What is it?
Subaru's XV is a high-riding compact soft-roader based on the Impreza platform; think smaller, sharper-looking Outback and you're on the money. Powered by a lean-burn naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine with 110kW and 196Nm sent to all four wheels via Subaru's take on a CVT auto, it stresses everyday usability for active Kiwis rather than rally shenanigans.
We like
The start-stop may irritate at first, but Subaru underlines its benefit by supplying an info screen that tots up the time in seconds you've spent with the engine off, and the estimated fuel saved based on your driving pattern.
My hilly commute netted an 8.4l/100km average, not bad for a high-riding petrol hatch driven with brio. During the 300-or-so-km I had it, those brief stop-starts cut the engine for a total of 17 minutes, saving 297mL of petrol.
Not much, but assuming 25,000km year, that's nearly 24 hours the engine's been off when it would otherwise be spewing hydrocarbons into the atmosphere, and around 50 extra dollars in my pocket.
We loathe
That there's no turbo motor to match this car's edgy looks. Jacqui Madelin
