Subaru’s XV, the winner of this magazine’s SUV soft-roader of the year, is now available as a hybrid in the US. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid’s 2.0-litre DOHC boxer engine has been matched to a 13.4bhp and 65Nm electric motor and coupled to the vehicle’s CVT transmission. Making space for the motor and the necessary battery has meant a slight loss in the XV’s impressive cargo capacity – down by just under a cubic foot, not bad considering. Chassis and suspension settings have been changed to cope with the extra weight, an additional 136kg (the equivalent of carrying two small adults all the time) but it is thought that the Crosstrek Hybrid will offer around 10 per cent better fuel economy over the standard combustion version. At present, the model is only due to be sold in the US.
