Subaru has been manufacturing all wheel drive (AWD) cars since 1972, back when four-wheel drive (4WD) was limited to off-road vehicles. However Subaru broke that tradition with a mass-produced 4WD variant of an ordinary passenger model. When the vehicle was first released, demand came mainly from owners using the car in snowy and mountainous areas. Over time this particular model lead to Subaru broadening its customer base thanks to a surge in popularity of outdoor sports like skiing and fishing. The car's popularity snowballed to the point where it became the world's top-selling 4WD passenger car, and soon after the origin of the Subaru AWD system.
The XV Crosstrek was introduced In March of 2012. This compact crossover SUV featured a stylish design and was well-balanced with a roomy and convenient interior. While maintaining its standard all-wheel drive, the Subaru XV Crosstrek employed the 2.0 litre Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine and CVT. This first generation Crosstrek achieved a highway fuel economy of 33 mpg making it the most fuel-efficient all-wheel drive crossover vehicle in North America. It also offered good rough road capability due to its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, higher than many of its competitors.
My recent drive in the all-new 2018 Subaru Crosstrek revealed this newest generation car is clearly still a great model with perhaps only one shortcoming. More on that in a moment. It’s a little smaller than other compacts such as the Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and VW’s Golf and Jetta. But that’s not likely an issue for potential buyers. The intended purpose of the Crosstrek is not like some of its competitors. A car to be enjoyed in an urban area then loaded up and used off the beaten path for the weekend.
The difference is the Crosstrek has no problem tackling snow-covered roads, steep inclines or trails carved through the bush. Even with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) you’ll have no problem travelling through the rough stuff. My top of the line Ltd model had a CVT because a manual 6-speed transmission is not standard in this model. Subaru feels few people would opt for the manual tranny in their top of the line model.
The 2018 Crosstrek has a six-speed manual transmission (up from last year’s five) on three model levels. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a good match with the X-Mode, which comes on all CVT options. Hold on tight and you can push through large puddles and very steep inclines. The hill descent feature does its job well as you keep your feet off the pedals and let the Crosstrek track itself safely down to level ground.
Completely re-engineered, the 2018 Crosstrek is impressive in many ways with the exception of interior finish. A $33,000-vehicle should have a nicer looking/feeling interior. It’s a shame as I like the interior layout and comfortable seats. But geez Subaru, why did your people cheap out on the touchy-feely stuff?
The 4-cylinder Boxer engine runs smooth and quiet and can achieve 10.5L/100km in mixed driving conditions. Its 152 horsepower is adequate, but more would be welcome. Built on a new Global Platform, a lighter, more rigid body with a more nimble suspension system. The result is a quieter ride, less body roll in tight corners and better handling that maintains Subaru’s already stellar safety ratings.
Available in several trims in four models – Convenience, Touring, Sport and Limited – the 2018 Crosstrek features Apple Car Play and Android Auto in every model and a useful smaller horizontal screen above the larger one that keeps pertinent info in your line of sight without tugging your attention from the road.
There’s an abundance of luggage room in the back and a couple of colours I like; Sunshine Orange and Cool Grey Khaki (sort of a light blue) which my tester had. Such a nice change from the boring grey, silver, black we see so much of in vehicles these days. Pricing for the 2018 Crosstrek starts at $23,695 with the six-speed manual transmission and reaches up to $33,195, like my fully loaded Ltd with a lot of choice in between those two price points.
