Subaru XV Concept

As promised Subaru unveiled its new crossover concept at the Auto Shanghai 2011, and while we were waiting for a more dramatic kind of car, it is in fact a virtually production ready car that looks suspiciously like a jacked up Legacy!

That’s not a bad thing really, it is a nice overall package that offers comfort, convenience, performance and some very decent off-rod capabilities. That’s what set it apart from the rest of urban crossovers because they are all high riding hatchbacks frankly, but this one has underpinnings of a rally car.

The XV is also full of Subaru character. It is not very luxe, not very posh, but kind of rugged and outdoorsy with plenty of honest to God driving fun without sacrificing practicality and functionality. We respect that, a lot.

The concept car is powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder Horizontally-Opposed DOHC engine and gets the Lineartronic (CVT) gearbox and AWD system. It also has some decorative features like the 19-inch wheels which are not likely to make it into the production.

Check out details of the design and drievetrain in Subaru’s press release below:

The SUBARU XV CONCEPT is launched at the Shanghai motor show today (April 19-28), a design concept car that defines a new generation of crossover vehicle, blending traditional SUV practicality within a fashionable form. The XV Concept has been specifically designed for customers seeking a vehicle offering the looks, benefits and packaging that stretch beyond the existing choice of crossover models.

The new generation design concept car combines Subaru’s crossover-like driving dynamic with what the designers describe as a “playful nature”. The key concept is the integration of authentic functionality but with urban, stylish design. The vehicle was engineered to blend the commanding silhouette seen around the lower half of the body with a fashionable image in a single, modern package. The XV’s body exhibits the very solid, dynamic and independent styling so characteristic of all Subaru’s.

The front of the vehicle features design elements that are common to the Subaru stable, including the hexagon grille, winged motif and hawk-eye headlights. The centre of the grille is the same colour as the body itself, which contributes to the solid and powerful look while the combination of the black lower bumper protectors and metallic highlights reinforces the cross-over design and give the XV real presence.

The rear of the vehicle features the same hexagonal design as the front. Metallic decorations give the hexagonal shape greater definition, while more hexagons engraved into the clear blue base under the license plate complement the consistent design theme. The layered structure of the tail lights gives them a deeper look, which are further highlighted with the distinct line flowing from the top of the rear combination lights across the rear gate. The elevated height of the line serves to interconnect both rear combination lights, giving the rear of the vehicle a wider appearance.

The XV features a panorama type roof of continuous glass which extends from the front windscreen all the way to the rear, resulting in a smooth and sleek profile. The combination of clear and metallic materials used for the roof rails enhance the modern, premium look. New alloy wheels with silver spokes and black rims have been designed to combine a solid, stylish appearance befitting of fashionable urban chic while the exterior paintwork is a special Electro Yellowgreen colour to embody exciting performance, and rounds off what is a potent exterior design.

Interior
Subaru’s designers have also gone to town on the XV Concept’s interior. The dynamic contours running from the front instrument panel, across the door panels and to the centre console have an engineered look but while appearing sumptuous at the same time. A special white leather has been used as the base material for the seats, which creates a stunning contrast with the darker tones used elsewhere. The combined use of sporty mesh with yellowgreen piping in selected areas of the interior, works to create a high quality, sporty finish.

A large touch-panel multi-information display has been installed in the centre panel, giving the driver easy control over navigation and audio systems as well as directly displaying vehicle information. Subaru’s advanced driver support system EyeSight features, with an LCD monitor positioned between the two well-balanced and highly visible combination meters to allow the driver to check the images captured with the EyeSight’s stereo cameras.

Further  Readings:

• 2010 Subaru Impreza XV Pricing
• Subaru Impreza S204 Technical Specifications