In only a few short years, the relatively obscure Crosstrek has become one of Subaru香蕉视频直播檚 most sought-after models.
The automaker has made its mark building all-wheel-drive sedans, hatchbacks and wagons that can handle the worst possible road and/or weather conditions, or both. These can-do attributes attract outdoorsy buyers and those who live in areas with traction challenges.
Although heavily based on the Subaru Impreza hatchback, the Crosstrek is more distinctive by design. A hiked-up ride height provides extra ground clearance, which allows you to traverse all but the toughest rock-strewn landscapes and deeply rutted pathways without risking physical-contact damage to the engine, transmission and suspension. But what香蕉视频直播檚 equally important for many is the Crosstrek香蕉视频直播檚 tough-look appearance that香蕉视频直播檚 currently in vogue with people who rarely if ever venture past the edge of the asphalt.
If there香蕉视频直播檚 an obvious shortfall, it香蕉视频直播檚 the Crosstrek香蕉视频直播檚 diminutive size that provides less space than, for example, the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Chevrolet Equinox. The Crosstrek isn香蕉视频直播檛 exactly tiny, however, with interior space similar to that of the Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sportage.
For 2021, the Crosstrek has been given a mild makeover 香蕉视频直播� the first since the 2018 model year 香蕉视频直播� plus a new trim level and a performance upgrade that should enhance the vehicle香蕉视频直播檚 appeal.
There香蕉视频直播檚 a new grille, bumper and bigger fog lights, and there香蕉视频直播檚 a bit more darkened trim at both ends and surrounding the front and rear wheel openings. The Crosstrek also has new 17- and optional 18-inch wheels.
The interior remains pretty much as is, but Subaru has enhanced the existing suite of dynamic safety technologies that are part of the EyeSight Driver Assist package (optional for manual-transmission models). Included is adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and a rear-seat reminder that alerts you to check for kids or pets before exiting the vehicle. Also standard with EyeSight is Subaru香蕉视频直播檚 StarLink touch-screen infotainment system, that香蕉视频直播檚 integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
For buyers who think the 2.0-litre four-cylinder 香蕉视频直播� with 152 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque 香蕉视频直播� doesn香蕉视频直播檛 provide sufficient get-up-and-go, there香蕉视频直播檚 a new option: A newly available 2.5-litre four-cylinder (the same engine that香蕉视频直播檚 used in the bigger Forester) with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet.
The 2.0 comes with a six-speed manual transmission. Optional is a continuously variable unit (CVT) with paddle shifters for controlling eight built-in steps. It香蕉视频直播檚 standard with the 2.5.
For best fuel economy, the CVT-equipped Crosstrek with the 2.0 achieves 7.9 l/100 km in combined city and highway driving, compared to 9.4 for manual-transmission versions.
Pricing starts at $26,100, including destination fees, which is pretty decent for any all-wheel-drive utility vehicle.
To get the more potent engine, you香蕉视频直播檒l need to order the new Sport model. It also comes with Subaru香蕉视频直播檚 X-Mode system with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, combined with Hill Descent Control (standard on all models) for reining in the Crosstrek when heading down a slippery slope.
The Sport also gets unique interior faux leather seats, carbon-fibre-look trim, water-repellent seat coverings and a dark grille and wheels.
At the top end, the $36,850 Limited (which also gets the 2.5-litre engine) adds leather-trimmed upholstery, power driver香蕉视频直播檚 seat, 18-inch wheels, steering-responsive headlights (pivoting right or left when turning) and automatic reverse braking to avoid unseen obstacles.
Optional equipment includes a power moonroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror and a premium Harmon-Kardon-brand audio system with navigation.
For 2021, Subaru takes an already good package and refines it to essentially eliminate any of the negatives. As such, the Crosstrek will continue to be at the top of the company香蕉视频直播檚 sales charts based on value, capability and safety, which is what the automaker is known for.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
- Type: Four-door, all-wheel-drive compact utility vehicle
- Engines (h.p.): 2.0-litre DOHC H-4 (152); 2.5-litre DOHC H-4 (182)
- Transmission: Six-speed manual; continuously variable (opt.)
- Market position: Within the vast assortment of compact utility vehicles on the market, most offer all-wheel-drive only as an option. With the exception of the BRZ sports car, Subaru香蕉视频直播檚 entire lineup is strictly AWD.
- Points: Mild makeover enhances what was already a good-looking vehicle. 香蕉视频直播� New engine option addresses any complaints about power. 香蕉视频直播� Less interior space than in a number of key competitors. 香蕉视频直播� Subaru steers buyers toward the automatic transmission with standard EyeSight safety tech. 香蕉视频直播� Proven AWD hardware ensures off-road agility, especially with the Sport trim level. 香蕉视频直播� Plug-in hybrid model returns later in the model year.
- Dynamic safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (opt.); adaptive cruise control (opt.); front and rear emergency braking (opt.); rear-seat alert (opt.); lane-keeping assist (opt.); pedestrian detection (opt.)
- L/100 km (city/hwy) 8.5/7.0 (2.0); Base price (incl. destination) $26,100
BY COMPARISON
Hyundai Tucson
- Base price: $28,250
- Similar size to Crosstrek and available with a 181-h.p. I-4. AWD is optional.
Honda CR-V
- Base price: $28,900
- Top-tier utility model has a 190-h.p. turbo I-4. Hybrid version makes 212 h.p.
Ford Escape
- Base price: $30,500
- Redesigned-for-2020 model comes with turbo I-3 and I-4 engines. AWD is available.
-written by Malcom Gunn, Managing Partner at Wheelbase Media
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