Subaru, The launch of a new car and the event that goes with it.

I was sitting on my computer when i had the unmistakable ding to say i received an email, and was surprised to see an invite to the launch of a new car, namely the new Subaru XV, the all wheel drive estate style SUV, and being that it is Subaru, we knew that the launch would not be a normal one.

And it was not, we had an early start to arrive at the airport, where they event was being held, and we found ourselves at an aeroplane, where the event was to based out of, up the steps and into the plane, we found a new car, not something we were expecting to find, but a nice surprise, along with plenty of info and pictures.

Breakfast was how it should be, bacon rolls, with loads of bacon, so no complaints there and another tick, we were then invited to take our seats where we were introduced to some of the Subaru hierarchy, and an introduction to the brand, the future and the reason we were there for.

And that reason was the new XV, a stunning car, now that might sound like a huge comment to make, and it is not made lightly, the XV is a massive leap forward, from safety, to design, to technology and comfort.

SAFETY

The car has been heavily updated, to not only make it far more safe, probably one of the safest cars in the segment, with the ABS, it benefits from Subaru's Global Manufacturing Platform (GMP), this is a higher rigidity, with vastly more strength, along with a lower weight, which in turn gives the car a better rolling resistance for an even better driving experience.

The car also benefits from a Rear Vehicle Detection system, which includes Blind spot monitoring, Lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert, which can alert the driver to a possible collision, the XV also benefits from the full 5* Euro NCAP rating for safety, it has also been declares the Euro NCAP Best In Class, safest small family car 2017 having achieved the best scores in it's segment for Adult and Child occupancy and pedestrian protection, and a very good for the Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Support Systems.

TECHNOLOGY

The entire Subaru range is well kitted out, but the XV does benefit from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 2, allowing easy connectivity for your smartphone, and the use of hands free, which keeps the driver more in control, thus keeping everyone safe whilst driving, the car also benefits from a reversing camera to aid in parking, and the view from that camera is wider than on some other so called premium products, the LED steering responsive headlights follow the car, whether on a straight or around a bend, which maximises visibility.

The keyless entry and push button start system amkes getting in and going easy, rather than press a blip, if you have the key in your pocket, grab the door handles and the the car doors will unlock, the same for the push button, as long as the key is on you, the car will start.

ENGINE

The Subaru range is famous for it's Boxer range of engines, they are powerful, yet economical, the powerplant sits lower down in the car to make it more stable, and combined with the Symmetrical All Wheel Drive is a set up that is hard to beat.

The XV comes in two engine specs the 1.6L and the 2.0L, the 2.0L can manage a 120mph top speed with a 10.4 seconds 0-62mph, and the 1.6L comes with a great fuel consumption of :-

• Urban             35.8mpg
• Extra Urban    50.4mpg
• Combined       44.1mpg

COMFORT

The XV is one of the most comfortable cars i have had the pleasure of driving, the setas are very supportive, and allows you to place both the seat and steering wheel into numerous positions, so no matter how big or small you are, you will find a seating position to suit. Every thing is within easy reach, and so simple to use, from the steering wheel controls to the navigation and secondary switchgear.

There is loads of space in the car, with more room than needed up front for the driver and passenger, access to the rear seats is very easy, and seating is equally as comfortable, and the boot space is really big for a car in this class, so overall, space is great, and with a lot of glass, the available viewability is also great.

The Air con and heating are simple to use, and gives the driver and passenger swift heat in the cold, and cold air in the heat, it does all this with ease, but thats not all, the car comes very well equipped and all models include.

• Subaru Boxer engine (1.6 or 2.0 litre petrol)
• Permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Lineartronic Continuous Variable Transmission
• EyeSight Driver Assist technology
• X-Mode with Hill Descent Control
• Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection – Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• High Beam Assist
• LED Steering Responsive Headlights
• Keyless Entry & Push Button Start System
• 8” multi-function colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™
• Reversing camera
• Dual-zone Automatic Air-conditioning System
• Power-folding heated door mirrors
• Aluminium alloy wheels (17” or 18”)

And lastly for the car is the pièce de résistance and thats the Eyesight system, one of the most intuitive and capable systems that you will find, it includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

The system that i think is brilliant is the autonomous slowing down to a halt and speed gaining as the vehicle in front slows and speeds up, it is available on other cars, but this one is far superior, and the first time you try it, it is really scary, just allowing the car to slow down and pick up speed as it see's fit to do, dependant on the traffic.

CONCLUSION

The car and brand is great, comparing the new XV to the old version on our test day, showed how much the new one has moved ahead, from its look and the way it drove, it is a stunning car, and one that you must consider, very highly when looking for a car in the class, and with pricing starting at £25,000, you really do not need to spec up the car as it probably already has what you need, but please do consider it, you will not be disappointed.