Used Subaru XV review: 2011-2014

Graham Smith reviews the 2011, 2012,2013 and 2014 Subaru XV as a used buy.

Subaru's tilt at the townie SUV genre was safe, high-riding and good-looking

New

Subaru's XV was a new sub-compact SUV designed to slot in between the Impreza hatch, on which it was based, and the Forester compact SUV.

Its purpose, townie SUV, was emphasised by the high-riding stance and sporty good looks.

There were three variants, starting with the 2.0i, then the mid-range 2.0i-L to range-topping 2.0i-S.

All were well equipped, even the base model, which had Bluetooth, rear-view camera and sunroof. Move up to the 2.0i-L and you got satnav, while the 2.0i-L brought leather trim and heated seats.

The cabin was light and airy with good vision thanks to the higher seating position and relatively thin pillars.

The safety message was also impressive, with all models gaining five stars in crash testing thanks to seven airbags, including full-length curtain airbags and driver's knee bag.

Inside, the cabin was light and airy with good vision thanks to the higher seating position and relatively thin pillars. The cargo space was a little cramped and the spare was a space-saver mounted under the cargo floor.

Power came from a new version of Subaru's boxer four, this one a 2.0-litre producing 110kW/196Nm.

The flat-four turned all four wheels via a six-speed manual or constantly variable transmission with six presets and paddle-shifters.

Now

The majority of XV owners we surveyed thought their cars were adequate rather than exciting. Most were happy with the quality and refinement but most condemned the driver's seat as being uncomfortable with a hard ridge in the middle of their backs. They also cited the poor quality of the radio.

It's worth carrying out a thorough test-drive of the CVT before buying one second-hand.

Most were content with the operation of the CVT, which was the option most people went for.

Even so it's worth carrying out a thorough test-drive of the CVT before buying one second-hand. Carefully check for any shuddering on takeoff or acceleration, any hesitation, surging or other driveability issues.

Subaru engines are known to use some oil, so there is good reason to make regular checks on the oil level to avoid running out and risking serious damage to the engine.

One owner who reported back to us told us of an engine that had to be replaced, such was the internal damage when it ran low on oil.

There have been three recalls affecting the XV. The latest, earlier this year, related to the starter motor pinion gear failing, which could affect the starting and the restarting of the engine in the automatic stop-start mode, possibly leaving car and driver stranded.

Last year, a recall related to a wiring harness malfunction that could cause a short circuit and bring the car to a halt.

Another checked the routing of the engine wiring harness, which could interfere with other engine components. At best it could cause the engine to idle roughly, at worst it could cause the engine to stall and not restart.

Check that all the recall work has been carried out. Also check for a service record that confirms adherence to the maintenance schedule.