Subaru XV plug-in hybrid revealed of LA debut

Subaru has revealed a new plug-in hybrid version of its XV small SUV before its global debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show late this month. The XV plug-in hybrid goes on sale in the US before the end of 2018, and promises much improved fuel consumption but also performance, thanks to its two electric motors and hybrid all-wheel drive system.

Claimed to be able to drive up to 27km on pure electric power alone, the XV plug-in hybrid’s maximum claimed range is around 772km. Priced from US$34,995 in America, the XV plug-in hybrid is not destined for Australian sales just yet, though other hybrids are confirmed for Australian sales in 2019.

According to the company, “the highly anticipated SUV offers real all-wheel drive capability in a hybrid package. Arriving at Subaru retailers near the end of this year, the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will also feature unique exterior and interior styling and new in-vehicle technology.”

Featuring the same 2.0-litre Boxer four-cylinder petrol engine as the regular XV – albeit with less power and torque at 102kW and 182Nm – the Plug-in hybrid also features two electric motors and a hybrid all-wheel drive system. One of those motors is responsible for being a generator in tandem with the petrol engine, and the other one with 88kW/202Nm drives the wheels in hybrid and EV models, plus also recharges the 8.8kWh lithium ion battery during regenerative braking.

In pure EV mode, the XV plug-in is capable of hitting 105km/h, and the XV plug-in can travel up to 27km on a full charge. Despite slightly less overall power, Subaru claims that the XV plug-in hybrid hits the 100km/h marker from zero a full second less than the regular model, which means around 9.4 seconds. Full fuel consumption is yet to be announced, though Subaru claims that the XV plug-in uses 90MPGe of fuel.

Aside from the drivetrain, the XV plug-in hybrid uses a number of clues to distinguish itself from the regular XV. Larger 18-inch alloy wheels are standard equipment, as are redesigned bumpers and slimmer roof rails for more aerodynamic efficiency. Plug-in hybrid badging features proudly on the exterior, while the second fuel filler door for the plug-in charger is also noticeable. The plug-in hybrid is available in a unique hue called Lagoon Blue Pearl that’s pictured, while four others are also available.

A new grey and navy blue coloured interior trim option is also available, and other standard equipment is based on the highest trim in the US XV range, which gets equipment such as heated front seats, the full suite of Subaru’s EyeSight active safety equipment, which includes autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, cornering LED headlights with automatic high beam, blind spot monitoring with rear traffic alert, rear AEB and lane keep assist.

Subaru Australia has confirmed that the XV plug-in hybrid was developed “for the US market” and as such, its chances of coming to Australia are low. Subaru has, however, confirmed that hybrid versions of at least the Forester – an XV hybrid is offered, too – will be sold in Australia in 2019, and are already on sale in Japan.

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