Subaru announces prices for new XV

Subaru has announced prices for its new XV with the entry-level model costing £21,295. That gets you the 1.6i S version of the all-wheel drive crossover. The cheapest diesel - a 2.0-litre boxer engine - is £23,995.

Standard equipment levels look pretty good with all models getting Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (SVDC), front, side, curtain and knee airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime LED running lights and automatic air conditioning as standard. The XV was also recently awarded a five-star crash safety rating by Euro NCAP, scoring particularly highly for child occupant safety.

The engine line up is made up of a 114PS 1.6-litre a 150PS 2.0-litre petrol but the majority of buyers are likely to go for the 2.0-litre diesel which develops 147PS and 350Nm of torque. Standard gearboxes are a five or six-speed manual whle a six-speed CVT automatic is available on petrol models.

The 2.0-litre diesel accelerates from 0-60mph in 9.3 seconds and returns a claimed average of 50.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 146g/km. Subaru says the XV also has the highest ground clearance and lowest centre of gravity in its class.

Petrol XV models get a new Auto Start Stop System as standard, to help improve duel economy. Subaru wanted to make the engine cut-out virtually unnoticeable to the driver, so it has a time lapse between stop and start of approximately 0.2 seconds, apparently one of the fastest currently available.

On top of the standard S models, the SE trim adds cruise control, a rearview camera, Bluetooth and USB/iPod connectivity. Top-of-the-range SE Lux Premium models come with a sunroof, Keyless Smart Entry, push-button start, leather seats and satellite navigation.  All 2.0-litre models are fitted with roof rails.