MOTORING AUGUST: Subaru Crosstrek E-Boxer

George Loveridge Driving Around for Travel News Update

Summer is well underway! Time to frolic through some fields, perhaps this Subaru could be what you are after? Formerly known as the XV here in the UK, the Subaru Crosstrek is a compact Crossover SUV. Offering 4x4 capabilities in smaller package. However, is that package just a bit too small? 

I have always been a fan of Subaru, and until now I have never actually driven one. Sure, they have a bad reputation from boy racers and suffering with wet belt issues and head gaskets. However, they have certain charm about them that other marques simply do not have. Not quite as big as the faithful Subaru Legacy, the Crosstrek hopes to bridge the gap from regular estate car to full blown SUV.

The Crosstrek is a now a hybrid, featuring Subaru’s famed 4-cylinder boxer engine. A 2.0 litre petrol engine is mated to a teeny tiny electric motor that does allow for electric only driving at slower speeds, such as crawling in traffic. Thankfully, this E-Boxer engine has a timing chain rather than the infamous wet belt, therefore this Subaru should last! A CVT gearbox maintains 147BHP, and it never feels rapid, but it is enough to keep up with modern traffic. We can opt to use the SI button, which is located on the steering wheel which stands for Subaru Intelligent Drive, and this just gives you a bit more shove when you plant your right foot. Moreover, there are paddles to operate the CVT, but realistically it just helps to encourage engine braking whilst slowing down.

Thanks to Subaru’s X-MODE, we get trick four-wheel-drive which results in ample grip through the corners, and hides the car’s tall profile really well. Overall, I think that a manual gearbox would suit the power deprived Crosstrek more, but with the hybrid system the CVT is appropriate.

Inside, the Crosstrek feels utilitarian. We have got leather seats, contrasted with hard plastics and rubber floor mats. You have to remember though, this is not bought by people who care too much about detailing. They need a car that will cope with muddy boot and paw prints, and therefore the interior feels hardwearing and easy to clean. Centralised in the dashboard is a somewhat out of place 11.6-inch infotainment screen that houses most of the car’s controls. Couple that to an interior that feels about ten years out of date, and the big iPad did nothing for me.

The climate control, TomTom navigation and radio controls are all within this screen. It is a bit confusing to use, and slow, but it does do the job it is supposed to do. Naturally, we get wireless Apple CarPlay, but not only that! Subaru has given us AUX, USB-C and USB ports. Therefore, everyone is happy, no need to get hold of a new cable when you change cars. Sadly though, the rest of the refinements kind of end there. Thanks to an incredibly bass driven stereo and excess road noise on the motorway, the Crosstrek is quite loud in the cabin at higher speeds, resulting in a tiring motorway experience. This Touring model does benefit from a sunshine roof which floods extra light into the cabin, but is not so good for fresh air. The benefit of that is very little wind noise with it open. Thankfully, we get a MAX A/C button for enhanced cooling in the cabin.


Rear leg room is impressive, and the door bins can accommodate a few medium size bottles simultaneously. However, the rear leg room compromises boot space; 315-litres is all we get, which is nearing that of a small hatchback. We can fold the rear seats in the typical 60:40 way, but ideally you would still like to get a week’s worth of luggage in the boot whilst retaining the rear seats. Here, we have a lovely Offshore Blue paint finish which is absolutely top class.

We have had some pretty expensive cars here on TNU, and yet this middle of the road Subaru has the best paint finish I have seen in a while with a deep gloss shine and no orange peel. 

The George Loveridge Verdict

What is it really like then? To live with, I like that there are not many other Subarus on the road. Exclusivity, without paying for it. Furthermore, I love the styling, it is a taller estate car without being absolutely huge. However, there are a lot of smaller cars out there with a much bigger boot. I know I keep going on about it, but it isn’t really good enough. The negatives do sadly continue. Despite their X-MODE 4x4 system which I am sure is very good, the Crosstrek just does not have the ground clearance for most beaten tracks. Perhaps it would be better in the snow? Really though, it is very economical for a petrol, which is always helpful. And the best bit is that once you disable the annoying lane keep assist, speed limit assist and other nuisance driver aids, they stay off! Therefore no faffing every time you get in the car. Wonderful.

Price as tested: £35,995
Lead in price: £38,100
Average consumption: 34mpg
Range (Petrol): 490
Engine Size: 1995cc
0-60: 10.8 seconds

Performance 5
Handling 7
Transmission 4
Noise 5
Economy 7
Ride and Comfort 9
Accommodation 8

https://subaru.co.uk/overview/crosstrek

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