2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek: Up Close

The Subaru XV Crosstrek's dark lower panels and raised suspension suit its Impreza-based styling well. So do the muscular 17-inch alloys, which are standard on both trims Subaru plans to offer. More 2012 New York Auto Show Coverage I'd prefer gray lower cladding to the black stuff here, like the old Impreza-based Outback Sport offered. Part of that's because the Crosstrek actually has cladding, as opposed to the Outback Sport's painted panels, spokesman Dominick Infante told me. It makes the Crosstrek that much more capable of plowing through snow or dirt; besides the cladding, its Outback-matching 8.7 inches of ground clearance beats the Impreza hatch by 3 or 4 inches, Infante said. Specifications on the Impreza's ground clearance weren't available. The Outback Sport, by contrast, sat less than an inch higher than the Impreza on which it was based. Inside, the Crosstrek delivers all the Impreza's strengths: good visibility and cabin materials, plus a roomier backseat than you'll get in many compacts. Here's hoping it has the Impreza's drivability, too. It won't quite match the Impreza's gas mileage, though; in expected EPA ratings, the raised hardware costs 2 mpg city and 3 mpg highway. from KickingTires http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/

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