SUBARU XV GT EDTION – A SUV That Drives Like A Saloon?

The XV is Subaru’s bread and butter. It is based on the sport utility vehicle (SUV) platform at an affordable price.

Not long ago, TC Subaru Sdn Bhd, the official distributor for Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, loaned us the Subaru XV GT Edition. The team at Caricarz enjoyed every moment of it.

The Subaru XV GT Edition is priced at RM 137,788, on-the-road without insurance and SST exemption. Apart from the price, the difference between the GT Edition and the other two variants – 2.0i and 2.0 iP, is the sportier body kit, a different designed 17-inch wheels, Android Auto and Apple Carplay ready infotainment  system with the 360-degree camera.

Caricarz talent Shaun Stephen expressed that the XV GT Edition “Has a more sporty look and the design of the 17-inch wheels that looks like a flower.”

The Subaru GT Edition measures at a length of 4,465mm, a width of 1,800mm, a height of 1,615mm, and a ground clearance of 220mm. It comes with 63 litres of fuel tank capacity and 345 litres of boot space capable of carrying a few medium-sized luggage for a small family weekend trip.

Powering the Subaru SV GT Edition is the 2.0-litre direct fuel injection naturally aspirated Boxer engine mated to the lineartronic 7-speed CVT. It generates 154 hp at 6,000 rpm and 196 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Subaru claims that the XV can dash from a standstill to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds and achieving a top speed of 194 km/h. The combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.3 litres per 100km.

The writer couldn’t agree more with Shaun’s statement, “Comfortable acceleration, it reaches a 100 km/h with ease. You don’t feel a jerk when there’s a change in gears,”

The Subaru XV GT Edition has enough power to overcome any reasonably fast-moving trucks and trailers on the highway. One can quickly speed over the legal speed limit if the driver is not paying attention to the speedometer.

During the course of windy rural roads, the XV gripped tightly during corners, and the constant change of gears was not felt at all. Instead, the team didn’t felt like they were behind the wheels of an SUV, but it felt more like we were driving a coupe or sedan, thanks to the Subaru Global Platform.

The new Subaru Global Platform now sits lower and has a revised steering rack and a stiffer chassis. It improved the straight-line drive and manoeuvrability. The platform also absorbs more impact in the event of an accident.

Some of the accessories available on the Subaru XV GT Edition includes the auto-levelling LED headlights with C-shaped LED daytime running lights, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone air-conditioning system, aluminium pedals, roof rails, 17-inch alloy wheels, X-Mode function, cruise control, paddle shifters, eight-inch touchscreen display, six-speaker audio system, 4.2-inch TFT LCD instrument info display, LED rear combination lamps, front fog lights, power-adjustable driver’s seat and electronic parking brakes.

“It has a very nice fun feel as soon as you come into the car,” said Shaun.

The Subaru XV GT Edition is also spacious. However, anyone who is taller than 190cm may find that it is short of headroom. Most of the engine and wind noise was muted, but the tyre noise was noticeable.

“Room space is pretty big, really comfortable,” Shaun said.

In terms of safety features, the Subaru XV GT Edition is equipped with seven airbags, the anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, vehicle dynamic control, hill start assist, 360-camera and ISOFIX child seat mounting points.

Overall, the team at Caricarz had a wonderful time with the Subaru XV GT Edition. However, even though there are many pros to the SUV, there is also some improvement. It would be excellent if the XV could come with the rear air-conditioning vent and the Subaru Eyesight safety suite.