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The Crosstrek represents Subaru's concession to electrification to suit the needs of the current market. Like its predecessor the XV, this self-charging full-Hybrid mid-size crossover takes on segment models like Toyota's C-HR, Kia's Niro and Hyundai's Kona Hybrid, cars that also have this technology. For a little more money, this Subaru offers more space, much more capability but a little less efficiency.
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Background
For years, Subaru's have sold on tough, no-nonsense virtues - like practicality and go- anywhere 4WD. If that meant they weren't quite as efficient as rivals, then so be it. But customers aren't quite so forgiving these days. Even something very capable needs to have a degree of electrified efficiency in today's market, hence the need for the Fuji Heavy Industries brand to focus on the full-Hybrid version of its unusual e-Boxer engine. We've seen it in the company's Forester mid-sized SUV, but we look at it here in the brand's more compact Crosstrek crossover model, the successor to the previous XV.
The Crosstrek's e-BOXER unit can't be plugged in, but it is a proper self-charging Hybrid. In contrast to the mild hybrid engines being currently marketed by Ford and Volkswagen Group brands which feature powerplants that can't at any time run independently on battery power, so are nothing like as efficient as full-Hybrids. So Subaru has done the job properly - to what effect in this Crosstrek? Let's find out.
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Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 34290 | 36290 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 180 | 180 |
| Max Speed (mph) | 120 | 120 |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 10.7 | 10.7 |
| Min | Max |
| Combined Mpg | 35.7 | 35.7 |
| Length (mm) | 4465 | 4465 |
| Width (mm) | 1800 | 1800 |
| Height (mm) | 1595 | 1595 |
| Boot Capacity (l) | 380 | 1270 |
Driving experience
The engine here is the brand's familiar normally aspirated 136PS 2.0-litre Boxer petrol unit, sending power to all four wheels via a CVT belt-driven auto transmission. The e-BOXER tech sees this unit assisted by a 16bhp electric motor built into that Lineartronic gearbox, the motor powered by small battery under the boot floor. That's enough for all electric driving at speeds of up to 25mph. The electric assistance doesn't have much impact on performance - rest to 62mph takes 10.8s on the way to a top speed of 123mph. More significantly, peak pulling power (just 182Nm) isn't delivered until 4,000rpm, so the engine needs to be stretched quite a lot if you want to make any significant progress and the 'rubber band' characteristics of the CVT auto gearbox can be a further impediment to rapid progress.
Still, all will be forgiven when you get this car off road. There's a decent 220mm of ground clearance and as usual with Subaru, a Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system that'll get you to places that other volume brand four-wheel drive mid-sized crossovers would struggle to reach. The e-BOXER's electric motor is used to help improve off-road ability, providing extra low-down pulling power when 'X-Mode' is selected using a rotary dial on the dash. This means the car can take on steep slopes and descents, shuffling power between its various wheels. Subaru says the XV can lean over at up to 30-degrees, an unheard-of stat for a car of this kind.
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Design and build
The Crosstrek is basically a facelifted XV. Changes over the previous model include a frameless hexagonal grille, compact headlights, a more sculptural body, emphasising the broad-shouldered stance. As before, black wheel arch cladding and rocker panels provide a sharp contrast to the body colour. Several functional aerodynamic improvements enhance the performance and stability of the car. An air outlet at the trailing edge of the front wheel opening allows air to exit from the wheel well more freely, contributing to reduced lift on the front tires and improved driving stability. Another air outlet added at each side of the rear bumper reduces body sway due to air trapped behind the bumper.
Inside, there are more supportive seats but the key change lies with a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system, complete with wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'. This can brief you on weather and traffic reports, plus the set-up can also provide wireless audio, news updates and a calendar and in addition, its functionality extends to a range of apps that can be downloaded onto users' phones or tablets. Rear legroom is good and there's plenty of adjustability in the driving position but the seats could use a little more support. The 380-litre boot (which is unaffected by the Hybrid drive system) is a little smaller than you'd expect but fold the rear seats down and things improve dramatically, with an excellent 1,270 litres on offer.
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Market and model
Prices for this Crosstrek start at around £34,000 - that's for the base 'Limited' version; if you want the plusher 'Touring' variant, you'll need £2,000 more. At least you get plenty of kit. Standard equipment includes keyless entry, full-LED headlights equipped with high beam assist, privacy glass on the rear windows, roof rails and automatic air conditioning. 'Limited' models are equipped with 17-inch Diamond Turned alloy wheels whilst 'Touring' models come with 18-inch Diamond Turned wheels in an alternative design. On both derivatives, there's also a reversing camera and an 11.6-inch centre dash touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone-mirroring. And you get Subaru's X-Mode off-road driving mode, complete with Hill Descent Control.
Plus there are plenty of camera safety features too. 'EyeSight', Subaru's camera-based safety package, delivers features such as Pre-Collision Braking Control, Adaptive Cruise Control and a Lane Keep Assist function. There's also an improved High Beam Assist system for 'Steering Responsive Headlights' that are able to move their beam right or left whilst cornering or at junctions to illuminate the direction of travel. In addition, there's also a 'Rear Vehicle Detection' system offering blind spot detection, lane change assistance and reversing assistance to enhance all-round preventive safety.
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Cost of ownership
If you're hoping for significant efficiency gains from the e-BOXER powertrain, then you might be a little disappointed. Let's get to the WLTP figures. These are quoted at 35.7mpg on the combined cycle and 180g/km of CO2. We expected a little better than that because at low speeds, the Crosstrek e-BOXER sticks with all electric power more readily than some rival self-charging hybrid models - you just have to be a bit careful with your right foot, though the engine will chime in to start charging the battery after about a mile. That engine automatically assists the battery and charges it up above 25 mph, before taking over all duties once you reach cruising speeds. The set-up also re-charges the battery when the car is braking or when you're coasting.
A decently sized 48-litre fuel tank gives all models a useful touring range. And there's an ECO meter in the Multi Function Display dash display that helps you optimise your driving efficiency over time. Residual values certainly aren't going to be on a par with BMW and Audi, but Subaru is committed to doing what it can to make the ownership experience as painless as possible. You get a three year / 125,000 mile warranty and the car's traction battery has its own 8-year 100,000 mile warranty.
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Summary
We'd hoped the e-BOXER engineering on offer here might be more transformative to this Crosstrek than it actually is. The gains in efficiency brought by this Hybrid engine certainly aren't big enough to offset the weight penalty this Subaru has over obvious mid-sized volume brand crossover rivals. But it has that weight penalty because it has a far more sophisticated and capable 4WD system than those competitors can offer.
The brand's Symmetrical All Wheel Drive set-up is this car's biggest draw. Most alternatives in this class don't offer 4WD at all, except sometimes on ridiculously pricey variants. And even then, it simply won't get you the places this Subaru can go. If you live out in the country or you regularly tow, that's going to be a huge attraction if you're shopping for this class of car. And if you are, fact that Subaru can offer it with a modicum of extra efficiency will be welcome.
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