The Subaru XV/Crosstrek is arguably one of the pioneers of the small SUV segment. Back then, the Impreza-based crossover SUV was ahead of its time with barely any other vehicle competing in this segment. It eventually became one of Subaru's best-sellers in this crossover-hungry world. Fast forward to 2021, and Subaru is already celebrating 10 years of the XV/Crosstrek nameplate by unveiling a special edition model exclusive to the Japanese market.

What you're looking at is the Subaru XV Advance Style Edition, which is based on the facelifted second generation XV. What sets this model apart from the standard XV are its 18-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, gray faux skid plates, grille, fog lamp housings, mirrors, roof spoiler, and sharkfin antenna. There are also black roof rails and a new Sapphire Blue Pearl paint option, which makes its debut in the special edition model.

Interior changes for the Subaru XV Advance Style Edition are much more modest. The seats are wrapped in black and gray synthetic leather, while the stitching details are now in yellow. Some of its other interior features include an 8-inch touch screen, heated front seats, just to name a few.

The XV Advance Style Edition is powered by a 2.0-liter e-Boxer hybrid powertrain, which consists of a four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 143 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque and an electric motor that produces 13.4 horsepower and 48 pound-feet of torque. It's definitely no Subaru WRX STI, and this hybrid powertrain is only sold in Asia and Europe. And as with most Subarus, power is sent through all four wheels via a Lineartronic CVT.

Do note that this powertrain is completely different from the Crosstrek Hybrid that North America gets. Whereas the Asian and European Crosstrek is a "self-charging" hybrid, the North American version is a plug-in hybrid, which has a bigger battery that's good for 17 miles of pure electric driving.

The new Subaru XV Advance Style Edition is now on sale in the Japanese market for ¥2,915,000 ($25,680) which is extremely competitive for the amount of kit you get. This also includes an updated Eyesight Safety Plus suite of advanced driver-assist tech. While this special edition model is limited to Japan, some of its updates, such as the new paint, may be introduced to the United States in the future.