Details about the Subaru XV Hybrid, the brands first petrol-electric production model, have been officially released but the frugal four-wheel-drive wont be imported to Australia.
On sale in Japan and the US as the range flagship model, the Subaru XV Hybrid combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor with battery pack, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) exclusively developed for the hybrid model.
Subaru claims fuel consumption of 5.0 litres per 100km down 2L/100km compared with the existing 2.0-litre petrol-only XV.
The XV Hyrbid continues the Japanese manufacturers trademark full-time all-wheel drive, with torque distributed to all four wheels whether using electric or petrol power, or both.
Subaru says the XV Hybrid not only maintains the standard cars exterior dimensions, but also keeps its overall front to rear weight distribution and low centre of gravity by housing the high voltage battery, inverter and DC-DC converter as one unit under the cargo floor.
In addition to a new multi-function display that shows the hybrid systems energy flow, engine/electric motor operation and battery brake regeneration progress, a feature called Eco-Cruise Control has also been added.
Working with Subarus EyeSight driving assist systems adaptive cruise control, Eco-Cruise Control ensures EV driving time is maximised.
Other changes compared with the standard XV include clear-lens tail-lights, unique alloy wheels, Hybrid badges, and a two-tone silver and black Alcantara interior trim, as well as additional noise insulation to reduce the hybrid vehicles unique noise and a large undercar cover to improve aerodynamic performance.
Despite the Subaru XV Hybrid being produced in both left- and right-hand drive, Subaru Australias national corporate affairs manager David Rowley reiterated that the local division has no plans to offer the car here.
This info and more can be found at: http://www.caradvice.com.au/
