Why a more powerful Subaru XV might be more likely in Australia thanks to the 2022 Subaru WRX and BRZ

Could Subaru's latest engine fill a notable gap in the XV lineup?

The Subaru XV has been a runaway success for the Japanese automaker, building on the strengths of the AWD brand to become a worthy seller in the small SUV segment, but one thing consumers and reviewers are asking for is a more powerful engine.

For 2021, the answer to this problem finally appeared in the form of an updated XV for the North American market (where it is known as the Crosstrek) with a larger 2.5-liter boxer engine, which can also be seen on the Forester and Outback.

This 136kW/239Nm engine option outperforms the 2.0-litre four-cylinder (115kW/196Nm) and e-Boxer hybrid (110kW/196Nm) options - the only powertrain options currently available in Australia - by a respectable margin. .

The only problem is that the 2.5-liter version was only built for the XV in North America and is therefore not available to the Australian division, which buys cars from Japan.

Speaking to Cars Guide However, at the launch of the BRZ, Subaru Australia Managing Director Blair Reed shed light on why things could now change with the introduction of a new generation 2.4-liter engine, both naturally aspirated (BRZ: 174kW/250Nm) and turbocharged (WRX: 202). kW/350 Nm).

When asked if the new 2.4-liter engine available in the BRZ and WRX ranges could potentially change the fate of the XV locally, he explained: “It definitely offers options. Right now it's about affordability and what's right for our market and consumer demand."

A 2.5-liter XV variant is available in North America, where it is called the Crosstrek.

In terms of manufacturing availability, Subaru is facing supply constraints on its new models due to semiconductor shortages and other COVID-related supply chain issues.

However, as with demand for the turbocharged Forester and Outback, Mr Reed knew many buyers were demanding more powerful Subaru options, saying Australian consumers were being heard "loud and clear".

With the confirmation of the 2.4-litre variant and the almost complete confirmation of the turbocharged Outback variant, we hope the brand is doing its best to explore the more powerful XV.

The XV was last updated in late 2020 with revised equipment levels and corresponding pricing, plus an additional hybrid class along with a very mild aesthetic update.

Subaru Australia says the availability of a new 2.4-liter boxer engine from Japan could provide options for the XV.

Subaru moved the 9342 XV during 2021, holding a 7.6% share of the small SUV segment, outselling well-known competitors such as the Toyota C-HR, Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V.

The second generation XV is also entering its fifth year on sale, and usually around this time we start to see hints of a new generation model. In its recent update, that timeline should be extended, but we expect the next-generation model to feature updated powertrains, as well as the introduction of a larger portrait screen and improved software, as seen in the Outback and WRX lineup. We'll be keeping a close eye on this space over the next year, so stay tuned.