Geneva show: Subaru confirms Impreza XV for Oz

SUBARU Australia has confirmed it will import both the Impreza XV crossover hatch, which was unveiled at this week’s Geneva motor show opening, and the diesel-powered Forester 2.0D compact SUV.

Due on sale here in the third quarter of this year, the latest variant in Subaru’s Impreza small-car range will feature off-road additions including wheel-arch extensions, roof-rails and a higher ride height than the model revealed in Switzerland.

Like the European version, Australia’s Impreza XV hatch will come with a unique grille and interior trim, as well as the standard all-wheel-drive system and 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer petrol engine found in the local Impreza R, RX and RS.

Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior said he expected the Impreza XV to follow in the footsteps of popular recereational versions of the Impreza sold here previously, including the superseded Impreza RV and Sportswagon.

“We’re delighted to be adding the Impreza XV to our range mid-year,” he said. “This is an exciting model for us because it will broaden our appeal, particularly with younger audiences looking for a car that combines fun and safety.



“The current generation Impreza is the best seller of any to date and we’re confident that Impreza XV will add to that success, given the earlier achievements of recreation-themed versions of the car.”

Also confirmed for Australian release this week is the long-awaited diesel version of Australia’s top-selling (compact) SUV, with the Forester 2.0D now officially due on sale in early June.

Subaru Australia has confirmed two versions of the Forester 2.0D will be offered here, powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that debuted in the Outback 2.0D.

That means the oil-burning Forester, shown here in European specification, will produce 110kW at 3600rpm and 350Nm of torque between 1800 and 2400rpm.

All Forester 2.0D models will come exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, while the entry-level variant will be fitted as standard with cloth trim, 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-clad gearshifter, front foglights, climate-control air-conditioning, self-levelling rear suspension, a flip-out rear tray and colour-coded door-handles.

The flagship Forester 2.0D Premium adds 17-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, a power driver’s seat, upgraded audio, HID headlights and a sunroof.

Like all Subarus in Australia, they will also feature twin front, front-side and side curtain airbags, electronic stability control and a maximum five-star crashworthiness rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

“Given the level of customer enquiry so far, we anticipate substantial demand for Forester diesels,” said Mr Senior. “We expect supply to be quite tight and on that basis our network is now taking orders, to avoid customer disappointment.

“We thank customers for their patience and based on the huge response we’ve had to our Outback diesels, we’re gearing up for significant orders.”

While Australian pricing for both the Forester diesel and Impreza XV is yet to be released, Subaru also used Geneva to stage the European debuts of its Hybrid Tourer concept, Stella EV and the brand’s unique boxer-diesel engine, which is also available in the Impreza and Liberty in Europe.