Previously marketed as the XV across two generations, Subaru's plans for the continuation of its Impreza-based crossover include a change of designation. Like the model it replaces, the new Crosstrek offers a raised ride height (220 mm), moulded wheel-arch protection, a boxer engine and as per this Japanese brand's legacy - permanent all-wheel drive.
Re-named to more closely align with the brand's other current products, such as Forester and Outback, the Crosstrek is available in a choice of nine exterior colours and in our market, in two specification levels.
Built on the same platform as the modern Impreza, the new crossover gains additional structural support resulting in 10 per cent greater rigidity compared with its sedan-shaped sibling. Its engine mounts have been replaced with liquid-filled units that are alleged to improve vibration damping in the engine bay. A dual-pinion electric power-steering system borrowed from the current WRX offers more natural-feeling weight and improved steering response.
Price: R669 000
Engine: 2,0-litre, flat-four, petrol
Transmission: CVT
Power: 115 kW@ 6 000 r/min
Torque: 196 N.m @ 4 000 r/min
0–100 km/h: 9,21 seconds**
Top speed: N/A
Fuel consumption: 7,2 L/100km (combined)*
CO2 emissions: 165 g/km*
Rivals: BMW X1, Volkswagen T-Roc, Volvo XC40
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Toyota Fortuner
Considered by many as the quintessential adventure SUV, the Fortuner is about as strong a used buying proposition as you can get in this segment. We take you through the things to look out for and list two rivals for comparison.
MIND THE HURDLE
With a repaired car and a point to prove, Alex Shahini returned for Round 3 of the Toyota GR Cup at Zwartkops Raceway to achieve a career-best finish
KING OF KILLARNEY
For four decades, Denis Joubert was directly involved with the creation, development and ongoing success of Cape Town's international motorsport venue, Killarney. Having just celebrated his 90th birthday, we talk to the man whose contribution to South Africa's motor-racing heritage is priceless....
Selecting the 4WD SYSTEM for your needs
As 4WD SUVS and double cabs grow in popularity, more first-time buyers face the challenge of selecting a vehicle with a drivetrain that best meets their requirements. We explain the key differences between the all-wheel drivetrains available
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT
Kia's ever-popular budget hatch has recently received a range of exterior and interior updates - we test the entry-level variant to see if it remains a force to be reckoned with in this highly competitive segment
Super C
The fastest and most technologically advanced flagship C-Class to date, AMG's C63 S has evolved into an electrified uber-sedan. Has this mighty model forsaken some character in pursuing this status? We strapped our test equipment to the new shooting star.
Bentley's Brutes
A break in proceedings during an exclusive preview of the fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT afforded us an opportunity to sample the stately yet hair-raising Bentayga S
RUNNING UP THAT HILL
Now in its 14th year, the Simola Hillclimb continues to combine adrenaline-fuelled competition with showcasing some of the most appealing classics out there in a heady mix that keeps local petrolheads coming...
BAND OF BROTHERS
Complete with rugged bakkie-based underpinnings that encourage off-the-beaten-track venturing, largely proven powertrains that afford maximum range and towing capability, and brand names with enviable respective reputations for reliability, adventure SUVs remain the favourite of thousands of South Africans.
TWELVE OF THE BEST
Ferrari keeps things suitably old-school with its V12-engined 12Cilindri GT