Subaru has announced the introduction of a hybrid
powertrain option on the XV in Japan. Offered exclusively as part of a new
“Advance” trim level, the hybrid system is the same as the one Subaru launched
on another Japan-exclusive model back in May, the Forester e-Boxer.
The setup consists of a 2.0-liter horizontally
opposed four-pot rated at 145 PS and 188 Nm of torque. The
internal combustion unit is mated to a Lineartronic CVT and Subaru’s Symmetrical
AWD. It’s also assisted by a 10-kW (13.6 PS) electric motor that produces
65 Nm of torque.
The electric motor helps make
the XV more pleasant to drive, providing smooth acceleration, improved
performance, and more comfort during daily driving — especially in the city.
Unsurprisingly, it boosts fuel efficiency, with the XV e-Boxer returning 19.2
km/L (45.1 mpg US/5.2 l/100 km) according to Japan’s JC08 cycle.
The new powertrain will only be available as part of
a new top-of-the-line “Advance” grade, which brings an exclusive Lagoon Blue
Pearl exterior color with matching interior trim. It also adds LED headlights
and fog lamps, silver exterior trim, and a bigger TFT color display, among
other things.
The United States won’t get the e-Boxer powertrain
on the Crosstrek, as Subaru has already announced a plug-in hybrid version that
will arrive later this year with technology from the Toyota Prius Prime. Already available to pre-order in
Japan, the XV e-Boxer might arrive in Europe and Australia next year.
