Subaru XV updated for 2014

10 Feb, 2014 4:11pm Jonathan Burn

Subaru cuts engine options on the XV while improving safety and refinement

The Subaru XV range has been overhauled for 2014. Improvements have been made to improve refinement and safety, while the entry-level 1.6-litre petrol engine has been dropped from the lineup.

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Biggest changes can be found on the 2.0-litre petrol variant, with the Japanese manufacturer retuning the suspension setup helping improve ride quality. New valvetrain components also help reduce engine noise and vibration, improving overall refinement. Soundproofing has also been added across the XV range to further improve refinement.

The electronic power steering has been fitted with a new inflating dynamic damper system, which reduces steering wheel and column vibration. Safety has also been improved with the addition of a thicker and reshaped front suspension lower-arms.

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Changes continue inside the XV, with a blue Subaru logo added to the steering wheel, higher-quality silver surrounds framing the heater controls and new gloss-black switches to control the car’s air-conditioning system.

With the model revision, the 1.6-litre petrol engine has been axed from the range. The only engines now offered are the 148bhp 2.0-litre petrol and 145bhp 2.0-litre diesel, with the petrol variant offered with either a six-speed manual or automatic CVT gearbox. Diesel models are only available with the manual transmission.

Despite the upgrades, pricing remains unchanged, starting from £21,995. Sales of the updated model will begin later this month.

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