Subaru->ke86 has unveiled the new XV Concept at the Shanghai Motor Show->ke2470. The concept comes with a totally new design and is equipped with Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system. Power will come from the latest generation Boxer engines. The XV previews the company's next generation of crossover and combines the SUV practicality with a fashionable form.

The XV's new design language will be defined by the word "Protren" - a word that combines "Professional tool" and "Trendy design" that can be easily translated into the fact that XV will integrate both "authentic functionality as a professional tool" and "urban and stylish design".

The Subaru XV Concept is a design concept car that defines a new generation of crossover vehicle, blending exceptional SUV practicality with a fashionable form. It was specifically designed for customers who are looking for a vehicle offering looks, benefits, and a packaging that stretches beyond those from the populated crowd of existing crossover models. At its heart is the core theme of "Enjoyment and Peace of mind", and a promise to deliver, in line with Subaru’s new brand statement, "Confidence in Motion".

UPDATE 04/19/2011: This review has been updated with the official images and specs on the concept. Hit the jump to read more about it.

subaru-xv-concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: subaru-xv-concept
Pros
Cons

2011 Subaru XV Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Subaru XV Concept
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The XV concept is being built on a 2,635 mm wheelbase and measures 4,450 mm in length, 1,800 mm width, and 1,620 mm height. The concept presented in Shanghai is painted in a Electro Yellowgreen exterior paint combined with a set of aluminum alloy wheels painted in contrasting colors: silver spokes, black rims, and clear blue center caps.

Up front, the concept is defined by a hexagon grille with the center painted in the same color as the body, winged motif, and hawk-eye headlights. At the rear, the XV is defined by the same hexagonal design as the front and more hexagons engraved into the clear blue base under the license plate complement the consistent design theme. The final element of the exterior design is a panorama type roof of continuous glass which extends from the front windscreen all the way to the rear.

Interior

The interior of the XV concept continues with the same dynamism of the exterior. The seats are covered in Silvery white leather and they are combined with the use of sporty mesh with yellow-green piping in selected areas of the interior. A dynamic contour runs from the front instrument panel, across the door panels, and to the center console, while the center panel features a large touch-panel multi-information display that gives easy control over navigation and audio systems.

An impressive feature of the concept is Subaru’s own advanced driving assist "EyeSight" system: an LCD monitor positioned between the two well-balanced and highly visible combination meters allowing the driver to check the images captured with the EyeSight’s stereo cameras.

Engine

Subaru has placed a 2.0-liter four cylinder Horizontally-Opposed DOHC engine combined with a Lineartronic (CVT) transmission under the hood of the XV concept. They did not announce any technical details on the engine, but this engine is also used in the Forester where it delivers a total of 150 hp at 6,000 rpm and 146 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm, so we expect a similar output for the XV concept.

When Can I Drive One?

Chances are the general public will never get the chance to sit behind the wheel of the XV Concept. This vehicle is just an idea that will inspire a new crossover model in the Subaru lineup. Expect to see the same design language in some of Subaru's future models, including the next generation Impreza and its XV crossover version.

Competition

When it comes to compact crossovers, there are plenty of models willing and able to compete with any production model to come out of the XV Concept. However, Subaru is the leader in this segment, so these crossovers will have to step up their game if this fresh design ever makes it to production.

One vehicle set to take on the a production of the XV is the Mitsubishi ASX. This is a model that went on sale in July 2010 and came with an all new 1.8 Liter turbocharged direct injection combined with a 6-speed manual transmission and a sporty design language. What the Subaru still has in it favor is the advantage of being offered with a standard AWD system.