Subaru Xv Crosstrek Hybrid (Info)

[Janaka822]

Dear Experts,

Currently I’m driving a Suzuki Grand Vitara 2006 and my maintenance cost is increasing since the vehicle is getting old. Hence I’m planning to buy a new SUV for around 5mn. Hot choice for this range is the Vezel but I do not like it since it has become too common on the road. Recently I noticed about the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. Can you all share some thoughts of followings?

1) How good its performance in terms of power, fun to drive etc. I know it’s a Subaru but the hybrid version could be different

2) I have never used a Subaru hence not sure how good the agents here.

3) This is Subaru’s first hybrid. Has anyone heard of technical issues, re-calls?

Thanking in advance for your support…

[The Don]

I'm not sure how you will expect your maintenance costs to go down by buying a vehicle which isn't very popular in Sri Lanka.......

Also whether the agents are useful or not depends on whether they import the vehicle brand new. As far as I know the agent is one of the better ones.

[iRage]

I test drove one soon after driving a WRX S4 about 3 months ago. It sucked

LOL...I actually liked it. Just don't expect to be a Forrester XT or a Levorg (which is pretty much a S4 with a wagon body) or something. It had the typical Subaru steering feel and felt quite responsive in that regard and the AWD does feel quite nice. Granted it did have a bit of body roll which is to be expected I guess. Feels less bulky than the new Forrester. All in all it was a nice car to drive. It doesn't have the usual lazy heavy feel other hybrids have when you put your foot down; having said that although the engine "reacts" rather feathery-ly to putting your foot down it does feel a bit under powered. Drove a petrol unit late 2013 or so and I remembered the ride being somewhat bouncy which the Hybrid didn't have (my memory might be wrong with what I remembered about the petrol version OR the battery might have added weight thus planting it down a bit more). Don't expect as much space as your Vitara though.

It is relatively popular in Japan (until the Vezels started popping up )

[Devinda_Z]

Haven't driven any of the newer Subaru's but if they're anything like the old ones, i'd be happy to own one. Refinement has been improved greatly i'm told

As for the agents, pleased to report that Senok's Subaru division has been pleasant to deal with and as someone else had mentioned as well, one of the better agents in town.

[Supra_Natural]

Dear Experts,

Currently I’m driving a Suzuki Grand Vitara 2006 and my maintenance cost is increasing since the vehicle is getting old. Hence I’m planning to buy a new SUV for around 5mn. Hot choice for this range is the Vezel but I do not like it since it has become too common on the road. Recently I noticed about the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. Can you all share some thoughts of followings?

1) How good its performance in terms of power, fun to drive etc. I know it’s a Subaru but the hybrid version could be different

2) I have never used a Subaru hence not sure how good the agents here.

3) This is Subaru’s first hybrid. Has anyone heard of technical issues, re-calls?

Thanking in advance for your support…

I'm curious as to what exactly you mean when you say your maintenance cost is increasing, a Japanese vehicle from 2006 should not really have any major issues other than normal wear and tear replacements by this point providing the regular servicing etc has been done on time and by the book.

[VVTi]

Looks to me like early symptoms of The Jones's Syndrome.... suddenly the older capable, reliable Vitara is not as good as she used to be compared to the flashy, untested Vezels and XVs...

[Janaka822]

I'm curious as to what exactly you mean when you say your maintenance cost is increasing, a Japanese vehicle from 2006 should not really have any major issues other than normal wear and tear replacements by this point providing the regular servicing etc has been done on time and by the book.

I have spent a lot on suspension but still lot of noise. Anyway it’s boring when you driving the same car for too long

[Supra_Natural]

I have spent a lot on suspension but still lot of noise. Anyway it’s boring when you driving the same car for too long

"Spending a lot" on the suspension and getting it fixed right are two different things FYI, did you actually take a look yourself to see what was causing the noise and try to address it? Ah well I suppose there's something to be said for wanting a change...

[adilisme]

Hi Guys,

Is there anyone here who currently owns this vehicle? I'm considering buying one in the coming months and would like to know what the general feedback is on this vehicle in terms of maintenance / fuel consumption / comfort...etc.

Regards,

Adil

[adilisme]

Hi Guys,

I too am interested in finding out more information regarding this vehicle. I'm thinking of going for one in the coming months.

Appreciate if there any owners of this vehicle here could give us their feedback on maintenance / fuel consumption / comfort...etc.

Regards,

Adil

[iRage]

Do a search there are some notes about it, but I don't think anyone here has one. On the other hand I think one of those mags Natural_Supra does/did had a review of the thing done by an actual user. Maybe you can find that...

Edited March 9, 2015 by iRage

[sathyajithj99]

Thanks OP for starting a thread on something sensible because we are exhausted of Vesel bulls##t.

[The Don]

topics merged

[adilisme]

Hi Guys,

I'm planning of buying my first vehicle and the options i'm looking at are either the Vezel or the XV.

Not a big fan of the Vezel. But i like the rugged look of the XV.

I would like to have some general feedback from some XV hybrid owners here especially with regard to fuel consumption / maintenance..etc.

Regards,

Adil

[sharma]

Hi Guys,

I too am interested in finding out more information regarding this vehicle. I'm thinking of going for one in the coming months.

Appreciate if there any owners of this vehicle here could give us their feedback on maintenance / fuel consumption / comfort...etc.

