Tow Test: Subaru XV 2.0i

Subaru’s funky, compact ‘crossover’ wagon has been a big hit for the Australian arm of the Japanese manufacturer, since being launched Down Under in early-2012.

Clocking up almost 15,000 sales in 18 months, the second-generation Subaru XV is currently the third best-selling sub-compact SUV in the country, behind Hyundai’s iX35 and Nissan’s Dualis.

The four-door, five-seat XV is also the second most popular Subaru in Australia behind the similar-sized Forester wagon.

PRICING AND EQUIPMENT

Keeping it simple, just one 2.0-litre petrol engine is on offer with the XV, fitted standard with six-speed manual or optional ($2500) continuously variable CVT (auto) transmission with paddle shifters.

With prices ranging from $28,490 to $36,990, there are three grades -- 2.0i, 2.0i-L, and 2.0i-S -- all featuring all-wheel drive, unlike many softroader rivals which offer cheaper, entry-level front-drive variants to entice buyers.

Far from a ‘poverty pack’, the entry-level XV 2.0i tested here comes well equipped with six-speaker CD audio with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, climate control, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, cruise control, multi-function display, reversing camera, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and spoiler with LED brake light.

While it would have been nice to have the 6.1-inch sat-nav screen fitted to up-spec variants, the dash-mounted multifunction display does provide a host of up-to-date information including tyre wear indicator and fuel consumption via steering wheel-mounted controls.

Stability control, anti-lock brakes with discs all-round and Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, and seven airbags including a driver’s knee airbag, are all part of the extensive safety equipment list on this five star ANCAP rated vehicle.

ON THE ROAD

At 4450mm long, 1780mm wide, and 1615mm high, the XV is slightly larger than the top-selling Dualis, which results in a reasonably roomy and airy cabin. Despite the jacked-up stance, it’s easy to step in and out of with wide opening doors and low sill height.

The seats are comfortable and supportive, with some handy side bolstering. Perched high, all-round vision is aided by the slimmed-down A-pillar and large, door-mounted side mirrors.

Adequate head, knee and shoulder room in the rear seats mean three average sized adults should be able to squeeze in, and rear seatbacks are contoured for improved support and comfort.

There’s just enough room for a few small bags or the weekly shopping with 310 litres cargo space, or the luggage area can be extended by folding flat the 60:40 split rear seats.

The rear security blind can be stored under the cargo floor when not in use, alongside the spacesaver wheel, while tether anchor points for child seats are conveniently located in the back of the rear seats, rather than on the ceiling as was the case previously.

Fitted standard with auto stop-start technology and running on 91RON unleaded, the XV’s updated 2.0-litre ‘Boxer’ engine pumps out 110kW at 6200rpm and 196Nm at 4200rpm.

In most situations it’s quiet and refined, albeit sounding a bit like a manic sewing machine when revved to its 6500rpm redline.

And it needs to be revved hard to extract decent performance, particularly when powering out of corners or maintaining speed up hills, with lacklustre acceleration under 4000rpm.

Driven sedately around town though, the engine provides adequate performance given its NVH and fuel economy benefits.

Aside from the engine’s lack of low-down torque, the other disappointment is the imprecise, rubbery shift action of the six-speed manual transmission, which sometimes resulted in selection of the wrong gear.

Haven previously driven a CVT-equipped XV, it’s worth the additional $2500, offering smooth, seamless changes in normal driving conditions.

Although biased for the bitumen, the MacPherson strut-type front / double wishbone rear suspension set-up handles rougher patches well. It’s less forgiving over larger potholes and ruts though, banging and crashing if not driven over with care.

While OK over smooth gravel surfaces, this harshness limits its off-road practicality which is a shame given its Forester-rivalling 220mm ground clearance.

Around town the light, rack and pinion electric power steering and tight turning circle is great for parking, and there’s enough feel through the wheel for confident, push-on driving. The Yokohama Geolander rubber provide decent on- and off-road grip, although can be a tad noisy on coarse bitumen.

The stiff body, low centre of gravity, and locally-tuned suspension also provides sharp handling to live up to the sporty looks.

TOWING

Both manual and CVT-equipped XVs have a maximum braked towing capacity of 1400kg and 140kg towball limit.

While that excludes the majority of caravans, it does cover many camper trailers, as well as the increasing number of smaller, imported caravans like the Sprite Alpine 4 and Adria 390 DS.

For this test we hooked up a Jayco Hawk camper trailer weighing 977kg (Tare), with a ball weight of 115kg ball weight. This was around 70 percent of the maximum towing weight (and 1390kg kerb weight of the tow vehicle).

Although sitting down slightly at the rear, the XV proved a stable towing platform, with little evidence of pitching. Acceleration was decent enough, although the XV’s engine quickly ran out of puff on any sort of hill, requiring numerous down changes and high revs to maintain momentum.

Running solo the XV achieved close to 8.5L/100km according to the trip computer, around town (compared to the official fuel economy figure of 7.3L/100km). This rose to a high of 11.5L/100km when towing, which was pretty good considering the number of hills encountered during our test loop.

VERDICT

For many owners of compact SUVs as well as towable RVs, not having to upgrade their tow vehicle to a bigger four-wheel drive has many advantages, not least the savings in purchase and running costs.

While we were pleasantly surprised with the Subaru XV’s performance as a light-duty tow tug, the lack of a suitably torquey, diesel engine option ultimately limits this compact SUV’s ability to tow not much more than a one tonne trailer without putting undue stress on both driver and vehicle.

* Thanks to Page Bros RV in Seaford, Victoria, for loan of the Jayco camper for this test.

SUBARU XV 2.0i

Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol
Max. power: 110kW at 6200rpm
Max. torque: 196Nm at 4200rpm
Transmission: six-speed manual
Length: 4450mm
Width: 1780mm
Height: 1615mm
Wheelbase: 2635mm
Ground clearance: 220mm
Kerb mass: 1390kg
Fuel: 60 litres
Towing cap. braked: 1400kg
Tow ball mass maximum: 140kg
Fuel economy (claimed): 7.3L/100km
Crash rating: Five-star ANCAP
Price: $28,490
Options fitted: Tow bar, fitted, $847