Those taller than six feet might find rear-seat kneeroom at a premium if those occupying the front seats are of similar size.
There is plenty of front-seat room and outward visibility is excellent thanks to the generous sized windows. Other touches that come with the Limited include leather-trimmed upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, chrome door handles and body-colour door mirrors with LED-integrated turn signals. Article content 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Limited This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. There is a 4.3-inch colour multi-function display located in the centre of the dashboard to break up the abundance of plastic, which, at least, is of the soft variety. The same applies to the various controls, which are large, quite readable and easy to access. Even in the topline Limited - which does have a 6.1-inch screen for the audio system, navigation and backup camera - things are fairly straightforward. As “rarin’ to go” as the Crosstrek looks on the outside, its interior is strictly “form follows function.” This is not always a bad thing at least the dash isn’t overly junked up with all manner of fancy graphics, functions and submenus.
#SMALL CROSSOVER CARS 2014 DRIVER#
And, whether exploring the flora and fauna on trails or just navigating steeper inclines, the Subaru comes with a hill holder system that briefly holds it while the driver pulls away from a stop. The double-wishbone rear suspension features pillow ball bushings for a blend of comfort, stability and handling ease. Hydraulic engine mounts (on models with the CVT) help dampen vibration. Perched on all-season tires mounted on rather handsome 17-inch alloy rims, the crossover’s ground clearance of 220 millimetres gives it the height to clear smaller off-road impediments, while the reinforced and fully independent suspension coddles those aboard. Powertrain and drivetrain aside, the Crosstrek is a solidly built vehicle that feels good enough to tackle more than a washed-out cottage road. More useful, at least on low-traction surfaces, is that the transmission allows second gear starts in order to limit the likelihood of wheelspin. Helpful, though it just makes the power shortage more apparent.
#SMALL CROSSOVER CARS 2014 MANUAL#
Plus, there is a six-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios. Besides, the vast majority of buyers will opt for the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which does yeoman work adapting to performance demand, helping to keep the engine operating at its most efficient. Maybe the standard five-speed manual would contribute to a sportier dynamic, though I doubt it. Whether through turbocharging, engine control re-mapping or an increase in engine displacement, the Crosstrek needs another 30 or 40 hp to give it some personality, and to make it something other than an Impreza with more ground clearance. Lean on the throttle, though, and the crossover runs out of breath in a hurry.
Oh, there’s enough juice for around-town driving. But, add another 100 or so kilograms for the Crosstrek and the result is tepid acceleration - zero to 100 kilometres an hour takes a pedestrian 10.8 seconds and 80 to 120 is a boggy 8.1 seconds (with the Lineartronic continuously variable transmission). The 2.0-litre boxer four-cylinder puts out 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, adequate if humdrum for a compact sedan. 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Limitedīlame the powertrain, which is identical to that found in the Impreza. I like the Crosstrek’s styling a lot it’s the driving experience that puts me to sleep. In creating the impression that this crossover is some sort of jacked-up sports car ready for adventure - the sort of vibe the younger, hipper crowd supposedly crave - Subaru forgot to bring the excitement. The beef centres on the Crosstrek’s ruggedly sporty looks or, more specifically, what is implied. Without backtracking on my statement that superior traction is what’s most important about any Subaru - the Crosstrek has the company’s de rigueur symmetrical AWD system like the rest - I want more from this vehicle. I wish I were more impressed, but, frankly, I have to work at it.
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