2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek: Enhanced Comfort, Efficiency

• Subaru's compact crossover becomes even more efficient than ever before with a new standard PZEV engine.
• Subaru's advanced preventative safety system, EyeSight, is newly available.
• Technology improvements include a standard MediaHub with Bluetooth, iPod and USB connectivity, audio integration, a 6.2-inch colour touch screen and Subaru's exclusive STARLINK system.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 23, 2014 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. today announced the release of the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek, offering enhanced efficiency with improved fuel economy as well as the newly available EyeSight advanced driver-assist system. Top to bottom, the 2015 XV Crosstrek debuts improved roof-rail aerodynamics and WRX-style door mirrors for improved all-around visibility on the outside, as well as an updated interior finish with standard rear-view camera, one-touch turn signals, welcome lighting, enhanced gauges and technology improvements across all trim levels. Combining efficiency with a bold five-door design and highly capable chassis, the sporty XV Crosstrek targets the fast-growing compact crossover segment with its stellar fuel economy, everyday comfort, exceptional safety standards and in-demand convenience and entertainment features. This value-packed vehicle offers all the benefits of a true crossover – including generous ground clearance, ample cargo space and excellent versatility – and also offers a whole lot of fun behind the wheel. The 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek will be available this December at Subaru dealerships across Canada.

Class-leading Engineering
At its core, the Subaru XV Crosstrek is unlike any other compact crossover on the road today: its SUBARU BOXER engine, Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive system and low centre of gravity that's created by the system's design and a long-travel independent suspension is the reason why this unique crossover delivers agile handling, superior maneuverability, dynamic all-road/all-weather capability, and a level of confidence and genuine fun behind the wheel that is unmatched in its class.

All 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek models are powered by a 148 horsepower 2.0-litre SUBARU BOXER engine, teamed to Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive via a five-speed manual transmission or an available second-generation Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). XV Crosstrek models equipped with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT gain a newly refined version of the Active Torque Split version of symmetrical AWD. Increasing the fun-to-drive quotient, the CVT has pre-programmed stepped shifting, making the vehicle feel even sportier and providing an impression of gear ratios.  An electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively controls torque distribution in response to driving conditions and wheel slippage. The system can send additional torque to the rear wheels either proactively or in response to slippage at the front wheels. Taking input from acceleration, steering angle and yaw rate sensors, Active Torque Split AWD optimizes traction and steering response when accelerating through turns and curves, particularly when the road surface is slippery.

New for 2015, this engine now includes a focused eye on efficiency with standard PZEV equipment that reduces smog-forming emissions to near zero for better environmental performance and to make the most out of every drop of fuel. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid uses the same engine, but adds an electric motor linked to a hybrid CVT transmission to take fuel efficiency to another level.

The versatile, fun-to-drive XV Crosstrek is one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive crossover utility vehicles in North America, delivering fuel economy figures of 9.1 L/100 km city and 7.0 L / 100 km highway (with CVT) and 7.9 L / 100 km city and 6.9 L / 100 km highway (with electric hybrid motor).

Subaru All-around Safety
The 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek enhances its standard safety equipment with a rear-view camera included on every trim level alongside its front dual-stage airbags, driver knee airbag, front seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor.

Thanks in part to its ring-shaped reinforcement frame, standard on all Subaru models, the XV Crosstrek has remained an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick (TSP) since it was first introduced

Building on this foundation, the Subaru XV Crosstrek now aims to achieve a higher standard of safety as it introduces its advanced EyeSight driver assist system on select models. The EyeSight system uses Subaru-developed stereo camera technology to integrate adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and a vehicle lane departure warning as preventative safety measures. This industry-praised technology is one of the IIHS' highest rated front crash prevention systems and has helped EyeSight-equipped Subaru Forester, Legacy and Outback models achieve an IIHS TSP+ accreditation. Given this history, the 2015 XV Crosstrek is also projected to achieve the IIHS' highest honour.

The EyeSight system is available on XV Crosstrek Sport and Limited Package models with the optional technology package, which also includes a proximity key with push button start and steering responsive fog lights.

Countless Creature Comforts
For the 2015 model year, the design team further honed the rugged, capable exterior of the XV Crosstrek by improving the aerodynamics of its standard roof rails and adding sporty WRX-style side door mirrors, while also leaving many of its defining characteristics intact: the distinctive 17-inch alloy wheels, black side- and wheel-arch cladding and rocker spoiler among others.

Inside, Subaru has significantly upgraded all infotainment and technology features.  The audio system found in the XV Crosstrek Touring, Sport and Hybrid models offer an AM/FM stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio, Radio Data Broadcast System, in-dash CD player, 6.2-inch multi-function touchscreen display, Subaru STARLINK connectivity with Aha smartphone integration, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod control capabilities, a USB port and an auxiliary input jack.

Across all trim levels, the interior finish has been updated and gauges have been enhanced with a 3.5-inch colour information display. The addition of welcome lighting and one-touch turn signals adds convenience to all trim levels.

The upgraded infotainment system in the XV Crosstrek Limited Package includes a 7-inch touchscreen navigation unit that offers swipe and scrolling gestures, similar to smartphones and tablets, as well as voice-activated SMS text messaging and iTunes tagging capabilities. An integrated voice command system accepts natural language and phrases and also operates the dual-zone automatic climate control system.

Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid and Limited Package models also gain aluminum alloy pedals and a leather CVT shift boot.

Standard Subaru Symmetrical Full-time All-Wheel Drive
Subaru offers two different symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2015 XV Crosstrek. With the 5-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous- coupling limited-slip centre differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear.

Models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT feature an electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch AWD system, which actively manages power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, and available traction. This system can transfer more power to the rear wheels under acceleration, but power is distributed 60/40 front to rear under normal driving conditions.

About Subaru Canada, Inc.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 90 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information, please visit www.subaru.ca or www.pr.subaru.ca or follow @Subaru_Canada on Twitter.

SOURCE: Subaru Canada Inc.

Joe Felstein, [phone], [email protected]; Daniel Ponzini, [phone], [email protected]; Amyot Bachand, Media Relations, Quebec Region, [phone], [email protected]