passenger side)
• Two remote central locking keys
• Vanity mirrors
• 60/40 split-fold rear seat
• 12V/120W power jacks (two)

EXTERIOR

• 17-inch alloy wheels (17x7J, with a 225/60R17 99H tyre)
• Colour-coded mirrors and door handles
• Heated door mirrors
• Rear privacy glass
• Rear roof spoiler with LED brake light
• Rear roof mounted shark fin radio antenna
• Rear wiper
• Roof rails – black

OTHER FEATURES     

• Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
• Subaru Global Platform
• Five-year unlimited kilometre warranty
• Eight-year/160,000 km warranty – Lithium-ion battery
• 2.0 litre DOHC direct injection horizontally opposed e-Boxer engine produces 110 Kilowatts of power at 6,000 rpm and 196 Newtonmetres of torque at 4,000 rpm
• 12-month/12,500 kilometres Capped Price Service schedule
• Electric motor produces 12.3 kW and 66 Nm

The post Subaru releases the XV Hybrid in 2020 model upgrade appeared first on Eco Car Guide.