Regards,

Adil

I have the petrol version of XV. Not a fan of hybrid vehicles so went for a petrol one using a permit I purchased. I would say go for the XV without a second thought of Vezel. You won't regret it. Also the hybrid XV comes with lots of bells and whistles so you might as well like them. (Auto start-stop, touch screen infotainment system, push start, rain sensing wipers etc). In general the ride is very smooth and stable. Really good ground clearance and visibility from the drivers seat.

Petrol XV does around 11 to 12 kmpl mostly driving around the city traffic. Hybrid is said to be doing around 14 kmpl, it's comparatively low mainly because it's battery capacity is only about 50% (or less) of what Prius has. It's not a proper hybrid system yet, Also for the AWD don't expect too much in terms of fuel consumption.

Regarding the service and maintenance agents here are doing really well. Normal service cost for petrol XV is about 5000/=, for hybrid it must be somewhat higher. If you need I can get the exact figures.

Nevertheless this is a unique looking vehicle so it'll stand out. During the peak hours in Dehiwala and Wellawatta I see more Vezels than any other brand of vehicle now. Also Vezel looks half baked mainly due to it's placement of the number plates in the middle of the front grill as well as for the bad finishing at the back you'll see the silencer exposed in a cheap look.

Subaru has it's unique feel, safety features and technology. You might as well do some research and decide. Who knows you might become a hardcore subie fan.

[sharma]

This topic is going to be merged so I answered in the original one.

[iRage]

Cant add much to what Sharma has said. Test drove a Hybrid when it first came out. For a hybrid it doesnt feel as lethargic as other Hybrids and has the Subaru feel to it especially when the gasoline engine kicks in. Having said that, just dont expect it to be entirely like other Subarus like the Forester. Compared to other Subarus you migh find the XV a bit heavier, interior a bit more plasticy and the ride a bit 'bumpier' (compared to a Forester+LeVorg).So yeah, the XV is a nice car, just dont expect it to be a WRX or Fozzie or even a plain Impreza.

[VVTi]

My question is, does it have the Boxer rumble?

Or do they use equal length headers to eliminate the rumble?

[sharma]

My question is, does it have the Boxer rumble?

Or do they use equal length headers to eliminate the rumble?

No rumble. XV is based on 3rd gen economy 4-cylinder (FB) engine that use equal length headers.

Even the performance 4-cylinder engines (FA) are said to be having equal length headers. So probably all the 3rd gen engines are that way. Heard that the 2015 WRX also missing the boxer rumble.

[iRage]

My question is, does it have the Boxer rumble?

Or do they use equal length headers to eliminate the rumble?

in a world where there is a youtube video for everything...

[adilisme]

I have the petrol version of XV. Not a fan of hybrid vehicles so went for a petrol one using a permit I purchased. I would say go for the XV without a second thought of Vezel. You won't regret it. Also the hybrid XV comes with lots of bells and whistles so you might as well like them. (Auto start-stop, touch screen infotainment system, push start, rain sensing wipers etc). In general the ride is very smooth and stable. Really good ground clearance and visibility from the drivers seat.

Petrol XV does around 11 to 12 kmpl mostly driving around the city traffic. Hybrid is said to be doing around 14 kmpl, it's comparatively low mainly because it's battery capacity is only about 50% (or less) of what Prius has. It's not a proper hybrid system yet, Also for the AWD don't expect too much in terms of fuel consumption.

Regarding the service and maintenance agents here are doing really well. Normal service cost for petrol XV is about 5000/=, for hybrid it must be somewhat higher. If you need I can get the exact figures.

Nevertheless this is a unique looking vehicle so it'll stand out. During the peak hours in Dehiwala and Wellawatta I see more Vezels than any other brand of vehicle now. Also Vezel looks half baked mainly due to it's placement of the number plates in the middle of the front grill as well as for the bad finishing at the back you'll see the silencer exposed in a cheap look.

Subaru has it's unique feel, safety features and technology. You might as well do some research and decide. Who knows you might become a hardcore subie fan.

Thnks Sharma for your information really appreciate it.

[VVTi]

No rumble. XV is based on 3rd gen economy 4-cylinder (FB) engine that use equal length headers.

Even the performance 4-cylinder engines (FA) are said to be having equal length headers. So probably all the 3rd gen engines are that way. Heard that the 2015 WRX also missing the boxer rumble.

Ayyooo... The rumble of a boxer is one of those things that should never be changed.

I love the subtle rumble of the B4s... quiet when you want them to be, angry burble when floored.

[sharma]

Thnks Sharma for your information really appreciate it.

You're welcome. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Ayyooo... The rumble of a boxer is one of those things that should never be changed.

I love the subtle rumble of the B4s... quiet when you want them to be, angry burble when floored.

Rumble is relevant to WRX / BRZ, but not so welcoming in family vehicles like XV, Outback or Forrester. The reasoning I see is that the manufacturers take the performance and the fuel economy more seriously than the acoustics. Still there are mods available to bring back the boxer rumble.

[iRage]

OR they can do what most manufacturets do now. Pipe out a fake rumble through the stereo .

I personally liked the rumble. It wasnt loud enough to be hoologanish and unrefined. Heck, I can think of several diesel engines that are far more annoying.

[VVTi]

You're welcome. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Rumble is relevant to WRX / BRZ, but not so welcoming in family vehicles like XV, Outback or Forrester. The reasoning I see is that the manufacturers take the performance and the fuel economy more seriously than the acoustics. Still there are mods available to bring back the boxer rumble.

Well, I have a 2002 Forester and the rumble came with it stock... made much more prominent with a WEPR 3" TBE.