The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
Crossovers are supposed to be a homogeneous blend of car-like styling and SUV-like utilities. Lord knows there have been such false crossovers which are either cars in their roots or bulky truck like SUVs. One of the either styling they carry, that is! But, Subaru has always been a brand with a fine hand at developing crossovers that have just the right amount of styling with equal amount of utility. The Outback lineup from the automaker is a perfect example of juts that. And then there is the comparatively new lineup Crosstrek! Every Crosstrek is basically a Subaru Impreza, which is a hatchback. To turn it into a fine crossover, the brand poured into the wagon, some hard-edged styling along with an enhanced suspension. The all wheel drive crossover is one of the most proficient vehicles in its niche. The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek steps almost unchanged into the year besides a new addition to the lineup. The 2014 Crosstrek lineup would be welcoming a hybrid version of the vehicle. Other additions for the year include a smartphone integration system.
The five-seater comes in various trim levels. There is the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek 2.0i Premium for starters followed by the 2.0i Limited, and then there are the Hybrid and Hybrid Touring trims of the vehicle. The basic 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek is powered by a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine which readily produces 148 horses and 145pound feet of twist. This 2,0i Premium comes standard with a five speed manual transmission along with an all wheel drive system. While it comes as an available option on the Premium trim, the 2.0i Limited trim features a CVT as standard, which is also mated to an all wheel drive system, however, different from the AWD of the Premium. The newest to the lineup, the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid boasts a similar engine mated to a CVT along with an all wheel drive, and, clubs it all with an electric motor which adds another 13 ponies and 48 pound feet to the original numbers. A regular 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek, featuring a CVT, accelerates to 60 mph from rest in a sprint time of 9.9 seconds. On par with the performance of the new Outlander Sport and lesser than that of the 2014 Nissan Juke, the numbers do fine for the 2014 Crosstrek.
On the inside, the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek is a sophisticated little vehicle with understated yet chic designing. The presentation of the dials and gauges on the dashboard are kept simple and elegant, adding to the simplistic overall styling of the interiors. However, the infotainment system and sound system in the crossover are amazingly depressing.
The fuel economy of the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek is pretty impressive. However, the transmission that yields to the same, sadly also yields to delayed responses as well as noise. The crossover faces quite some competition with models like the Juke, the Outlander Sport and the Mini Cooper Countryman, but the Crosstrek stands as a fine vehicle in its segment.