Cherry Hill, N.J.  -  Subaru of America, Inc. scored another crossover success with the XV Crosstrek and for 2015 expands the model line with a new base trim and makes available the brand’s award-winning EyeSight^® driver assist system. Rated “Superior” for front crash prevention by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), EyeSight^® includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. New multimedia features bring added versatility, connectivity and convenience with smartphone-like operation.

The versatile, fun-to-drive XV Crosstrek combines bold five-door design, a highly capable chassis, best-in-class fuel economy and in-demand multimedia features. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, high ground clearance (8.7 inches), 17-inch alloy wheels and ample room for passengers and cargo make the Subaru XV Crosstrek a high-capability crossover. It is one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive crossover utility vehicles in America, delivering 34-mpg EPA-estimated highway fuel economy.
 

For 2015, Subaru offers three versions of the XV Crosstrek, adding the 2.0i base trim to a line that also includes the 2.0i Premium and the 2.0i Limited model with additional luxury amenities and user technology. (The XV Crosstrek Hybrid is covered separately in this press kit.) New to the Limited are an insulation-glass windshield for a quieter ride, an upgraded instrument cluster with LCD color display, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals and Welcome Lighting.
 

The XV Crosstrek models are powered by a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter BOXER engine, teamed to Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive via a 5-speed manual transmission or the available Lineartronic^® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
 

The EyeSight driver assist system is available for 2.0i Premium and 2.0i Limited. Models equipped with EyeSight^® also come with new Steering-Responsive Fog Lights. This feature, which works only when the fog lights are turned off, activates the left or right fog light independently, depending on vehicle speed and steering angle, to provide enhanced illumination in the direction of the turn. The fog lights are pre-aimed for maximum coverage in corners. When equipped with EyeSight, the 2.0i Limited also comes with Keyless Access with Push-Button Start and STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Navigation.
 

New User Technology for 2015

The 2015 XV Crosstrek debuts three new STARLINK™ Multimedia systems. A new standard STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia system in the 2.0i and 2.0i Premium provides a multitude of music and information sources, all through a 6.2-in. multi-function touch screen display with single-touch gesture control. The display also functions for the newly standard Rear Vision Camera.
 

The 6-speaker system integrates AM/FM stereo and HD Radio^®; Radio Data Broadcast System; single-disc in-dash CD player; Subaru STARLINK smartphone integration with Aha™ Infotainment, Pandora^® and iHeart^® Radio; Bluetooth^® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming; iPod^® control capability and iTunes^® Tagging capability, a USB port and aux. input jack, and four speakers (6 speakers on Premium).
 

The STARLINK 7.0” system that’s standard for the 2.0i Limited trims works through 7-inch touch screen display with multi-touch control that offers swipe and scrolling gesture control. This system offers 6-speaker audio and all of the features of the base system plus voice-activated controls; SiriusXM^® Satellite Radio (subscription required); a vehicle information display; SMS text messaging, iTunes^® Tagging capability and dual USB ports.
 

Optional for the Limited, the STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Navigation can be controlled with voice commands. This option expands content with SiriusXM NavTraffic^® and NavWeather^® services (subscriptions required) and more.
 

Built for Everyday Driving and Rugged Action

The Subaru XV Crosstrek looks the part of a rugged crossover and backs up its appearance with proven Subaru capability. Black side- and wheel-arch cladding, rocker spoiler and roof rails provide a rugged contrast to the body color. The raised ride height, body-color roof spoiler and unique-design 17-inch wheels bolster the Subaru XV Crosstrek model’s go-anywhere stance and attitude. Dark-tint privacy glass is standard.
 

With raised four-wheel independent suspension, the model’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance is higher than for most other crossovers and even some dedicated SUVs, yet the XV Crosstrek offers a comfortably low step-in height. High-strength suspension components enhance agility, and hydraulic engine mounts (with CVT) help to damp out vibration. The double-wishbone rear suspension features pillow ball bushings for an optimal blend of ride comfort, straight-line stability, handling agility and vehicle response.
 

Both the standard 5-speed manual transmission and the CVT include the Subaru Incline Start Assist feature, which can briefly hold the vehicle while the driver pulls away from a stop on a hill. Available for the Subaru XV Crosstrek Premium and standard on the Limited, the Subaru Lineartronic CVT provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios. New transmission logic for 2015 includes stepped shifting under heavy throttle conditions. With either transmission choice, a standard ECO gauge helps the driver to operate the vehicle as economically as possible.
 

The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. A 6-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters allows the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios. The transmission also allows “second gear” starts in order to limit the likelihood of wheel spin on slippery surfaces.
 

