GREAT OUTDOORS SMART WATCH GOOD LOOKIN’
Mitsubishi ASX XLS
4x4 $36,490
The small SUV equivalent of a fine
wine, except the ASX is getting
better-looking with age rather than
developing a more complex dynamic
flavour. Turbo-diesel a USP, though
it’s not a particularly refined unit.Suzuki S-Cross Turbo
Prestige $29,990
Lower-priced front-drive Suzi can’t
match XV’s new interior class, or
occupant space, thanks to a shorter
wheelbase and a narrower body,
but offers bigger 430L boot and the
grunt of a boosted 1.4-litre turbo.ORTRY
THESE...Pace maker
According to the general
manager of Subaru’s
Product and Portfolio
Planning Division,
Masahiko Inoue, “we are
studying other power
sources”, which hints at
a plug-in hybrid version.
But Inoue also stated that
“more power is important
to XV performance”. Here’s
hoping a 2.5-litre direct-
injection version, or a
boosted 2.0-litre, features
in the XV’s (and Impreza’s)
future. But we won’t get the
six-speed manual offered
in the US because too few
Oz buyers want one.03
01
01 02 03
The new-gen XV’s major
external differences are a
‘G-Shock-esque’ grille, more
prominent bumpers with
relocated LED daytime running
lights, and cool ninja-star-style
18-inch alloys.As well as X-mode active torque
split AWD, the new XV gains
Subaru’s ‘Eyesight’ safety system
(in mid- and top-level variants),
with multiple cameras supporting
front and rear AEB, and adaptive
cruise control.02
The 2.0i-S spec’s orange stitching
on the wheel, dash, gearshift boot
and seats, as well as sexy ‘ultra-
suede’ on the centre console sides
and centre-front armrest (when
optioned with leather trim) bring
chic to the Impreza-derived cabin.@wheelsaustralia 39