2023 Subaru Crosstrek: XV successor revealed, confirmed for Australia

UPDATE: 2023 Subaru Crosstrek confirmed for Australia

Subaru has announced the next-gen XV – but under the new name of Crosstrek – is bound for Australia, and confirmed with hybrid power.

While the brand has yet to finalise timing, it is expected to arrive in early 2023, with full details – including pricing – to be announced in the coming months.

At this stage local specification details are thin on the ground, however, we know it will feature the firm's symmetrical all-wheel drive, the latest generation EyeSight driver assist system and driver monitoring system – Driver Focus – as well as a total of nine airbags.

Inside the cabin, the Crosstrek gets an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as wireless smartphone charging.

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Under the bonnet, it will be powered by a 2.0-litre boxer engine and a Lineartronic automatic transmission with eight-speed paddle shift manual mode, and the option of a hybrid variant.

"The new name embodies what the Crosstrek does and is, an All-Wheel Drive crossover small SUV that's capable of trekking almost anywhere you please, whether that's urban driving or outdoor adventures, with absolute confidence and enjoyment," said Subaru Australia's Managing Director, Blair Read.

"The all-new Subaru Crosstrek SUV encapsulates an active lifestyle, through its distinctive exterior design and drivability, and offers plenty of versatility meaning its skilled to take on any adventure with a sense of ease."

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The story to here

September 15: 2023 Subaru Crosstrek: XV successor revealed, Australian details unclear

The next-generation Subaru XV has been unveiled – but it will be known as the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek globally.

While the small SUV is familiar to locals as the XV – and also in other markets, including Japan – it has been badged Crosstrek in North America since 2012, with Subaru deciding to take the name global for its third generation.

Australian details are currently unclear, with further information expected in the coming months.

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“The latest global reveal from Subaru Corporation is very exciting! Details for the Australian market to come soon,” said the brand’s local division in a media statement.

Deliveries will commence in Japan next year, with an Australian launch likely to follow before the end of 2023.

It previews the next-generation Subaru Impreza hatch and sedan, which Japanese media reports will be revealed before the end of 2022.

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Under the skin, the Crosstrek retains the current XV’s Subaru Global Platform, but with a new design, slim full-LED headlights and WRX Sportswagon-like tail-lights.

It rides on a 2670mm wheelbase, and measures 4480mm long, 1800mm wide and 1580mm high – 5mm longer in wheelbase, 15mm longer, no wider and 30mm taller than before.

Subaru quotes a 200mm ground clearance – 20mm less than the current model – while the independent front and rear suspension remain in place.

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Like the WRX sedan, the Crosstrek features angular plastic body cladding with vents behind the front wheels, while nine exterior colours and 17-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels are available in Japan.

Inside, the new small SUV looks familiar to the current XV, but gains the same portrait-orientated 11.6-inch infotainment system found in the WRX and Outback, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation and touch-based climate controls.

This setup replaces the current 8-inch infotainment system and 6.3-inch multi-function display.

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However, unlike the Japanese-market WRX sedan and Levorg wagon (known as WRX Sportswagon in Australia), the Crosstrek does not feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with a small LCD display – likely 4.2-inch, in line with the current XV – carrying across.

Cloth or leather upholstery will be available, along with a wireless phone charger and a 360-degree camera.

At launch, the Crosstrek will be powered by a carry-over ‘e-Boxer’ mild-hybrid system in Japan, which features a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder and an electric motor.

Technical specifications are unconfirmed, but the outgoing model produced 110kW/196Nm, with a 12.3kW electric motor and continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT).

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As with all Subaru models but the rear-drive BRZ, the Crosstrek features standard all-wheel-drive.

It is unknown if Subaru will offer the Crosstrek with non-hybrid power, with the current model featuring a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre engine.

Overseas reports suggested a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol would be offered to replace the 2.0-litre unit, but this engine did not appear in today’s announcement.

Subaru claims it has stiffened the chassis for an improved driving experience, with a "full inner frame" construction to reduce vibration and body flex – and new adhesives and seat base designs.

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A revised suite of active safety technology will be offered, with additions including; intersection support for the autonomous emergency braking system and a Japan-first stereo camera unit with a wider viewing angle, and a wide-angle mono camera for enhanced pedestrian and cyclist detection.

Other safety equipment – featured under Subaru’s EyeSight branding – remains, such as lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control, while the brand has strengthened the body for greater collision performance.

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek will arrive in Japanese showrooms in 2023, with Australian details to be announced soon.

Below: The current 2022 Subaru XV

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