The second-best-selling Subaru in Australia is getting an update, set to arrive Down Under in the third quarter of this year. Unfortunately, we’ll miss out on the bigger engine being promised to the USA.
Subaru has revealed the 2021 Crosstrek, the name under which the XV is sold in North America.
In addition to some minor visual tweaks and equipment list reshuffling, the updated Crosstrek picks up a new engine option: a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 135kW of power and 238Nm of torque, mated exclusively to a continuously-variable transmission.
Available in up-spec models, it joins the existing naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder that’s also sold here. The US EPA rates it as being only marginally less fuel-efficient than the 2.0-litre CVT with a combined 29mpg (8.1L/100km) instead of 30mpg (7.8L/100km).
Unfortunately, Subaru Australia has confirmed there are no plans to bring the 2.5-litre four to Australia in the foreseeable future.
It’s not the first time a powertrain has been offered in the XV elsewhere but kept from us. Just look at the Crosstrek Hybrid which, unlike our XV Hybrid, is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
While we won’t get the 2.5-litre, expect the freshened Aussie-market XV to pick up the 2021 Crosstrek’s styling tweaks. These include a new front bumper and grille and new wheel designs.
A new Sport variant in North America (pictured) adds unique wheel arch mouldings and 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as a gunmetal grey finish for the grille, exterior mirrors and badges.
Inside, there’s water-repellant StarTex upholstery with yellow stitching, as well as matching stitching on the door trims, steering wheel, shifter and centre console bin.
The cabin also features simulated carbon fibre trim and a yellow metallic finish for the gauge cluster rings, matching the new Plasma Yellow Pearl exterior colour.
