MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce the release of the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek. This versatile, fun-to-drive XV Crosstrek remains the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive crossover utility in North America, delivering fuel economy figures of 8.2 L/100 km city / 6.0 L/100 km highway / 7.2 L/100 km combined (with CVT), making it comparable to many front-wheel-drive competitors. Combining efficiency with a bold five-door design and highly capable chassis, the sporty XV Crosstrek offers not only best-in-class fuel economy, but everyday comfort, exceptional safety standards and the most in-demand convenience and entertainment features. The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek delivers a highly capable crossover package with standard Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive, 220 mm of ground clearance, 17-inch distinctive alloy wheels and ample room for passengers and cargo.
DOHC 2.0-litre SUBARU BOXER Engine, Choice of Transmission
All 2014 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). Electric power steering reduces the draw on engine power, while the dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) configuration features a Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS) variable valve control for both intake and exhaust valves, optimizing torque delivery.
Built for Everyday Driving and Rugged Action
The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek incorporates numerous body and chassis characteristics designed for its extended capabilities. Black side- and wheel-arch cladding, rocker spoiler and roof rails provide a rugged contrast to the body colour. The high ride height, body-colour roof spoiler and uniquely designed 17-inch wheels bolster the Subaru XV Crosstrek model's go-anywhere stance and attitude. Front and rear bumpers as well as the front grille are unique to the Subaru XV Crosstrek and dark-tint privacy glass is standard.
The rugged styling is backed up by function, as the four-wheel fully independent suspension features a raised configuration in the Subaru XV Crosstrek. The XV Crosstrek's 220 mm of ground clearance is higher than most other crossovers and even some dedicated SUVs. High-strength suspension components enhance agility, while liquid (hydraulic) engine mounts (with CVT) help to dampen vibration. The double-wishbone rear suspension features pillow ball bushings for an optimal blend of ride comfort, straight-line stability, handling agility and vehicle response.
The Subaru XV Crosstrek uses standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R17 all-season tires to provide all-weather traction and performance. The 4-wheel disc brake system features large front rotors and the XV Crosstrek comes with a 60-litre fuel tank.
Both the standard 5-speed manual transmission and the CVT include the Subaru Hill Holder system, which will briefly hold the vehicle while the driver pulls away from a stop on a hill. The Subaru Lineartronic CVT provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios with no discernable steps or shifts. With either transmission choice, a standard ECO gauge helps the driver to operate the vehicle as economically as possible.
The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. A 6-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters allows the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios. The transmission also allows "second gear" starts in order to limit the likelihood of wheel spin on slippery surfaces.
Practical Package
A 2,635-mm wheelbase yields impressive interior roominess in the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek. Rear-seat legroom of 900 mm is close to that of some mid-size cars. With the standard 60/40-split rear seatbacks folded, this versatile 5-door crossover provides a completely flat load floor with up to 1,470 L of carrying space (632 L with the seats up). Achieving a large trunk or cargo area is significant by itself, since the vehicle's AWD layout requires packaging a rear differential and drive axles yet the XV Crosstrek easily accommodates three golf bags or a large baby stroller.
The cargo area is equipped with a standard cover that can be pulled into place or removed, along with tie-down and grocery bag hooks. Subaru dealers will offer a number of accessories for the standard roof rails in order to carry items such as bicycles and kayaks. A 680-kilogram towing capacity not only enhances its versatility even further, but is a unique advantage over competitors in this segment.
Subaru will offer the 2014 XV Crosstrek in three well-equipped trim levels: the XV Crosstrek Touring, Sport Package and Limited Package. Among the standard features in the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Touring are a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth control switches, power windows, door locks and body coloured side mirrors, 4.3-inch colour multi-function display with fuel economy information, auto on/off headlights, outside temperature display and carpeted floor mats. The standard audio system in the well-equipped entry model features Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, Radio Data System, iPod control capability, USB port, 3.5 mm auxiliary input jack and six speakers. Additional standard creature comforts include heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. The Sport Package adds a rear roofline spoiler, power tilting and sliding sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights.
