Impreza XV embraces lifestyle look

The XV won't have a diesel engine option, unlike the Forester and Outback. Photo / Supplied

Subaru has launched a crossover version of its five-door Impreza hatchback - and it will go on sale in New Zealand towards the middle of the year.

The Japanese company took the covers off the all-wheel-drive Impreza XV at the Geneva motor show. Its off-road styling cues include flared wheel arches and side skirts, a front scuff plate, and a prominent grille that resembles its Forester and Legacy Outback stablemates.

Standard roof racks and a rear roof spoiler complete a "lifestyle" look. Inside, the XV is pretty much identical to the standard Impreza hatch, apart from sports seats with a harder-wearing cloth.

Ikuo Mori, president of Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries, told reporters at Geneva: "The Impreza XV was designed to visually express Subaru's crossover essence."

Under the bonnet is a 2-litre boxer engine mated to either a manual or automatic gearbox. No word on price yet but the XV that arrives in New Zealand and Australia will ride higher than the model shown at Geneva.

It's all to do with the mix of roads in both countries. Other suspension changes to the XV for the Downunder market include a change to spring and damper rates for a firmer ride.

Subaru says the changes won't compromise ride quality. The XV will sit on 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55R16 tyres.

Standard safety features will include the usual raft of electronic braking and stability aids and six air bags.

The XV isn't expected to have a diesel engine option, like the Legacy and Forester. Subaru's 110kW diesel will be available in the XV in some markets but not Downunder.

The stumbling block apparently is cost - equipping the XV with a diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox would push the price into Forester territory.

Fuji's Mori also confirmed that the joint venture rear-wheel-drive sports car co-developed with Toyota would eventually be sold in New Zealand and Australia. He said the project was "progressing well" but declined to commit to a launch date.