Subaru XV improved for 2014

The new Subaru XV SUV has been treated to a number of upgrades, which Subaru tells us mean it now has a more comfortable cabin and is safer than ever before.

The most significant changes can be found in the 2.0-litre petrol model, which has new suspension that should do a better job of soaking up lumps and bumps, and a revised engine that is quieter than the old model’s.

The car’s power steering has also been improved to offer better stability, and to cut out engine vibrations that are transmitted through the steering wheel.

Although the old XV already had a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, the new model has a strengthened front end and now comes with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring system fitted as standard across the range.

Subaru has looked to improve the quality of the XV’s cabin, with new silver surrounds for the steering-wheel buttons and heater controls, as well as gloss-black switches for the car’s air conditioning.

The 1.6-litre petrol XV will no longer be offered here in the UK, meaning you can choose between a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel. Available with a manual gearbox only, the Diesel can return up to 50.4mpg and emissions of 146g/km, for road tax of £140 annually. The petrol is available in both manual and automatic form, although it can manage just 40.9mpg and emissions of 160g/km – for annual road tax of £175.

The 2014 range gets two new colours – Venetian Red Pearl and Quartz Blue Pearl. Specification on the Subaru XV SE models remains unchanged, and it comes with auto lights and wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps with pop-up washers, Hill Start Assist, air conditioning, knee airbags, rear-parking camera, and a Bluetooth phone connection. SE Premium trim replaces the previous Lux Premium model, and adds satellite navigation and a leather interior.

On sale this month, prices for the new model are unchanged from the old car, and start at £21,995. All XVs come with a five-year, 100,000 mile warranty.

For more information on the Subaru range, visit the Carbuyer Subaru reviews page.