Geneva show: Subaru confirms XV Concept

SUBARU will rip the covers off an XV Concept at next month's Geneva motor show that previews the second-generation version of its high-riding crossover hatch.

The Japanese car-maker has given absolutely nothing away about the concept, aside from the timing of the reveal, which will happen on the first day of the media preview at the Swiss automotive extravaganza.

The shady image of the XV Concept's front three-quarter shows a chunky wheel arch, sharp rectangular headlights and SUV-like paneling on the front bumper.

While the concept is yet to be seen, GoAuto understands that it will carry a similar look to the recent Impreza hatch and sedan concept – revealed at last year's Tokyo and Los Angeles motor shows respectively – albeit with a jacked-up ride.

The XV and Impreza will continue to share a platform and many mechanical elements but the production version of the crossover will be designed to appeal to more compact-SUV buyers, while the Impreza goes after car fans.

A production-ready version of the Impreza concept will make its debut next month at the New York motor show, and while Australian timing is yet to be announced, it is likely that the hatch and sedan range will arrive Down Under early in 2017, while the new-gen XV should lob around mid-year.

A new XV will likely continue Subaru's all-wheel-drive-only policy (except the BRZ), but expect improvements to ride and handling, connectivity and more of Subaru's EyeSight active safety suite.

The XV went on sale in Australia in January 2012, arriving a month before the Impreza, which was delayed because of supply issues following the 2011 Japanese Tsunami.

In its first year on sale in 2012, Subaru sold 9908 XVs, making it the third best-selling model in the sub-$40,000 small-SUV segment, behind the Nissan Dualis (13,141) and the Mitsubishi ASX (11,469).

The XV had its best sales year in 2014, shifting 11,539 units to grab second in its segment behind the one-size-larger Hyundai ix35 (17,922).

Last year sales dropped by 38 per cent to 7168 units, due largely to the arrival of a slew of new models in the super-competitive segment, including the instantly popular Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3, as well as the Suzuki Vitara and Renault Captur.