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Subaru’s performed very well over the last decade as proven by its dramatic increase in sale numbers and market share. The company’s done a wonderful job at promoting itself as more than an alternative to the mainstream Japanese carmakers by maintaining a most enviable image as a safety-conscious, and value-driven brand.
The new 2018 Crosstrek is the latest of their products that will continue to conquer consumers with the right stuff and it begins with its new Subaru Global Platform (SGP). This marvel of engineering and flexibility makes it possible for Subaru to build cars that are not only among the most crash worthy in the industry, but some of the more refined and efficient in its category your money can buy.
Room and safety
Concretely, the new Crosstrek sports a 30mm longer wheelbase that, when combined with the wider opening doors, makes managing loading people and child seats far easier. The rear hatch is also wider for 2018, which negates the need to finagle larger objects, such as a stroller, into the capacious trunk. Without making the car taller, Subaru’s managed to increase interior volume and comfort in all directions.
The SGP is 70% stiffer than the previous chassis and with it, the Crosstrek can absorb 40% more energy. The new Impreza, which is based on the same chassis, is the first compact car to be rated Top Safety +, the absolute highest possible rating from the IIHS. Another benefit delivered by the SGP is vastly improved NVH control. The new Crosstrek is quieter than ever while road imperfections are better handled by the suspension. At speeds above 130 km/h (on a closed course), some wind noise was audible, if just barely. This bodes well for the long road trip to the in-laws with the kids.
The dashboard is completely overhauled for a perfected user experience. Subaru’s STARLINK multimedia interface is standard and includes Apple/Android, all of it accessible via a 6.5” touchscreen, as is the included backup camera’s display. All of this is included in the new Convenience package whose price starts at $23,695. Higher trims gain a premium infotainment system with an 8” screen and satellite radio, and much more.
As mentioned, the suspension’s newfound ability to work smarter also improves the ride quality. Both the front and rear setups have been retuned for enhanced body control. In other words, the car sways less and weight transfers under acceleration and braking are expertly controlled. Sharper responsive steering comes from the revised rack and pinion and, not that most of us will ever notice, but the car now benefits from standard active torque vectoring via brakes for enhanced cornering and stability.
Efficient and rugged
The powertrain’s retweaking brings it into the present if only where fuel consumption numbers are concerned. At the moment, the new Crosstrek sits ahead of its competition, besting some FWD crossovers in the process. One should be able to access a near 800km range thanks to the new 63-litre tank (13 litres more than the Impreza). The cost, for some, is that the 2.0-litre flat-4, albeit heavily revised, produces little more power than before. Torque is available over a broader range of engine speeds but it only suffices at getting the car underway, especially when loaded with people, and gear.
The CVT is back and bettered with a wider gearing ratio for better economy and performance. The manual mode is now set with 7 simulated gears. The manual transmission is also on the docket and now counts 6 forward front the previous 5. Despite my affinity for anything with three pedals, the CVT is far better suited to the engine.
As part of the car’s Sporty-Casual but Tough and Rugged design description, 17” wheels with larger overall diameter tires contribute to the smoother ride. 18” wheels come with the top Limited trim however all trims receive an updated signature hexagonal grille, hawk-eye headlights and conspicuous and attractive wheel arch flares.
Winter driving conditions will be a joke and will likely cement your appreciation for your Crosstrek. The 220mm (8.7”) of ground clearance make light of snowdrifts while the updated symmetrical AWD system will always keep you moving with confidence. Should you ever wonder far off the beaten path, Subaru’s excellent X-Mode will keep you moving or keep you from tumbling forward thanks to its hill climb and descend functions.
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is now a highly refined automobile with capabilities equal or superior to all compact cars, and crossovers. In these segments, the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen will bring you more pleasure behind the wheel and a larger trunk. The Mazda CX-5’s finesse is greater but as you can see, the Crosstrek brings high levels of all of these elements to the table. It should certainly be at or near the top of your shopping list.
