In this instalment of John Murdoch’s Drive Time, John previewsthe Crosstrek, a compact SUV from four-wheel-drive specialist Subaru, also reveals that production is about to start on the MINI Cooper Convertible.
Japanese brand Subaru is a niche manufacturer that enjoys an excellent reputation for producing four-wheel drive vehicles.
Its Impreza saloon dominated international rallies for years and gave the company fame and boosted its sales.
These days Subaru concentrates on active leisure models and SUVs and is the only company that produces only four-wheel drive vehicles.
Earlier this year Subaru introduced the Crosstrek model to replace the XV model in the brand’s UK range alongside the Forester, Outback and Solterra.
It is available in Limited and Touring trim levels with prices starting at £34,345 and rising to £36,345 for the range-topping Touring variant I sampled.
The Crosstrek looks very conventional with its jacked-up hatchback looks but it is a tough customer that is very capable on and off road.
It may not have the grunt or pace of the Impreza, but it does have the famous boxer engine and the solid build quality.
Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre, mild hybrid engine producing 134bhp and it is one of the few compact SUVs that comes with four-wheel-drive as standard.
The symmetrical 4WD system means it has genuine off-road talent and it can easily compete with much more expensive off-roaders.
It is popular with the likes of vets and farmers because it can tackle rough tracks, muddy fields and rutted roads with ease.
It is equally comfortable on normal roads and motorways, with a decent ride, limited body roll and enough power to keep up with other traffic.
The cabin has clearly been built to last and like the rest of the car, it feels solid and durable without any flash.
Dials are clear and easy to read but there is still a lot of dark plastic.
There is plenty of head and legroom for four to travel in comfort and the front seats are electrically adjustable and well trimmed.
The boot space is slightly disappointing at only 340 litres but the rear seats can be folded if you need more and there is lots of storage space inside the cabin.
The CVT gearbox can get a bit vocal if you push it too hard but otherwise there is little noise on the move and the Crosstrek feels fairly refined.
The Boxer engine means it is thirstier than most of its rivals and emissions at 174g/km are also higher.
You do get a lot of kit for the money with lots of standard features including an electric sliding glass sunroof, diamond alloy wheels, 4WD, sat nav, 11.6-inch touchscreen, automatic LED headlights, heated front seats and door mirrors as well as roof rails – sadly there is no wireless charger.
Another bonus is that the Crosstrek has all the latest safety systems and driver aids and was recently awarded a five-star rating by the Euro NCAP programme.
If you need a tough compact SUV that will cope with anything you throw at it, then the Crosstrek is well worth a look.
FAST FACTS:
Price: £36,345.
Mechanical: 2.0-litre, 134bhp 4 cyl, petrol hybrid engine driving 4 wheels via automatic gearbox.
Max speed: 123mph.
0-62mph: 10.8 seconds.
Combined MPG: 36.8.
Insurance group: 19.
CO2 emissions: 174g/km.
BiK rating: 37 per cent.
Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles.
Overall rating (out of 5): 4.
In further motoring news, MINI enthusiasts can now enjoy open top motoring once again as the company launches the latest version of the MINI Cooper Convertible, completing the brand’s new range.
It comes with a choice of two petrol engines and in three trim levels – Classic, Exclusive and Sport – with prices starting from £26,200.
The 1.5-litre entry level model, badged the MINI Cooper Convertible C, comes with a 163bhp, 1.5 litre power unit providing a 137mph top speed with acceleration from standstill to 60mph in around eight seconds.
Drivers wanting extra wind-in-the-hair performance can opt for the more powerful MINI Cooper Convertible S.
Priced from £30,600, the S comes with a 204bhp, two litre motor and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6.9 seconds, going on to a top speed of 147 mph.
Features include a fully automatic soft top roof which can be fully opened in just 18 seconds while travelling at up to 19 mph and closes in just 15 seconds at the touch of a button.
At the same time, the window bars and side windows are lowered to provide a completely unobstructed view of the surroundings.
The soft top can also be used as a sunroof, opening to just 40cm.
A wind deflector and rollover protection system are fitted as standard across the range.
The new MINI Cooper Convertible is being built at MINI Plant Oxford for the first time in nine years.
Production is scheduled to start later this year with first deliveries taking place in early 2025.
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