The Crittenden Automotive Library

Subaru XV - Best In Black

Topics: Subaru XV

Subaru XV - Best In Black

Geoff Maxted
DriveWrite
October 23, 2013

As you will have read on an earlier page my week with the Subaru XV was fine, it’s a good car, but it didn’t exactly light my fire. This is a shame as I had really enjoyed the Forester. Well, Subaru announced yesterday the launch of the Subaru XV Black, a new limited edition variant of this manufacturer’s compact crossover. This is a good idea. I found the XV aesthetically to be a bit dull and this new model certainly improves the looks.

The ‘XV Black’ models will be available with either Subaru’s 2.0-litre Boxer diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or the 2.0-litre Boxer petrol unit and a ‘Lineartronic’ automatic transmission. exclusively finished in Crystal Black Silica paint, the XV Black offers a number of visual additions unique to the special edition model, which are designed to boost the car’s rugged, go-anywhere appeal. These include front, rear and side silver-resin underguards, front and rear mudflaps, a cargo step panel and a foldable cargo tray. Inside, the Black model is fitted with heavy-duty rubber floor mats.

The All-Wheel-Drive XV Black is priced at £24,495 (on-the-road) for the 2.0i Lineartronic and £24,995 for the 2.0 Boxer diesel, and is based on the existing SE model. Motorists will pay just £1,000 for all the extras fitted as standard to the XV Black, which – if fitted separately as options to other models in the range – would total over £1,600, meaning the new Limited Edition model offers both exclusivity and value for money.

The XV enjoys a class-leading five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating and at 90%, one of the highest scores for child occupant protection ever recorded, making it ideal for young families.

Perfectly suited to everyday use in an urban or out of town environment, the ‘go anywhere’ XV combines the highest ground clearance of any vehicle in its segment with the lowest centre of gravity. Efficient engines and lightweight body mean the XV is able to return a 50.4mpg on the combined cycle and emits only 146 g/km CO2 (2.0-litre diesel models).

The new XV Black Limited Edition features Subaru’s typically generous standard equipment levels, including Subaru’s standard-fit Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, providing world-class hazard avoidance capabilities. Other standard features include front, side, curtain and knee airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, heated front seats, wiper de-icers, cruise control, folding door mirrors, dual-zone air-conditioning, rear view safety camera, Bluetooth, HID headlamps, and rear privacy glass.

This new exclusive finish makes the XV much more striking. I look forward to a second helping.