2023 Subaru Crosstrek launched in Japan – 145 PS 2.0L e-Boxer; AWD and FWD; priced from RM87k

Following its international debut in September this yr, the all-new Subaru Crosstrek has now gone on sale in Japan. The title could also be unfamiliar to us as a result of we all know the crossover because the XV right here in Malaysia, but it surely isn’t for patrons in North America.

Beforehand generally known as the XV Crosstrek in that a part of the world, Subaru has dropped the ‘XV’ moniker since 2015, and for the third-generation mannequin, it merely went with a single international nameplate, the Crosstrek.

In its newest kind, the Crosstrek measures 4,480 mm lengthy, 1,800 mm extensive, 1,575 mm tall and has a wheelbase spanning 2,670 mm. That makes it barely longer than its predecessor by 15 mm and with a decreased top by 40 mm, though the width and wheelbase stay similar. The bottom clearance is a comparatively off-road-friendly 200 mm.

Together with the revised dimensions, the crossover, which is constructed on an up to date model of the Subaru World Platform (SGP), additionally sees an evolution of its design. The profile is a well-recognized one, accompanied with a brand new entrance finish that options sleeker headlamps which can be visually related by a trim piece operating throughout a bigger hexagonal-shaped grille.

The fog lamp surrounds are additionally made extra outstanding, whereas the facet surfaces have been tidied as much as have much less creases. As per conference, there’s cladding over the wheel arches and rocker panels, the previous with air extractor vents on the entrance. As for the rear, the model’s signature C-shaped taillights change the blocky items of the previous, whereas the decrease apron receives rugged-looking trim in matte black.

Inside, the Crosstrek follows within the WRX’s footsteps by adopting a portrait-format infotainment touchscreen that integrates the controls for the local weather system. Measuring 11.6 inches diagonally, the show is flanked by vertical air vents on the easier dashboard that retains an analogue instrument cluster and revised steering wheel.

The listing of accessible tools consists of 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps with or with out cornering operate, powered entrance seats, roof rails, material or leather-based upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats and steering wheel, the EyeSight suite of lively security methods (AEB, lane departure warning, and many others.) and SI-DRIVE engine modes.

On that point out, the Crosstrek will get only one engine possibility in Japan, which is a FB20 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated flat-four that’s augmented by a 48-volt gentle hybrid system. The latter consists of a 4.8-Ah battery underneath the boot flooring that’s linked to a MA1 electrical motor rated at 13.6 PS (13.4 hp or 10 kW) and 65 Nm of torque.

The electrical motor is sandwiched between the FB20 and Lineartronic CVT, with your entire system offering outputs of 145 PS (143 hp or 107 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 188 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Primarily based on the WLTC customary, the gasoline economic system score is 16.4 km/l for the front-wheel drive variant and 15.8 km/l for the all-wheel drive.

That’s proper, the Crosstrek is accessible as a front-wheel drive mannequin in Japan, which is a little bit uncommon given Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is the default for powertrains on most of its automobiles. One reasoning for offering a FWD powertrain is probably going as a less expensive various for patrons within the nation.

The bottom Touring trim with FWD prices 2.662 million yen (RM86,716) inclusive of Japan’s 10% consumption tax, whereas the AWD model goes for two.882 million yen (RM93,883). There’s additionally a better grade Restricted, and that retails for 3.069 million yen (RM99,927) for the FWD and three.289 million yen (RM107,032) for the AWD.