Based on the new Impreza which we test drove briefly in Singapore a month ago, this new XV benefits from that model’s increased torsional rigidity: that stiffer body delivers an improved ride, better handling, and even reduces noise, vibration, and harshness.
The current XV is already one of the safest cars on the road, but the new platform is even safer. Subaru claims the car’s ability to absorb energy in a crash is up 40% over its predecessor and that’s if you actually run into something. Helping you avoid doing that is a center of gravity that’s dropped 0.2 inches (a low center of gravity is a Subaru hallmark, courtesy of its unique opposed-cylinder engines), which should provide a small handling advantage.
Subaru’s EyeSight driver aid technology will also be optional: it brings automated pre-collision braking to the car and will increase its safety rating.
Also aiding handling is a new method for mounting the anti-roll bar, which is said to reduce body roll by a significant 50%. On a drive you will feel the quicker new steering rack, which moves from a 14:1 ratio to a faster 13:1. Steering speed will be further boosted by Subaru’s Active Torque Vectoring system which grabs a little front brake on the inside wheel when you are turning, making the car change direction a little quicker. All this and more when this new XV arrives in 2018. Start saving up.
