Mobility

The Subaru Crosstrek is the evolution of the XV, staying true to the core values of the brand with the Pleiades emblem. How does it perform on Belgian roads and trails, especially in the rain, with its stock tires?

In Europe, it used to be called the Subaru XV, while in America, it’s always been the Crosstrek. Now, that name is being used in Europe as well. The SUV has also undergone some changes, although they aren’t immediately obvious from the outside. However, once you’re behind the wheel, it’s more apparent. First and foremost, fans of the brand will be pleased to know that the Crosstrek retains the 4-cylinder Boxer engine, longitudinal gearbox, and all-wheel drive system. The famous symmetry is still there! In Europe, the engine is a 2-liter producing 136 hp, paired with the e-CVT Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. A small 16.7 hp electric motor is integrated into the e-CVT, providing a boost and allowing the gasoline engine to pause during deceleration or coasting. So, it’s a mild hybrid.

Unconventional

Subaru’s rugged design isn’t the most daring in terms of aesthetics, but it’s a style in itself. However, the interior has seen improvements. The central vertical screen provides access to a well-thought-out infotainment system that meets current connectivity standards. You can create profiles and wirelessly pair your smartphone’s operating system. Despite these modern upgrades, Subaru has kept the traditional gear lever for the transmission. The brand also maintained its driver assistance technology, like the EyeSight stereo camera, which has been improved. It works very well overall, though the only truly irritating and repetitive beeps come from the speed radar alert, which in Belgium, with its many speed cameras and radar sections, goes off frequently.

Engine Noise

Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) have a reputation for causing the engine to rev higher as you accelerate, making it sound noisy and guzzle fuel. The Crosstrek’s e-CVT keeps the engine relatively quiet, but when you need to give it some gas to accelerate or overtake, you’re met with a metallic racket. Fortunately, the noise level drops once you ease off the throttle, helped by good sound insulation. It’s also possible to take advantage of the electric motor by being more gentle with the gas pedal to reduce noise levels. With careful driving, you can keep fuel consumption below 8 liters per 100 km, without going out of your way to be fuel-efficient.

Stability

During the rainy test drive, we made a brief detour into France, stopping in Condé-sur-Escaut. The Subaru handled well overall, something even Louis XIV would have appreciated. The seats are comfortable, including in the back. The chassis is the real highlight here—rigid and effective, with minimal body roll, aided by the flat engine architecture, which keeps the center of gravity low. The all-wheel drive system operates seamlessly, stepping in quietly when needed. After lunch at a charming brasserie that embodied the warm northern French hospitality, the return trip was smooth, apart from one reckless driver merging straight onto the highway’s fast lane. Thankfully, the Crosstrek brakes exceptionally well.

All-Season Performance

The weather didn’t spare the roads or trails. Equipped with all-season tires, though lacking the alpine symbol and thus not certified for winter in some countries, the Crosstrek handled muddy terrain with ease thanks to its M+S tires. While it could potentially qualify for a winter tire exemption, given its impressive traction in all conditions, it’s still better to use winter tires in snowy conditions, not just for legal reasons but for safety. Good tire tread is more effective than any all-wheel drive system when it comes to stopping. That said, even in relatively flat Belgium, it’s easy to see why Subaru appeals in countries with more challenging terrain. In Switzerland, the Subaru Crosstrek starts at 37,500 francs. In France and Belgium, without the heavy tax burden, prices start at around 36,000 euros, or 40,000 euros for the highest trim level. In Canada, it’s less than 30,000, dollars but with more power (152 hp).

(Olivier Duquesne – Source: Subaru – Image: © Olivier Duquesne)

Historical note: The town of Condé-sur-Escaut was besieged by Louis XIV in 1676 to annex it to France, reclaiming it from the Spanish.