Subaru New Zealand has revealed the second generation XV small SUV with impressive prices and high specifications.
The first XV was launched in 2012 and has been a popular model for Subaru NZ but in recent years has been overtaken by two-wheel-drive small SUVs, such as the Mazda CX-3, Toyota’s C-HR and Honda’s HR-V.
So to take back market share, Subaru has launched two models (rather than three from generation one) with an entry price point of $34,990 for the Sport model and $5000 more for the Premium.
Impressively, both those models have had a price reduction over the outgoing models plus an increase in technology.
The two variants have Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system, this time including X-Mode that helps with control on rough roads, steep terrain and slippery surfaces.
Both also have 2-litre direct injection petrol engine producing 115kW of power at 6000rpm and 196Nm of torque at 4000rpm.
The Sport model sits on 18in tyres and the Premium on 19in. Both models have Subaru’s EyeSight system that includes emergency braking and now lane keep assist.
The Premium model gets Vision Assist that includes blind spot monitoring.
Subaru NZ’s managing director, Wallis Dumper, said at the media launch that he expected a 50-50 split in sale of both models, “The market is growing and we want to stay ahead of the market. This car is key to that because it’s a small SUV,” he said.
“Price is very important and with the Sport and Premium we’ll do very well with the car – we had to preorder but I think we’ll do well.”
He expected to sell 500 XV this year, 800 in 2018 and hit 1000 by 2019.
While New Zealand is in the top 15 for Subaru dealerships worldwide, Dumper hopes the popularity of the XV will push the distributor to top 10 within the next few years.
Subaru NZ’s acting marketing manager, Louise Lusty, emphasised the importance of having the right priced vehicle in that segment.
“Our objective is quite simply to increase sales. We are launching in growing segment of small SUV below $40,000 but competing against 2WD,” she said
“The XV is definitely style focused and has bold colours.”
The XV goes on sale in mid-July.
