Mar 30 2013
Subaru Canada , Inc. (SCI) today announced the unveiling of brand's first-ever production hybrid vehicle, the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, at the 2013 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Center. Based on the popular XV Crosstrek crossover introduced for 2013, the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid model will arrive in Subaru dealerships during the fourth quarter of 2013.
In developing its first-ever hybrid, Subaru chose one of its popular, go-anywhere crossover vehicle platforms. As a result, the new XV Crosstrek Hybrid offers all the capability and versatility of the gasoline-powered XV Crosstrek. The added benefits of a hybrid powertrain, including higher fuel efficiency, broaden the vehicle's appeal. Key to this approach is that the XV Crosstrek Hybrid shares the gasoline model's Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive and chassis capability. For example, the 220 millimetres of ground clearance is the same and is higher than some dedicated SUVs, while providing a low step-in height.
With the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru re-engineered the chassis to handle the added weight of the battery system, improving handling, steering and ride. In addition to chassis changes, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid added extra sound insulation, a start/stop feature, revised HVAC, a new gauge cluster and numerous other changes.
The Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid combines a 2.0-litre Subaru BOXER engine with a 13.4-horsepower electric motor that's integrated into the Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A 100-volt, 13.5-kilowatt nickel-metal hydride battery is located under a revised rear floor area and the engine uses an integrated starter/generator for the automatic start/stop feature. The compact hybrid system weighs just 95 kilograms and places the electric motor just behind the transmission and in front of the continuously variable transfer clutch. With the addition of all the new features, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid weighs approximately 136 kilograms more than the gasoline engine XV Crosstrek.
Under light acceleration, the Subaru-engineered hybrid system uses the electric motor for initial vehicle acceleration and then starts the gasoline engine once underway. The electric motor can also provide motor assist for acceleration in parallel with the gasoline engine and an EV mode will operate the vehicle in certain low-speed situations.
Same Capability and Utility
Significantly, the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid builds upon the utility and versatility of the gas model, while also offering enhanced handling response and quieter driving performance.
The Active Torque Split version of Subaru symmetrical full-time AWD provides the same operation and benefits as in the gasoline model. The system sends power to all four wheels all the time and adjusts the torque distribution in response to acceleration, cornering and road conditions.
In addition to optimizing the 2.0-litre FB-series SUBARU BOXER engine to reduce internal friction, Subaru applied a number of other efficiency-enhancing technologies to the XV Crosstrek Hybrid. An Auto Start/Stop system shuts down the gasoline engine when the vehicle is stopped. Brake regeneration works when the car is coasting or the driver has applied the brake, recapturing kinetic energy from the turning wheels to recharge the battery.
All-season tires are mounted on new aluminum alloy wheels with an aerodynamic design. Exclusive to the North American market, a new Active Grille Shutter system helps reduce air resistance. The air conditioning system uses a temperature and humidity sensor to optimize operation for reduced draw on engine power.
Subaru retuned the platform's suspension and revised the steering ratio to give the XV Crosstrek Hybrid sharper handling response. Numerous enhancements that help to reduce noise include thicker floor sections, under-floor covers and additional sound insulation.
Sophisticated Appearance
In addition to different wheels, exterior enhancements readily differentiate the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid from the gasoline model. Hybrid badges appear at the front edges of the front doors and on the tailgate. A new Plasma Green Pearl exterior color, exclusive to the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, spotlights the vehicle's environmental character.
Inside, the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid features a clean, cool blue theme with silver trim to underscore the advanced hybrid engineering. The instrument cluster, exclusive to this model, uses gradations of the blue color scheme to provide a sense of depth.
The colour multi-function display shows the hybrid system's energy flow according to driving conditions. Using switching screens, the display was designed to combine driving operation information with entertainment content. The screen can be easily viewed from any seat.