Subaru's Rebooted Crosstrek Could Be Sleeker and Sexier Than Expected

by Matt Posky

Published: January 30th, 2017

subaru s rebooted crosstrek could be sleeker and sexier than expected

Subaru decided to show a little leg last week, teasing an image of the upcoming 2018 Crosstrek. Despite expecting it to have roughly the same sex appeal as a ham sandwich, the glimpse hints at some unexpected curves and the possibility of an intentionally attractive design.

The next-generation Crosstrek makes use of the Subaru Global Platform currently sitting under the bodywork of Subaru’s redesigned Impreza, which will eventually become the basis for the brand’s entire fleet. The new architecture is designed to achieve “the world’s highest levels of collision safety” via high-strength steels and a 70- to 100-percent boost in stiffness. It also incorporates Subie staples like all-wheel drive and a boxer engine — likely a 152 horsepower 2.0-liter four coupled to a CVT.

When the crossover was launched in North America 2012, Subaru named it the XV Crosstrek. The automaker removed the “XV” portion of the name in 2015, saving it for everywhere but the United States. In the teaser photo, the crossover appears to possess the VX Concept’s taillight design and a more swept back roofline. Based on the creases in the rear bodywork, it also appears more muscular and sporting than the 2016 concept vehicle did in Geneva.

Subaru sold 95,677 Crosstreks in the U.S. in 2016 and sales have been creeping skyward ever since the compact CUV’s debut. It’s also the company’s fourth best-seller. The updated model is a golden opportunity for Subaru to capitalize on a hot segment and grow the brand while showing up Jeep’s Renegade and Mini’s Cooper Countryman.

The new Crosstrek will make its official debut at the Geneva International Motor Show in March before stopping by the New York Auto Show in April.

[Images: Subaru]

#Crossovers #NewCars #Subaru #SubaruCrosstrek #TeaserShots

Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

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2 of 48 comments

SPPPP on Jan 30, 2017

Possible endings for the article's headline: "... But Only Because Expectations Have Been Set So Terribly Low" or maybe "... But It Won't"

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Alcolawl on Jan 31, 2017

Can't wait to get stuck behind a dozen of these on my commute home! I'll admit the styling looks better from what I've seen. The body lines look attractive from the side and it certainly is "sleeker" (although, I could do without the orange wheels). I'm still not convinced, however. The bad interiors and anemic drivetrain has already been discussed here and that's all you really need to know that you probably shouldn't buy one.

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