2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek: Stylish, Urban Crossover Debuts at New York International Auto Show

• New fun-to-drive, high-capability compact crossover
• 2.0-litre SUBARU BOXER engine and top-of-class fuel efficiency with up to 6.0 L/100 KM
• Standard Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive, 220 mm of ground clearance
• Sleek, muscular urban presence with excellent driving dynamics
• 680-kilogram towing capacity for added versatility

MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) today announced that it is expanding its line of award-winning vehicles to include the all-new 2013 XV Crosstrek. The versatile Subaru XV Crosstrek, which arrives this fall, was first shown in Canada during the auto show circuit and received an overwhelmingly positive response. The Subaru XV Crosstrek fits within an emerging sub-segment of the compact SUV category commonly known as a crossover vehicle. As such, the XV Crosstrek will nicely complement Subaru's lineup as this new addition is intended to attract new buyers looking to put Subaru on their comparison list. The Subaru XV Crosstrek also adds unique value to the ever-growing crossover segment as it's designed to thoroughly satisfy the needs of a diverse range of customers. Combining a bold five-door design with the functionality and versatility of an SUV, the XV Crosstrek blends impressive fuel efficiency, excellent handling and driving dynamics into the mix, making it especially fun to drive. The new Subaru XV Crosstrek will debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.

Subaru based the new XV Crosstrek on the Impreza platform, making significant changes to the chassis and body and configuring interior standard equipment and options specifically for this new model.

All 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek models are powered by a 148-hp 2.0-litre SUBARU BOXER engine, teamed to Subaru's vaunted symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive via a 5-speed manual transmission or available second-generation Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission).

Although official EPA fuel economy figures are not yet available, Subaru anticipates that the 2013 XV Crosstrek will achieve top-of-class fuel efficiency with manufacturer-estimated fuel economy figures of 8.2 L/100 KM city and 6.0 L/100 KM highway. In addition, the 60-litre fuel tank in the XV Crosstrek is 5 litres greater than that in the Impreza.

A Capable, Composed Compact SUV
The 2013 XV Crosstrek incorporates numerous body and chassis enhancements in order to achieve exceptional SUV capability with its urban, stylish design. Black side- and wheel-arch cladding, rocker spoiler and roof rails provide a rugged contrast to the body colour. The higher ride height and uniquely designed 17-inch wheels further bolster the XV Crosstrek model's go-anywhere stance and attitude. Front and rear bumpers as well as the front grille are exclusive to the XV Crosstrek, and tinted privacy glass is standard.

There's plenty of substance behind the XV Crosstrek's rugged styling too. The Subaru XV Crosstrek's four-wheel independent suspension features a raised configuration and 220 mm of ground clearance, which is higher than most other crossovers and even some SUVs. A 680-kilogram towing capacity enhances its versatility even further. Plus, the XV Crosstrek's standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R17 all-season tires provide for superior all-road, all-weather traction and control. In addition, its four-wheel disc brake system features front rotors larger than those found on Impreza 2.5i models.

The Subaru XV Crosstrek is available with your choice of two transmissions: a standard five-speed manual transmission or Subaru's Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). Manual transmission models will benefit from the Hill Holder system, which briefly holds the vehicle in place while the driver coordinates brake and clutch to pull away on an incline. Also available is Subaru's Lineartronic CVT, which provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios with no discernible steps or shifts. The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. A 6-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters allows the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios. With either transmission choice, a standard ECO gauge helps the driver to operate the vehicle as economically as possible.

Subaru's All-around Safety
The Subaru XV Crosstrek is equipped with both active and passive safety systems. To help drivers avoid a collision, the XV Crosstrek's Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system combines stability and traction control functions, working to augment the AWD torque distribution, engine output and brakes at each wheel to help keep the vehicle on course. In addition, an advanced 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) integrates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to automatically adjust front/rear braking pressure, while Brake Assist provides greater force in sudden panic situations. A new Brake Override system ensures that the engine power will be cut when both the brake and accelerator are pressed simultaneously.

In terms of passive safety features, the Subaru ring-shaped reinforcement frame body structure has been proven in more than a decade of use. Inside, the XV Crosstrek fills out its safety roster with a driver's knee air bag, standard front side pelvis/torso air bags, and side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage. The passenger-seat front air bag features a shell-type design with a centre groove, thus exposing the passenger to less impact force upon deployment.

Standard Subaru Symmetrical Full-time All-Wheel Drive
Subaru offers two different symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2013 XV Crosstrek. With the 5-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous- coupling limited-slip centre differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear.

Models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT feature an electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch AWD system, which actively manages power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, and available traction. This system can transfer more power to the rear wheels under acceleration, but power is distributed 60/40 front to rear under normal driving conditions.

Roomy, Versatile Interior
A 2635-millimetre wheelbase yields impressive interior roominess in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek. Rear seat legroom of 899 millimetres is close to that of some mid-size cars. Large door pockets can hold plastic drink bottles and large maps. Numerous compartments located in and around the centre console hold all manner of today's personal items such as phones, USB drives and MP3 players.

With the standard 60/40-split rear seatbacks upright, this versatile five-door crossover provides 340 litres of carrying space for adventures in or outside city limits. The cargo area is outfitted as standard with a cover that can be pulled into place or detached as well as tie-down and grocery bag hooks for greater utility and convenience. The XV Crosstrek's standard roof rails may also be outfitted with a number of accessories for carrying items like bicycles and kayaks.

Amenities to Satisfy an Urban, Active Lifestyle
Subaru will offer the 2013 XV Crosstrek in three well-equipped trim levels: a Touring Package, Sport Package and Limited Package. Among the standard features in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek 2.0i Touring Package are a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth control switches; power windows, door locks and side mirrors; multi-function display with fuel economy information; auto on/off headlights; outside temperature display, and carpeted floor mats. The standard audio system in the well-equipped entry model features Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, Radio Data System, iPod control capability, USB port, 3.5mm auxiliary input jack and six speakers. Additional standard creature comforts include heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. The Sport Package adds a colour multi-function display, sunroof, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights as well as fog lights.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek 2.0i with Limited Package adds leather-trimmed upholstery, a dual-zone automatic climate control system and body-colour door mirrors with LED-integrated turn signals. Inside, a wide array of user-friendly technologies abound: the in-dash navigation system features a 6.1-inch touchscreen LCD display with back-up camera integration.

About Subaru Canada, Inc.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada. For additional information, please visit www.pr.subaru.ca or www.subaru.ca.

SOURCE Subaru Canada Inc.

Image with caption: "2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120405_C3395_PHOTO_EN_11968.jpg

Image with caption: "2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120405_C3395_PHOTO_EN_11970.jpg

Image with caption: "2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120405_C3395_PHOTO_EN_11972.jpg