That long wait unfortunately also comes with a big price tag, as the flagship Crosstrek 2.0i-S retails at RM 190,788.
For those who want their small SUV to have genuine go-anywhere capability, there is now some good news. Such is as Subaru has finally brought in the latest iteration of its XV… some four years after its global debut in 2022.
Now officially adopting the Crosstrek name, this third-generation model – Subaru’s quirky alternative to the likes of the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross – arrives locally in two variants: the base 2.0i-L EyeSight and the range-topping 2.0i-S EyeSight. You may want to be seated when hearing the price though, as the latter, now fully imported from Japan, commands an eye-watering RM 190,788.
Yes, the flagship Crosstrek now sits in the same price bracket as the hybrid Honda CR-V e:HEV RS. And while pricing for the lower-spec variant has yet to be revealed, its CBU Japan status means it is highly unlikely to dip anywhere near the RM 140,000 range of its locally assembled predecessor.
There is at least some consolation in the fact that this new Crosstrek is marginally larger than before. Compared to the outgoing XV, it is 15 mm longer at 4,480 mm, while overall height is reduced by 35 mm to 1,580 mm. Width remains unchanged at 1,800 mm, as does the 2,670 mm wheelbase.
Visually too, the Crosstrek receives a mild glow-up to match its slight grow-up. A sleeker silhouette is complemented by a larger hexagonal grille, flanked by sharper LED headlights, while more pronounced black cladding along the lower body enhances its rugged appeal.
Those familiar with the previous generation will find a familiar powertrain under the hood. The Crosstrek continues with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine, producing 156 PS and 196 Nm of torque. This is paired to a Lineartronic CVT, with drive sent to all four wheels via Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Performance figures stand at 0–100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 198 km/h.
Subaru’s dual-function X-Mode comes standard on the 2.0i-S for those venturing off the beaten path, offering Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, while the 2.0i-L makes do with a single-mode setup. Other driving-related features include SI-Drive, hill descent control, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, engine auto start/stop, Active Torque Vectoring and Vehicle Dynamics Control.
On the kit front, the 2.0i-S EyeSight comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lamps, steering-responsive headlights with high beam assist, a powered glass sunroof, rain-sensing wipers and a powered tailgate. Inside, it gains leather upholstery, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charging pad, a 10-way powered driver’s seat, paddle shifters, and a combination of analogue dials with a 4.2-inch multi-information display. Taking centre stage is an 11.6-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen, with rear passengers getting a centre armrest and USB-A and USB-C ports.
Safety-wise, the range-topper benefits from the full suite of EyeSight 4.0 ADAS functions, powered by stereo cameras and an additional wide-angle monocular camera. Both variants come standard with eight airbags – including a driver’s knee airbag and front passenger seat cushion airbag – as well as a multi-view monitor with a rear-view camera.
Each Crosstrek sold in Malaysia is to be complemented by a five-year/100,000 km warranty, and is available in eight exterior colours: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Pure Red, Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl. Optional add-ons include Raytech window tint for RM 2,000, Rhadium coating for RM 2,200 and a Subaru digital video recorder for RM 860.
