Subaru XV facelift changes and specs are subtle

The concept is called the XV, reflecting the name of the Crosstrek outside the United States, and a single teaser shot was released today.

It’s possible the new XV concept is a preview of a spin-off vehicle, one that has less visual connection to the Impreza on which the regular XV is based.

The Subaru XV Concept will be unveiled online a few days before the Geneva show, and it’s not too far-fetched to assume the production model will make its official debut at a major auto show before the end of the year.

The model comes nicely with a power moonroof, a keyless entry system, a push-button ignition, and an infotainment system with a 6.2-inch display.

We can probably turn to the Impreza concept revealed previous year for more of an indication on what this will look like.

The Subaru XV crossover has been given a more modern and rugged exterior design.

The rear remains largely unchanged, aside from revised LED tail-lights and tweaked boot spoiler.

New metallic and piano black trim and contrast stitching also features in the cabin, while the driver’s instrument binnacle has been redesigned. Subaru already offers diesel engines and hybrid variants of the current XV in some markets, but not Australia. With 147PS and 350Nm at its disposal, the 0-62mph sprint takes a respectable 9.3 seconds. Though it is doubtful, I can not help thinking just how incredible a Crosstrek STI with a version of the WRX’s 268-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, or better yet, the WRX STI’s 305-horsepower 2.5-liter powerhouse. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc.is the only US automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.