Subaru has confirmed its fun-themed XV sub-compact Sports Utility Vehicle, unveiled at this month's Frankfurt Motor Show, will go on sale in Australia in early January.

Among the standout features:

  • Choice of super-efficient Lineartronicâ„¢ Continuously Variable Transmission or smooth six-speed manual
  • New third generation 2.0-litre FB horizontally opposed Boxer engine, taking Subaru petrol engine efficiency to a new level 
  • Subaru safety assured – seven airbags including a driver's knee SRS airbag
  • 17-inch alloy wheels unique to the model

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: "The fun-filled Subaru XV will be the first of a number of new Subaru launches in 2012.

"It will be a stand alone model joining the Forester, Outback and Tribeca in our SUV range.
"Promising outstanding fuel efficiency, the XV will also be a fun-to-drive vehicle – it puts the sports into Sports Utility Vehicle.

"Excellent stability, highly responsive handling and exceptional driving dynamics are the hallmark of this vehicle.  

"That's been achieved because our signature Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive enables us to have the lowest centre of gravity in its class by the proverbial country mile.

"On preliminary figures, our centre of gravity is 39 mm lower than a Nissan Dualis and 22 mm lower than the Volkswagen Tiguan, and these are key competitors.

"Yet despite this the new Subaru XV has a ground clearance of 220 mm. That's 32 mm more than the Dualis and 25 mm more than the Tiguan, demonstrating the superiority of Subaru's Boxer engine and Symmetrical AWD, and our years of experience in building world class SUVs.

"A lower centre of gravity, but not ground clearance, adds-up to a load more fun – fun to drive, fun for adventure, fun for recreation, fun for the Australian way of life.

"It could well be the ultimate late Christmas present!"

Pricing for the Subaru XV has yet to be announced.

ABOUT SUBARU
Every Subaru sold in Australia features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a horizontally opposed;Boxer engine, standard Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic stability program, and a five-star rating for occupant safety from the independent Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). The result - driving confidence.

For further information, contact:

David Rowley
National Corporate Affairs Manager
Subaru Australia
Telephone: (02) 8892 9853
Mobile: 0418 237 252
Fax: (02) 8892 9121
E-mail: david.rowley@subaru.com.au

Alicia Cannon
Public Relations Executive
Telephone: +61 2 8892 9205
Mobile: +61 414 397 905
Fax: +61 2 8892 9131
Email: alicia.cannon@subaru.com.au