2.0-liter DOHC BOXER Engine

The FB 2.0-liter Subaru BOXER engine uses aluminum for the cylinder block and heads. The long-stroke configuration (84 mm bore and 90 mm stroke) enhances torque across the engine speed range. A dual overhead-cam (DOHC) configuration features Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS) – variable valve control for both intake and exhaust valves – also optimizing torque delivery. The engine produces 148 hp at 6,200 rpm and 145 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,200 rpm. Electric power steering reduces draw on engine power and for 2015 features a quicker steering ratio for 2.8 turns lock to lock.
 

Practical Package

A 103.7-inch wheelbase yields impressive interior roominess in the Subaru XV Crosstrek, including 35.4 inches of rear seat legroom. With the standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded, this versatile five-door crossover provides a flat load floor and up to 51.9 cubic feet of carrying space. Three golf bags or a large baby stroller can be easily loaded.
 

The Premium trim outfits the cargo area with a retractable and removable shade-type cover, along with a removable waterproof cargo tray. Subaru dealers offer a number of accessories for the standard roof rails for carrying items such as bicycles and kayaks.
 

Comfort and Convenience

The sporty instrument panel and 3-spoke steering wheel are augmented in all XV Crosstrek models by a multi-function display with a trip computer located in the center of the dashboard. Soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and center console armrest provide a high-quality feel. Front seats are optimized for a rear-end collision and feature tilt-adjustable head restraints for comfort. Large door pockets can hold plastic drink bottles and maps. Numerous compartments located in and around the center console hold all manner of today's personal items, such as phones, USB drives and MP3 players.
 

Three Trim Lines

The XV Crosstrek upholds the Subaru tradition of outstanding value, with the new-for-2015 2.0i base trim including as standard a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth^® control switches; power windows, door locks and side mirrors; multi-function display with fuel economy information; security system with engine immobilizer; outside temperature gauge, and carpeted floormats.
 

The Premium adds a number of additional features, notably the All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer), body-color exterior mirrors, cargo area enhancements and upgraded interior trim.
 

In addition to featuring the Lineartronic CVT as standard, the Subaru XV Crosstrek Limited adds leather-trimmed upholstery, steering wheel and shift handle; automatic climate control system; auto on/off headlights, and a rear seat armrest with dual cupholders. New to the Limited for 2015 are an insulation-glass windshield for a quieter ride, an upgraded instrument cluster with LCD color display, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals and Welcome Lighting.
 

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Subaru offers two versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive in the XV Crosstrek. With the 5-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute torque 50:50 front to rear. Slippage at either set of wheels will send more torque to the opposite set.
 

Models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT feature the Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical AWD. An electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively manages torque distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, and available traction. The Active Torque Split system automatically transfers more torque (up to 100 percent) to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur.
 

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) combines stability and traction control functions and integrates a rollover sensor. Traction control works to augment Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive functionality. A VDC “Off” switch is useful for driving out of slushy roads, deep snow or gravel. The “Off” position deactivates the system’s torque-reduction control, while the antilock and traction control remain active. Traction control functions as a second line of defense against wheel slip, after Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Traction control is not the means of torque distribution in a Subaru AWD system, as it is on some other all-wheel drive vehicles.
 

IIHS Top Safety Pick

The Subaru XV Crosstrek earned the Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and is anticipated to earn the Top Safety Pick+ rating due to the availability of the EyeSight driver assist system. The vehicle is built around the Subaru Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure, which has been proven in more than a decade of use. The roof is strong enough to bear at least four times the vehicle’s own weight. Front-end structural details help to bolster safety for pedestrians.
 

Inside, the Subaru XV Crosstrek fills out its safety roster with a driver’s knee airbag, standard front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage. Intelligent dual-stage deployment front air bags use sensors to determine front air bag deployment strength for optimal occupant protection. The passenger-seat front airbag features a shell-type design with a center groove, thus exposing the passenger to less impact force upon deployment.
 

All 2015 Subaru models incorporate electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters in the front three-point seatbelts. There are LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) for securing specially equipped child seats in the rear seat.
 

Brake Assist and Brake Override

The 4-channel / 4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) incorporates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). The EBD system enhances braking performance and stability by actively optimizing braking force between the front and rear wheels according to how the vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo.
 

The Subaru Brake Assist safety system detects how quickly the driver has pressed the pedal, and if pedal velocity exceeds a certain threshold, Brake Assist immediately applies pressure up to the ABS limit to help increase braking effectiveness. The Brake Override system ensures that the engine power will be cut when the brake pedal and accelerator are pressed simultaneously.
 

Subaru of America, Inc. offers a full line of all-wheel drive sedans, crossovers and SUVs, along with the rear-wheel drive BRZ sports car.
 

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit media.subaru.com.