Subaru held the world premiere of the new (third) generation of the compact cross-hatchback Crosstrek. The car was shown in a variant for the Japanese domestic market, that is, with a right-hand drive.
A small digression is needed here. The cross-hatch of the outgoing GT generation is sold in Japan and the European Union under the name Subaru XV, but in North America as Crosstrek. Now the manufacturer has decided to abandon the XV index and promote the new model in all markets as the Crosstrek.
The third Crosstrek was not created fr om scratch, it is the product of a deep comprehensive modernization of the predecessor machine. The chassis with all independent suspensions and most of the elements of the power frame of the body are preserved from it, so the two generations have a total wheelbase of 2670 mm.
The overall length, width and height of the third generation Subaru Crosstrek are 4480, 1800 and 1580 mm, respectively. Relative to the outgoing hatchback, the length has increased by 15 mm, and the height has decreased by 35 mm.
All of the exterior body panels on the new Crosstrek are original and form a much more emotional exterior than the old model had. Interesting features include undercuts on the sidewalls that emphasize the dynamic silhouette, a body kit made of unpainted plastic that is complex in outline and shape, a radiator grill made of large honeycombs and a silver edging that visually combines slanted block headlights.
The chassis has been modernized, the torsional rigidity of the body has been increased. The design uses more glue and strengthened suspension attachment points. In places wh ere the roof and sidewalls are knotted, welding is supplemented with high-damping mastic, which reduces vibrations and improves the sound insulation of the cabin.
Steering has reduced shaft friction at low speeds. As on the car of the previous generation, a steering rack with a variable gear ratio is used - at “parking” speeds, the angle of rotation of the wheels is large with a minimum of effort, and at high emphasis is placed on the stability of the car.
New is the electric brake booster, which provides high responsiveness and particularly intense deceleration during emergency braking.
When developing the interior, the designers focused on making it perceived by passengers as as comfortable as possible. Here is the T-shaped architecture of the front panel, the upper and lower parts of which are separated by volumes, colors and textures of materials.
The screen of the media system is made vertical, its diagonal is 11.6 inches. The interface is said to be intuitive to smartphone users. Contrary to fashion, Subaru did not make a fully digital instrument panel, but a large color display of the on-board computer (4.2 inches) is placed between the analog dials.
The seats are designed with the participation of medical professionals, so they have an anatomically adjusted profile. The seat rails are attached directly to the body, the intermediate bracket is excluded. Relative to the old model, fatigue and body shaking on rough roads and during sharp turns are reduced. Leather upholstery is available as an option.
In its basic configuration, the new Subaru Crosstrek is equipped with an e-Boxer hybrid system, made up of a 2.0-liter gasoline boxer with direct injection, a continuously variable variator and an electric motor. The E-Boxer works according to the parallel hybrid scheme, that is, the electric motor turns on only in certain modes - and thereby reduces fuel consumption and emissions of harmful substances. The drive of the car is full, the ground clearance is 200 mm. Alas, power and torque Subaru has not yet disclosed.
The basic equipment of the car includes the EyeSight semi-autopilot and a 360-degree all-round view system. EyeSight works on the basis of data from wide-angle monocular and stereo cameras. Relative to the old model, the recognition of such obstacles as cyclists and pedestrians has been increased, including at night. That is, the efficiency of automatic emergency braking has been improved.
From other technical details: the curb weight is 1540-1620 kg, depending on the configuration. The internal length, width and height of the cabin are 1930, 1505 and 1200 mm, respectively. The minimum turning radius is 5.4 m, the wheel size is 225/60 R17 or 225/55 R18.
In Japan, sales of new items will start at the beginning of 2023, after which it will be launched in other countries.
Recall that the outgoing Subaru XV / Crossstrek of the GT generation has been released since 2017.
Subaru Crosstrek in the new generation received an expressive exterior
