This car is the first attempt by the Japanese brand to start selling crossovers. This is a segment in which traditional powerful SUVs intersect with the same large hatchbacks. In many ways, Subaru is known to most motorists for its powerful sedans with sports roots in an impressive pedigree. Traditionally, the products of this manufacturer are far from crossovers, and the five-seat Subaru Impreza XV (photo of the car is in our article) had to fight dangerous rivals. One of them was the Nissan Qashqai, which was launched on the conveyor in 2007.
Competitor
The car set high enough standards for the whole segment. “Qashqai” both then and now is very popular among motorists around the world. Millions of sales show that the design is perfect, and the ratio of price to quality is the most optimal. And there is nothing surprising in the fact that Subaru also wanted to take a place in this market and grab a piece of the pie.
It is worth noting that the company was not a full debutant in the production of crossovers. In the lineup there is a mass of successful four-wheel drive models. These are Impreza, Outback and others. The Subaru Impreza XV was equipped with a time-tested boxer engine located horizontally. The unit was trustworthy. But did the Japanese novelty have the potential to take a market leader? Did the car cope with the technical characteristics, design and price with all-wheel drive monsters?
Not restyling
At the eightieth Geneva Motor Show , the attention of visitors was able to attract a compact Japanese crossover. Yes, it was a Subaru Impreza XV with an economical two-liter power unit. The car was distinguished by a sports exterior, increased ground clearance, reinforced suspension. All this distinguished the car from its predecessors, descended from the same conveyor.
The past generations of the Impreza model gave good sales. The fifteenth model came to the delight of all the “subarists” on the fifteenth anniversary of the release of the first version of the Impreza.
Subaru Impreza XV - this is not a restyling of the old “Impreza”, although auto experts wrote down millions of words about this. From the predecessor, the new model received only a salon, and then not all. The Japanese processed it - made changes, used better materials. Armchairs have become more athletic. The radio tape recorder received a modern interface. But first things first.
Exterior
And here the car is significantly different from the previous “Impreza”. The new version is recognizable due to the exclusive design of the grille and powerful wheel arches. Also, the car was equipped with an aggressive plastic body kit. Japanese designers did a good job, and the novelty got features of both an SUV and a sports car. By the way, they combined these features very skillfully.
The front bumper looks solid. Fog lights recessed inside, new optics, as well as low cheekbones literally scream that there are a lot of “horses” under the hood of this car.
The side of the car also looks good. This is an example of how arcs can be used. Also on the side of the car stands out by the middle line and black body kits - all this proclaims high speed capabilities. Rims hint at off-road performance.
The rear end has not changed. Designers redesigned the spoiler, changed the rear protection, tweaked the inner corner of the optics. But even that was enough to make the crossover look fresh and solid.
Interior
With a careful inspection of the cabin, the changes are practically not visible. But landing due to higher “growth” has changed for the better. Inside, the car is more spacious than outside.
The seats are comfortable, you can especially highlight the lateral support and the material itself, which the Japanese used. This is not leather, but fabric. However, the sensations are very pleasant, reviews say. Also, the owners note that the fabric is not easily soiled and very durable. Coloring looks very stylish.
The dashboard is moderately strict - there is no unnecessary information on it. The layout of the center console and the console itself are completely from the previous version. Nothing new to see here. The steering wheel is quite comfortable, reviews say. It is also worth considering that it is multifunctional, which allows the driver to stay on control, tuning the radio or something else.
Actually, this is all that can be said about the cabin. The new Subaru Impreza XV judging by the reviews, has a comfortable, quiet and spacious interior.
Specifications
The crossover can be equipped with one of three engines. These are two gasoline units and one diesel engine. Basic - this is a 113-horsepower gasoline engine with a volume of 1.6 liters. There is another two-liter for 148 forces. The diesel also has a volume of 2 liters, and its power is 148 horsepower.
The weakest engine is paired with a five-speed manual. For more powerful modification, the Japanese have provided branded automatic transmission. Diesel models are also equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. It is also provided for a powerful gasoline engine.
For those who are interested in the technical characteristics of the Subaru Impreza XV, it was recommended to pay attention to diesel engines. So, a diesel 148-horsepower unit accelerated the car to hundreds in 9.3 seconds. The maximum possible speed was 190 kilometers per hour. The gas engine coped with the same task a little worse. It took him 10.3 seconds. The version with automatic transmission shows worse results, but the difference of 0.2 seconds is invisible even to experienced drivers. The slowest version is 1.6 with mechanics. To accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour, it needs 13.1 seconds with a manual transmission. On automatic transmission - 13.6 seconds. As for the maximum speed, it is 179 kilometers per hour.
Reliability
“Subaru” is not synonymous with reliability. But what happened to the Japanese engineers with these power units? In general, reviews say that all three engines are reliable enough. But some owners are talking about increased oil appetites already at around 100 thousand kilometers. Topping up a liter and a half for the owner of this car is commonplace.
Judging by the reviews, problems with increased oil consumption could begin earlier (for example, after 40 thousand kilometers). But this is a warranty case. The manufacturer replaced the cylinder block due to poor-quality piston rings. According to reviews, Subaru Impreza XV 2017 has no such problems anymore: the manufacturer solved the problem with low-quality rings back in 2014. However, owners of older models were left with this problem one on one. To eliminate it, serious investment is required.
Some owners complain that strange sounds are heard when the engine is running. They are heard on a cold start. Service technicians are sure that the chain tensioner emits these sounds. But these problems were resolved after 2014.
Cruiser
This is about the suspension. Here she is tuned almost perfectly. Despite the fact that the clearance of the Subaru Impreza XV is reduced and is 185 millimeters, the car confidently overcomes bumps. The owners claim that you do not even need to slow down. The cars that were delivered to Russia and the countries of the former CIS, the Japanese carefully prepared for the harsh road realities.
100 thousand with a car
Characteristics Subaru Impreza XV are optimal for the city, and for those places where there are no roads. But this is true for two-liter engines. According to the owners, the junior motor does not go at all. But a powerful engine, together with its good and powerful traction, sounds almost like a bulldozer. This is a significant minus, say the reviews. In the cabin you can find cheap plastic, but this car in due time cost 33 thousand euros. The chassis, according to the owners, although it is ready to conquer the Russian wilderness, is excessively tough.
In the reviews of the Subaru Impreza XV 2010 you can find information that the engines failed due to improper operation of the fuel supply system. The engine overheated, and the edges of the pistons and cylinders were melted. Inspections have shown that there are indeed deviations, which led to an increase in temperatures. In new models, such problems have already been resolved.
Also, over 100 thousand kilometers, many encountered problems in the operation of the clutch. Experts say that the resource node on this car is not more than 60-90 thousand kilometers. The owners also believe that the engine torque is too high for this clutch. And changing it is quite an expensive pleasure.
Subaristy also write that there are a lot of glitches in the navigation system, in the operation of the on-board computer. Here is one such case - the on-board system claims that there is too little oil, and the dipstick indicates that it is enough. Also, there have repeatedly been complaints about the failure of the automatic dynamics control system. There were several cases when the power steering turned off almost for an instant.
Criticize corrosion protection. Over 100 thousand kilometers, the car is covered with bugs. In most cases, these are still minor foci. But for a car that is two years old, this is unacceptable.
Summary
So, we found out what features the Japanese Subaru crossover has. Specifications Subaru Impreza XV 2010 suit many. But there are cons. This is noise, the high cost of ownership and maintenance. Also, many complain about the audio system. And oil consumption on Subaru cars is not a myth at all (Impreza is no exception). But you can close your eyes to all this, because the car is comfortable, stable, controllable and dynamic.