Subaru's got the X factor

Subaru unveiled a production model of its new XV crossover in Frankfurt yesterday, and instead of bold and aggressive styling the company recently teased, we merely got an Impreza/Legacy with a jacked-up ride height. But Subaru still promises best-in-class interior room and comfort, a versatile cargo area, higher seat positioning and excellent ride comfort. We’ll see for ourselves when first European deliveries commence in January next year, but in the meantime we know that the XV features a new 4.3in multifunction display in the middle of the instrument panel, a choice of 1.6 and 2.0-litre boxer fours, each mated to a CVT for improved economy, plus a new start/stop system. Compared to the Impreza hatch, the XV is slightly shorter and narrower, but obviously taller with an extra 10mm in its wheelbase too.