Subaru’s new Crosstrek, set to replace the well-liked XV when it launches during April, will kick off at $34,990 before on-road costs and come with a hybrid option further up the range.
Order books are now open, and will fill fast considering the outgoing Subaru XV attracted more than 100,000 Australian buyers over a decade on sale, and two generations.
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek range again comprises five variants: three petrol-powered grades (now called 2.0L, 2.0R and 2.0S) and two hybrids (again called Hybrid L and Hybrid S).
While the grade names have changed in places, the prices between each respective spec level versus the XV are up by between $1800 and $3000.
As with all Subaru SUVs, the Crosstrek is unique in its size-segment by coming with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, giving it greater soft-road capability than most competitors.
These include the top-selling Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi ASX, MG ZS and Toyota Corolla Cross, as well as the just-launched new-generation Nissan Qashqai.
The new Crosstrek is almost identical dimensionally to the XV (4495mm long, 1800mm wide, 1600mm tall) and offers an above-average 220mm of ground clearance. Under the evolutionary body is the latest modular Subaru Global Platform, with 10 per cent more stiffness.
“This is not a jacked up small car; this is a small SUV with real capability,” claims Subaru Australia boss Blair Read.
The Crosstrek’s interior comes with new features such as better seats, an 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, better EyeSight driver-assist cameras with functions such as speed-sign recognition and lane-centring, and a front-centre airbag.
Two Boxer flat-four engines are available, both using standard symmetrical AWD and a CVT with paddles, though neither are brimming with power.
The 2.0-litre petrol makes 115kW of power and 196Nm of torque and uses a claimed 7.2 litres of 91 RON fuel per 100km, whereas the e-Boxer 2.0-litre Hybrid with its very small battery and electric motor makes 110kW and 196Nm, and cuts fuel use to 6.5L/100km.
As with other e-Boxer models, the hybrid doesn’t get close to matching the fuel efficiency of Toyota’s ubiquitous hybrid system, but should still smooth out the stop/start system.
2023 Subaru Crosstrek prices
- Crosstrek AWD 2.0L: $34,990 (up $1800)
- Crosstrek AWD 2.0R: $38,490 (up $2700)
- Crosstrek AWD 2.0S: $41,490 (up $3000)
- Crosstrek AWD Hybrid L: $38,590 (up $1800)
- Crosstrek AWD Hybrid S: $45,090 (up $3000)
All prices exclude on-road costs
2023 Subaru Crosstrek spec summary
Crosstrek AWD 2.0L features:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Dusk-sensing headlights
- Roof rails
- Dual-zone climate control
- Cloth trim
- 11.6-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- USB-A and USB-C connections
- Wireless phone charger
- Six-speaker sound system
- Nine airbags
- AEB – forward and reverse
- Adaptive cruise control
- Emergency Lane Keep Assist
- Lane-centring function
- Lead Vehicle Start Alert
- Intelligent Speed Limiter
- Speed Limiter
- Speed Sign Recognition
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear parking sensors
- Driver monitoring systems
Crosstrek AWD 2.0R adds:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Self-levelling LED headlights
- Heated side mirrors
- Premium cloth seat trim
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Aluminium pedals
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror
- Heated front seats
- 10-way power seat with lumbar support – driver
- Rear seat USB-A and USB-C ports
- Automatic high-beam
- Surround-view camera
Crosstrek AWD 2.0S adds:
- Electric sunroof
- Leather accented seat trim
- Satellite navigation
- 10 speaker audio system with Harmon Kardon amp
Crosstrek AWD Hybrid L features:
- About matches the base Crosstrek 2.0L
Crosstrek AWD Hybrid S features:
- About matches the flagship Crosstrek 2.0S
Read the full 2023 Subaru Crosstrek price and specs breakdown here.
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