The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Limited Package adds leather-trimmed upholstery, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, chrome door handles and body-colour door mirrors with LED-integrated turn signals. Inside, a wide array of user-friendly technologies abound: the in-dash navigation system features a 6.1-inch touchscreen LCD display with back-up camera integration.
Standard Subaru Symmetrical Full-time All-Wheel Drive
Subaru offers two different symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2014 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.
Vehicle Dynamics Control
Standard on every Subaru, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitors and analyzes if the vehicle is following the driver's intended course via an array of smart sensors. If the vehicle approaches the limits of stability, the AWD torque distribution, engine output and brakes at each wheel adjust automatically to assist in keeping the vehicle on course. A Vehicle Dynamics Control 'off' switch is useful for driving out of slushy roads, deep snow or very loose gravel. The 'off' position deactivates the system's torque-reduction control, while the ABS and traction control remain active.
Subaru Safety
Like all Subaru models, the XV Crosstrek has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) TOP SAFEFY PICK for 2013. In fact, all Subaru models have been recognized as IIHS TOP SAFETY PICKS for four consecutive years.
In terms of safety features, the Subaru ring-shaped reinforcement frame body structure has been proven in more than a decade of use. The ring-shaped reinforcement frame forms a series of "rings" around the passenger compartment. This design provides excellent protection in a variety of collision types, with the structure increasing cabin rigidity and able to absorb impact energy from any direction. High-strength members are used on the front of the vehicle, where there are few crushable zones. This design helps to minimize deformation of the body in the event of a frontal collision, providing added protection for occupants.
A reinforcing member at the base of the A-pillar strengthens the joint between the pillar and the upper frame and helps to ensure that impact energy produced by a frontal collision is cleanly passed from the frame to the pillar. With high-strength members added to the critical front rails and the tops of the centre pillars, and a number of other reinforcements also made, the roof is strong enough to bear at least four times the vehicle's own weight.
Subaru engineered the rear of the vehicle structure so that the energy of an off-centre rear collision would be evenly distributed left and right by the rear bumper beams and diagonal members. This design helps to minimize chassis deformation, as the energy of such a collision does not now have to be absorbed only on the side of the impact. Front-end structural details help to bolster safety for pedestrians, in particular the impact absorbing structures at the cowling at the rear of the hood and the bottom of the windshield.
Inside, the Subaru XV Crosstrek fills out its safety roster with a driver's knee airbag, standard front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage. The passenger-seat front airbag features a shell-type design with a centre groove, thus exposing the passenger to less impact force upon deployment.
Brake Assist and Brake Override
The 4-channel / 4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) incorporates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). The EBD system enhances braking performance and stability by actively optimizing braking force between the front and rear wheels according to how the vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo.
The Subaru Brake Assist safety system detects how quickly the driver has pressed the pedal, and if pedal velocity exceeds a certain threshold, Brake Assist immediately applies pressure up to the ABS limit to help increase braking effectiveness. In emergency or "panic" braking, drivers usually apply less pedal force than needed despite pressing the pedal quickly. The new Brake Override system ensures that the engine power will be cut when the brake pedal and accelerator are pressed simultaneously.
Advanced Airbags
The 2014 XV Crosstrek features Subaru's Advanced Frontal Airbag System. This intelligent air bag system employs dual-stage-deployment driver and front passenger airbags. A seat position sensor on the driver's seat track detects if the driver is sitting too close to the airbag, in which case the system would delay deployment of the airbag's second stage. The passenger side front seat incorporates an occupant detection module that detects seat occupancy and passenger weight to control airbag deployment.
All new Subaru models incorporate electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters in the front 3-point seatbelts. The seatbelt mechanism also absorbs energy through internal deformation. There is a LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for securing specially equipped child seats in the rear seat.
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 over 85 authorized dealers across Canada. For additional information, please visit www.pr.subaru.ca or www.subaru.ca.
Image with caption: "2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130909_C5512_PHOTO_EN_30536.jpg
Image with caption: "2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130909_C5512_PHOTO_EN_30538.jpg
Image with caption: "2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130909_C5512_PHOTO_EN_30540.jpg
SOURCE: Subaru Canada Inc.
CONTACT: Joe Felstein or Julie Lychak
(905) 568-4959
Amyot Bachand
Media Relations, Quebec Region
(514) 691-9276
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