Subaru's Impreza-Based 2013 XV Crosstrek to Debut at the New York Auto Show

Following its debut launches in Japan and Europe, the new Subaru XV is now heading to the North American market where it will go on sale this fall as the 2013 XV Crosstrek after its regional premiere at next month’s New York International Auto Show.

If you haven’t figured it out already, the XV Crosstrek is heavily based on the latest Impreza hatchback featuring notable changes to the chassis and body.

The compact model’s exterior has been beefed up with black side- and wheel-arch cladding, rocker spoiler and roof rails, along with unique designs for the front and rear bumpers as well as the standard 17-inch wheels shod in 225/55 R17 all-season tires. The dark tint privacy glass is also standard.

There are no notable changes to the interior which is identical to that of the Impreza.

The XV Crosstrek’s more rugged looks are backed up by 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which Subaru says is “higher than for most other crossovers and even some dedicated SUVs”, and of course, the firm’s standard Symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

There’s only one engine available, Subaru’s new 148-horsepower 2.0-liter boxer unit teamed to a five-speed manual gearbox or an available second-generation Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

With the five-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear, while models fitted with the CVT get the Active Torque Split version of Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, which automatically transfers more power (up to 100 percent) to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur.

Even though the official EPA fuel economy figures are pending, Subaru said that it estimates the XV Crosstrek will be the most fuel-efficient all-wheel drive crossover on the market returning up to 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined.

Subaru will offer the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek in two trim levels, Premium and Limited.

Among other standard features in the Premium are a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth control switches, and power windows, door locks and side mirrors. The Limited models get leather-trimmed upholstery, the CVT, automatic climate control system, auto headlamps and a rear-vision camera with a 4.3-inch screen.

NORTH AMERICAN SUBARU XV CROSSTREKEUROPEAN SUBARU XV CROSSOVER