A pleasant surprise

Subaru vehicles have a reputation for being robust, fast and full of surprises  ... and the new XV is no exception.

The exterior is striking and, depending on the paint job, can certainly turn a few heads as you drive by. The model I drove was camillia red pearl and that definitely gave this compact SUV extra character, not that it really needed it.

This crossover is proof that SUV’s needn’t all be big and boxy. The XV manages to integrate some supple curves and striking lines which give it more of a hatchback aesthetic.

Critical opinion on the XV’s exterior is more divided than Rangers and Celtic fans. Some rave about its originality while others have dubbed it unattractive, it’s down to personal opinion and mine is that it looks like a beefy hatchback.

It is also immediately noticeable that the XV has a low centre of gravity which gives the impression it can take corners with authority and confidence.

The interior is deceptively spacious for the driver and front passenger. There’s lots of room to stretch your legs and an abundance of cubby holes, nocks and crannies to store personal items.

In terms of infortainment, the model I drove came with radio, CD player, and an auxiliary output cable to plug in an MP3 player. The latter made me especially happy because I forgot my CDS and I couldn’t decide what I hated listening to most on the radio, hip hop or country music.

With my Metallica mix on the go, I took to the mean streets of Juffair to see how the XV handles in traffic.

Many of the sportier cars I’ve driven are brilliant at speed but when it comes to crawling along in bumper-to-bumper congestion the ride is less than smooth, not in the XV. It can handle stop and go driving as well as a nice stretch of highway.

On the road, this Subaru delivers a capable drive and I think it would be ideal as a second car for a small family.

One of the best things about the XV is the ability to switch to manual. Simply locate the trusty paddle shifters behind the steering wheel and away you go. Once I did this it felt like a totally different car because it was far more responsive and agile.

I was surprised at how much torque it had considering it only has a 2-litre engine, but with a little coaxing I managed to bring out some real power.

At one point I got a little overzealous with the accelerator while cornering but thankfully the-low sitting XV really could hold the road like glue which gives you added confidence in its capabilities. 

When I got back to the city I decided to practise a few of my manoeuvres, including the universally dreaded parallel park.

The XV I drove had a rear view camera which made reversing into a parking space easier, although, if I were splitting hairs, the screen could be larger for better vision.
However, if you’re looking for a no-nonsense crossover, look no further than the Subaru XV.

Motor City is offering a special Ramadan package. Prices start from BD9,650 on the road which includes insurance, registration, window tint, rust proofing, fuel coupons and entry into a raffle draw for $1,000 per week.

For more information, call 17621162.