All-new Subaru Crosstrek now on sale in South Africa – pricing and specs

Subaru has launched its all-new Crosstrek crossover SUV in South Africa with a starting price of R579,000.

The Crosstrek takes the outgoing XV’s spot as the brand’s entry-level model and offers two trims – the Crosstrek iL and iS – with the latter being the model’s range-topper.

However, there is a possibility of a third specification, as the manufacturer’s local subsidiary previously confirmed to TopAuto that it is “in discussions with Subaru Japan to make the hybrid Crosstrek available for our market.”

At a starting price of R579,000, the new entry-level Subaru is R115,000 more expensive than the outgoing XV, which retailed at a starting price of R464,000.

According to Subaru, this premium over the previous XV brings with it improved ride quality, equipment, and an updated design.

Features

Standard features for both the iL and iS comprise the following:

• Full-LED high and low beams;
• LED cornering lights;
• Rain-sensing wipers;
• Keyless entry and start;
• A multifunction steering wheel;
• Climate control;
• Adaptive cruise control;
• Lane-keep assist;
• Rear-view camera; and
• Blind-spot monitoring and seven airbags.

Upgrades to the cabin also include an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment display, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice commands, built-in navigation, and remote engine start with climate control pre-conditioning, and boundary, speed, and curfew alerts.

The iS is fitted with Subaru leather seats with 8-way adjustable power operation, and the base iL is fitted with fabric seats.

Exclusive additions to the more expensive iS include an electric driver seat, a high-beam assist, LED daytime running lights, a 360-degree camera setup, and a sunroof.

What has become a popular feature in the new Outback and WRX models in SA, the innovative Driver Monitoring System, is also included in the all-new Crosstrek.  This system uses an infrared LED and a camera to assist drivers in 2 ways.

The first is to keep an eye on the driver for fatigue, drowsiness or a lack of focus. When it detects signs of sleepiness or a lack of attention, the system will audibly and visually warn the driver to refocus or take a break.

The second function is one of utmost convenience for drivers, and that is to use facial recognition software to store and configure up to five individual driver profiles such that driver preferences can be selected and set up every time a driver steps into the seat. These include climate control preferences.

Performance 

Similar to the XV, the new Crosstrek is powered by a 2.0-litre boxer engine with a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The crossover SUV generates 115kW of power and 196Nm of torque, directing power to all four tyres.

Subaru’s Driver-selectable X-MODE off-road management system is also available on both Crosstrek variants.

Pre-configured modes for SNOW/DIRT; DEEP SNOW and MUD assist when surfaces are slippery or particularly steep, managing the amount of torque, braking and wheel spin at each wheel.

The Crosstrek also achieved a five-star safety raking, including nine airbags, comprising driver’s knee and passenger seat cushion airbags as well as an airbag that deploys between the front seats to reduce the severity of collisions between the front seat occupants.

Fuel consumption for the new crossover is listed at 7.2l/100km.

Additionally, noise and vibration suppression of the cabin has been enhanced due to structural improvements made to the Subaru Global Platform on which the Crosstrek is built, said Subaru. This structural change also brings better handling stability and rider comfort, it added.

Pricing 

The South African pricing and model line-up for the new Subaru Crosstrek are as follows:

• Subaru Crosstrek 2.0 iL – R579,000
• Subaru Crosstrek 2.0 iS – R669,000

Each model is sold with a 5-year/150,000km warranty and a 3-year/75,000km service plan.

All-new Subaru Crosstrek

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