“The New Subaru “”Crosstrek”” is a “”Departing Impreza””! Why the name change from “”XV””? We asked the developer!
A “”Casual Companion”” Focused on Ease of Use
On September 15, 2022, the XV, the youngest member of Subaru’s crossover SUV series, was renamed the “”Crosstrek”” and a new model was unveiled for the first time worldwide.
Where is the “”Hidden Crosstrek””! View 44 images of the new “”Crosstrek”” with a wildly cool face.
We interviewed Mr. Shoichiro Kezuka, PGM (Project General Manager), who was in charge of the development of the new Crosstrek, about his “”thoughts”” and “”commitment”” to this car.
The world premiere of the new Subaru Crosstrek, the successor to the XV
–The new Subaru Crosstrek, the successor to the XV, was unveiled for the first time in the world.
Naturally, expectations for the new model are high, but what we are concerned about is the name change. Why did you decide to unify the name of the car with “”Crosstrek”” this time?
Kezuka: Previously, “”Crosstrek”” was the name of the North American version of the XV, but we decided to use “”Crosstrek”” for the new model because it is a model that will be marketed globally.
Crosstrek is a coined word for “”crossover”” and “”trekking,”” and it expresses our wish that the XV can go anywhere from urban to outdoor activities and enjoy activities as casually as trekking.
–But the trekking that Subaru refers to is by far at a higher level than that of other manufacturers, isn’t it?
Kezuka: In terms of ability, yes, but most of our customers use our products for light situations. It definitely has more driving performance than its rivals, but the role of this car is to utilize that for “”safe, secure, and stable”” driving.
–So, the XV was a derivative model of the Impreza, but what is the position of the new Crosstrek?
Kezuka: There is no doubt that it is the successor to the XV, but the starting line is different. Up until now, the XV was “”based on the Impreza,”” but the Crosstrek was “”based on the Crosstrek”” from the start.
–In other words, the XV was designed with the Impreza in mind, but the Crosstrek was optimally designed for the Crosstrek.
Kezuka: That’s right. However, it is true that we are also developing the Impreza in parallel.
–I feel that the exterior is a good balance of the best parts of the SUV series, the Levorg, and the WRX S4.
Kezuka: Many dealers told us that “”users expect this car to be fun,”” so we were very conscious of that.
Incidentally, I designed the car in the image of “”overdoing it”” first and then “”undoing it. In a sense, it is a subtractive design.
–The rear end of the roof has been lowered and the rear area has been narrowed, giving the car a rather sporty image.
Kezuka: The roofline is lowered from behind the seating area, so livability is unchanged. Luggage space has been lowered numerically, but is at the same level for practical use.
–The interior features the latest Subaru trend of “”vertical display”” in the center of the instrument panel, but is otherwise orthodox.
Kezuka: With the image of a “”casual companion”” in mind, we focused on ease of use, and had many discussions about cup holders, USB power supply, and places for smart phones.
Since many of our vehicles are used for long trips rather than just a short ride, it is important that they can be used without stress.
I think the –tandem cup holders are the best of all the cars that have been introduced recently.
Kezuka: Thank you very much. The cup holder is treated as a top item in our company.
The new Subaru “”Crosstrek”” is a “”departure from the Impreza””! Why the name change from “”XV””? We asked the developers!
Toyota hybrid system in the future!
–The powertrain is now only available as a 2-liter e-boxer (hybrid). We hear that the 1.6-liter naturally-aspirated version of the previous XV model was also popular.
Kezuka: Considering various regulations, we decided to offer only a hybrid for the Japanese market. If we offer a gasoline-powered vehicle, I think it will sell at the moment of launch, but it will be difficult in the long term.
The new Crosstrek’s e-BOXER and Lineartronic CVT have improved the ride quality by taking out the clutter such as vibration and noise.
–I understand that you are also considering other hybrid units.
Kezuka: We have already announced this in our mid-term management plan and other documents, but we are also developing a hybrid that uses Toyota’s THS II system, and we are considering it as part of the model life cycle.
–The chassis system makes full use of the weapons from the Levorg/WRX S4, such as the inner frame structure, 2-pinion electric power steering, and electric brake booster. I have considerable expectations for the driving experience, but no, I think it would be a problem if it was not good enough.
Kezuka: Don’t worry about that. It’s so well finished that you’ll want to ride it endlessly around the laps of the test course. It’s not only fun to turn, but it’s also fun to drive straight. You’ll be able to enjoy not only turning, but also driving straight.
–What are some of your rivals that have become benchmarks?
Kezuka: There are many, but our biggest rival was the conventional XV.
Of course, individual performance has been improved with new weapons, but in terms of overall car balance, we had a hard time surpassing it.
A full inner frame structure alone was not enough, so we had to make changes in seat rigidity, roof resonance suppression, and ACT-4 (Active Torque Split AWD) control, etc. Although not spectacular, we incorporated various innovations throughout the vehicle.
As a result, we have created a car that, once you get in it, will make you think, “”This is something nice! I am proud to say that we have created a car that, when you drive it, you will think, “”It’s got something good about it!
–In short, it has a well-balanced driving experience.
Kezuka: It is not a challenging car, but has the ability to drive on any road with ease and without thinking about it.
–What about the evolution of safety performance?
Kezuka: The “”EyeSight X”” advanced driving assist technology has not yet been adopted, but the “”next-generation EyeSight”” has been installed, and it has evolved to a three-lens system with a stereo camera and a wide-angle monocular camera.
This has expanded the number of situations that can be handled by pre-crash braking, and has achieved the highest performance as EyeSight.
In addition, a digital multi-view monitor that displays a 360° view of the vehicle’s surroundings, which many people have requested, is also available.
–What is the response to the new system?
Mouzuka: At an internal review meeting, half of the participants asked, “”Not too much has changed? and “”Isn’t it too much? and “”Is it too much?
The average age of XV users in Japan is high, so we want to attract younger people, and I am relieved to hear that the product is actually well received by younger people.
The XV is scheduled to go on sale in 2023, and I hope that everyone will get behind the steering wheel as soon as possible.”
