Motoring 62

One disappointing aspect was the amount of boot space. Only 340litres of space, primarily because my test derivative had the hybrid system and this did occupy quite a large amount of the boot space.

The power for the xv is a 1995cc petrol engine, this is assisted by an electric motor. The advantage of Subaru’s system is that the engine is constantly charging the battery and the electric motor will actually propel the vehicle on its own.

The level of equipment is on the high side, it has keyless entry, full LED headlight systems, privacy glass, 18” alloy wheels, in addition there is a reversing camera and safety features abound in comparison to most vehicles nowadays. The xv is a very secure vehicle, it has full collision braking control, cruise control and I do like headlights that move their beam whilst cornering or at junctions, a clever little feature. Performance was at all times more than sufficient for most people’s needs, the hybrid system would allow the vehicle to drive up to 25mph on battery power only and after that speed the engine kicks in.

The CO2 figure is a little on the high side at 180g/km, and Subaru are suggesting a figure of a 35.7mpg on the combined cycle, however in my time with the vehicle in a complete difference of terrain from motorway and Yorkshire hills and dales, the computer suggested that we had achieved 42mpg, which I found to be very acceptable.

The test car was the top specification SE Premium e-Boxer Lineartronic, and this came with an on the road price of £33,680. It comes with a 3-years or 60,000 miles warranty and Subaru are confident enough to give you an 8-year warranty on the battery pack.

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