Subaru’s popular XV compact SUV has been reincarnated as the Crosstrek is now available in New Zealand in three variants, one petrol and two hybrid models.

The all-new Crosstrek petrol variant will be powered by a sporty yet refined direct injection 2.0-litre Boxer engine and a Lineartronic transmission with an 8-speed paddle shift manual mode.

The two Hybrid variants feature the Subaru e-Boxer engine and a Lineartronic transmission with a 7-speed paddle shift manual mode.

The pricing starts from $46,990 for the Crosstrek e-Boxer Hybrid, the Crosstrek Premium is $48,990, and Crosstrek e-Boxer Hybrid Premium is $51,990.

Subaru New Zealand’s Managing Director Wallis Dumper says: “Our All-Wheel-Drive Crosstrek sets a new standard for Kiwi drivers being able to have it all. We know they are looking for an SUV that can strike the right balance between transporting them throughout their everyday duties in style and getting them to where they’d rather be in terms of capability.”

“Looking sharp on the urban commute, the compact Crosstrek is just at home parking outside your city meeting as it is transporting you to remote camping sites or secret off-the-beaten-track surf spots.”

“Helping Crosstrek achieve this impressive all-terrain drivability is its class-leading ground clearance of 220mm. It allows you to negotiate deep ruts and rough surfaced roads as you go Crosstrekking across Subaru Country safely. The other ace up your sleeve is that all Crosstrek variants feature X-Mode as standard. Just hit the X-Mode button to dial up your off-road capability and give you better traction and control when driving on slippery surfaces, like mud, snow, or gravel.”

“At Subaru, we acknowledge that new car buyers have an appetite for treading lighter on the planet, so we have selected two hybrid models to help them achieve this aim,” Dumper says.

For the first time, Subaru Corporation in Japan has collaborated with a medical school to study the mechanisms behind what causes driver discomfort, fatigue and lower back pain when driving a vehicle. Crosstrek’s resulting new design approach creates an enjoyable ride for all occupants no matter the destination.

The head-turning Crosstrek’s exterior design has evolved to include dramatic angles, rugged cladding and roof rails offset by bold colours. The overall effect enhances the all-eyes-on-you styling and backs up the Crosstrek’s access-everywhere capability.

Inside, the Crosstrek gets a new centre infotainment unit featuring an 11.6" touchscreen and wireless connectivity.

Dumper believes the Subaru Crosstrek gives Kiwi drivers the ability to access experiences that two-wheel drive vehicles miss out on.

“All-Wheel Drive is Subaru’s not-so-secret key to unlocking all the incredible, off-road destinations New Zealand has in abundance. Crosstrek gets you to these backcountry national treasures in style and our engineering prowess provides the confidence that you’ll arrive safely,” he says.