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The Subaru Crosstrek is the evolution of the XV. This Japanese SUV respects the foundations of the Pleiades brand. How does it perform on Belgian roads and paths, in the rain, with its standard tires?
In Europe, there was the Subaru XV and in America, the Crosstrek. Now, it is the latter name that is also used on the Old Continent. The SUV has also been subject to modifications. This is not obvious from the outside. On the other hand, behind the wheel it is more obvious. First of all, the manufacturer’s aficionados will be reassured, we are still in the 4-cylinder flat Boxer with a longitudinal gearbox and all-wheel drive. The famous symmetry! In Europe, the engine is a 2-liter 136 hp associated with the e-CVT Lineartronic continuously variable gearbox. A small 16.7 hp electric motor is integrated into this e-CVT to give a boost or leave the thermal engine on hold when decelerating or coasting. It is therefore a microhybrid.
Out of the ordinary
Subaru’s raw lines lack aesthetic audacity. Even if, in itself, it is a style after all. On the other hand, on board, there is progress. The vertical central screen provides access to a well-designed infotainment environment that complies with current connectivity standards. It is notably possible to create profiles and wirelessly pair the operating system of your smartphone. Despite this evolution, Subaru has kept the control lever for the gearbox. It has also maintained its driving assistance technology with the EyeSight stereo camera. It has even improved it. Frankly, it works very well. The only really irritating and repetitive beeps are those of the speed camera alert. Suffice to say that in Belgium, with the section radars and the omnipresent masts, it ends up ringing often.
Coffee grinder
Continuous variation has a reputation for making the engine run faster and faster as you accelerate, making it scream and draining pints of oil. The Crosstrek’s e-CVT has the advantage of making the engine run discreetly. Except that you have to give a good pedal stroke to accelerate or overtake. There, despite everything, the ears are assailed by metallic noises. Fortunately, the decibels fall once the pace is calmer, thanks also to good soundproofing. It is also possible to try to take advantage of the electric assistance by being a little less aggressive with the right foot to reduce the noise level. Note that by playing this game, it is possible to keep the average consumption below 8 liters per 100 km, without seeking economy at all costs.
Stability
During the test drive in the rain, we made a brief foray into France, to Condé-sur-Escaut. The Subaru demonstrated good general behavior that Louis XIV* would not have disdained. The seats are comfortable, including the rear. It is the chassis, above all, that must be praised. It is rigid and efficient. The car hardly rolls, also helped by the “flat” architecture of the engine favoring a low center of gravity. The all-wheel drive plays its safety role perfectly by intervening discreetly when necessary. After lunch in a brasserie in keeping with the Epinal image of northern hospitality and local catering made in France, the return will necessarily be without incident, except for a kamikaze on the way up the highway directly towards the 3rd lane. The Crosstrek brakes very well.
4 seasons
The weather has not spared the roads or paths. With 4-season tires, but without the Alpine logo, therefore not approved for winter in several countries, the Crosstrek ventures effortlessly into the mud with this M+S fitment. In itself, it could be entitled to a winter exemption, because in the efficient 4×4 road genre, it is difficult to do better in terms of traction in all circumstances. But, it is still better to put winter tires on the snow, beyond the legal obligations, because you also have to know how to stop. And there, the good sculpted rubber is much more useful than any all-wheel drive. That does not prevent, even in the flat country of Belgium, it is easy to understand the appeal of Subaru in countries with less accommodating geography. In Switzerland, the Subaru Crosstrek is negotiated from 37,500 francs. In France and Belgium, without the tax hit, you have to count on a minimum of €36,000, or even €40,000 for the most advanced finish. In Canada, it is less than $30,000, but with a different power (152 hp).
