Having already unveiled the production version of its new Impreza sedan and hatch earlier this year, Subaru is now shifting its attention to the crossover version, which will retain its XV name.
Subaru has just issued a teaser image of the production model ahead of its slated debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month and it's not expected to stray too far from the bright green concept vehicle, shown in Shanghai earlier this year.
Subaru insists that the new XV will bring “something fresh, as well as a new level of engineering excellence” to the segment. Like VW's CrossPolo, the XV is a dressed up version of an existing passenger car, in this case the Impreza hatchback.
Yet unlike the VW, the XV (being a Subaru) will have all-wheel drive and thus at least something in the way of off-road ability to boast about.
Expect the production XV to boast similar specifications to the concept vehicle, meaning it will be powered by a new 2-litre boxer engine mated to a CVT gearbox. It's a bigger car too, measuring 4450mm in length, 1800mm in width and 1620mm in height to make it 20mm longer, 30mm wider and 145mm taller than the current car.
Considering that the first right-hand drive versions of the new XV are due to reach the UK market early next year, expect a South African debut before the middle of the year.