When you turn up the pace in the new Subaru Crosstrek it feels like a car with an identity crisis, and I will explain why in a moment.
In the meantime I’ll discuss the more prosaic attributes of this replacement to Subaru’s XV, and confirm that the car hits the mark with its family practicality. It’s a suitably roomy crossover with good space for four to five adults, and a decently large boot that contains a nearly full-size spare tyre.
The Crosstrek (a play on the words Crossover and Trekking) rides high enough off the ground to safely mount pavements, and the high-profile 225/55 R18 tyres deal efficiently with bumpy roads and potholes. It is capable of more rough-road work than the average crossover with its 220mm ground clearance and all-wheel drive, along with driver-selectable modes for snow, dirt and mud.
The new Crosstrek is positioned below the Forester and Outback in Subaru’s line-up and is available in two models: the entry-level iL for R579,000 and the range-topping Crosstrek iS at R669,000. The latter has a handy list of mod cons including an electrically adjustable driver’s seat (the front passenger’s is manual), leather upholstery and all the requisite smartphone connectivity with a wireless charger.
The infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The huge touchscreen has large icons that make it easy to use, and to minimise the driver distraction there are quick-access physical buttons for the most frequently used audio and climate-control functions.
Driver assist features are plentiful and include lane-keeping assist, blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition and active cruise control, as part of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assistance. There are nine airbags including driver’s knee and passenger seat cushion airbags, and an airbag that deploys between the front seats to reduce the severity of collisions between the front-seat occupants.
The Crosstrek makes a fairly bold styling statement with its eye-catching hexagonal 3D radiator grille and diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels, while plastic body “armour” lends it an adventurous edge.
All fine so far, but what about the identity crisis? The car has the effect of awakening your inner rally driver with its excellent handling and driveability, but it’s a great chassis looking for a better powertrain.
The power of the normally-aspirated 2.0l petrol boxer engine is so-so but you could live with it better were it not partnered with a lazy continuously variable transmission (CVT) that always seems to be telling you the dog ate its homework. The car feels reasonably powered and refined when you’re in driving-the-kids-to-school mode, but trying to awaken some performance gets the car droning loudly with the revs sent sky high, even with the CVT’s electronically programmed gearshifts.
The chassis, on the other hand, is sublime, mixing a wafting ride quality with excellent cornering capability, particularly in fast sweeps and freeway offramps. With the help of a body structure that’s about 10% stiffer than the model it replaces, and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, the Crosstrek is a car that shines when hustled at speed through bends.
The dual-pinion electric power steering inherited from the Subaru WRX is weighted just right and provides a direct feel. The Crosstrek feels like a rally car waiting for an engine/transmission transplant. It even has racy aluminium pedals as if to drive home the point.
When not in the high-rev drone zone, the car is relatively refined and smooth, partly thanks to new liquid-filled engine mounts. The 9.1l/100km achieved by the test car is reasonably frugal if not class leading.
Overall I’m left with mixed feelings about the Crosstrek, which feels like a sporting car with its fangs removed.
Power-wise it doesn’t present a bargain in a car segment with very stiff competition and the transmission does not cover itself in glory. Yet its handling channels the spirit of rally-bred Subaru speedsters like the WRX and STi, and awakens the driving enthusiast inside.
Tech Specs
ENGINE
Type: Petrol
Capacity: 2.0l
Power: 115kW
Torque: 196Nm
TRANSMISSION
Type: CVT
DRIVETRAIN
Type: All-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
Top speed: n/a
0-100km/h: n/a
Fuel Consumption: 7.2l/100km (claimed) 9.1l/100km (as tested)
Emissions: 165g/km
STANDARD FEATURES
ABS brakes, stability control, nine airbags, lane departure warning, rain sensor wipers, climate control, electric windows, parking camera, auto on/off lights, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, navigation, infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, remote central locking, tyre pressure monitoring, sunroof, LED daytime running lights
COST OF OWNERSHIP
Warranty: Five years/150,000km
Maintenance plan: Three years/750,000km
Price: R669,000
Lease*: R14,893 per month
* at 11.75% interest over 60 months no deposit
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0iS
WE LIKE: Handling, ride comfort, styling
WE DISLIKE: So-so power, droning gearbox
VERDICT: An excellent chassis seeking a matching drivetrain
MOTOR NEWS star rating
Design ****
Performance ***
Economy ***
Ride *****
Handling *****
Safety *****
Value For Money ***
Overall ****
COMPETITION
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2.0 GLS, 110kW/198Nm — R509,900
Renault Koleos 2.5 Intens, 126kW/233Nm — R608,999
Proton X70 1.5T Executive AWD, 130kW/255Nm — R629,900
Kia Sportage 1.6T-GDi EX, 132kW/265Nm — R639,995
Honda CR-V 2.0 Elegance, 113kW/189Nm — R666,100
Nissan Qashqai 1.3T Acenta Plus, 110kW/250Nm — R670,600
Peugeot 3008 1.6T Allure, 121kW/240Nm — R674,900
Opel Grandland 1.6T GS Line, 121kW/240Nm — R679,900
Citroen C5 Aircross 1.6T Shine, 121kW/240Nm — R683,900
VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI Life, 110kW/250Nm — R686,700
Mazda CX-5 2.5 AWD Individual, 143kW/258Nm — R742,300
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