Motoring journalist, Tony Yates, recently tested the Subaru XV 2.0i SE Premium Lineartronic.

The Subaru XV 2.0i is a handsome looking SUV which has enough of Subaru’s design language behind it to make it different and interesting whilst still providing a link to the rest of the Subaru range.

Indeed, its clear association with the Forester provides a strong clue as to the XV’s capabilities on and off-road, along with its elevated driving position and one of the highest ground clearances I’ve seen in a while, making it a very purposeful package.

Power and Efficiency:

The XV was equipped with a powerful and efficient 2.0-litre DOHC 16-valve horizontally-opposed - 4 cylinder petrol engine - a unit that provides you with a maximum power of 156 PS and a torque figure of 196NM. The XV also achieved 40+mpg on the combined cycle which is quite impressive. Maximum speed comes in at around 120mph and a 0-62mph of 10.4s.

This is also an engine that provides more than enough power on the road - whilst its statement horizontally-opposed engine design provides a smoothness that is exceptional and nothing short of amazing. It also sounds ‘meaty’ too.

On the Road:

The XV is very stable and balanced and noticeably resistant to side-to-side motion whilst driving. The Subaru is also a willing companion into the bends and yet is comfortable when travelling further afield; whilst the suspension does a great job of isolating you from the worst that our roads can offer.

In fact, I feel my comments here are not doing it justice – because my test car was fitted with all-wheel drive -meaning its basically on rails and very sure footed, which gives you the confidence to push harder into even the most challenging of bends - or if you fancy it - the XV will also be more than happy to take part in a bit of off-road activity.

Design and Technology:

The Subaru XV offers plenty of standard equipment including, Automatic LED Headlights, 18-inch Aluminium Alloy Wheels, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Gearshift Knob, Front Seat Heaters, Dual-Zone Automatic Air-Conditioning System, Automatic Rain-Sensing Windscreen Wipers, 8” Multifunction Colour Touchscreen, DAB Radio, Satellite Navigation and Symmetrical All Wheel Drive.

You also get Subaru EyeSight which includes; Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-collision Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Lead Vehicle Start Alert. Plus, it keeps on going - with extras such as; Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection (SRVD) which includes; Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Also, if I was to write down all the kit it comes with, then I would be here a while - if you get my drift.

To Sum Up:

The new Subaru XV is an impressive performer amongst the growing SUV competition and deserves to do well, but more needs to be done on the styling inside the cabin if it really wants to stand out from the competition.

Saying that Subaru’s extensive All Wheel Drive experience is impressive and its off-road potential and on-road manners are something that stands out. So, if you’re in the market for a mid-sized crossover then I would go out right now and take a look at the new Subaru XV.

Priced from £28,495 (as tested)