Subaru Crosstrek electric collision coming?
SUBARU’s “all-new” Crosstrek small SUV has some familiar components and elements to its XV predecessor, meaning it feels less than “brand new” on the road and the examples are worthy of respect. Most noticeable is found under the bonnet – but this could soon change.
The new-generation compact crossover retains the same petrol and petrol-electric hybrid options as the second XV it replaces, although a number of new safety equipment and technology items have been added to the vehicle. Subaru’s smallest SUV.
Those powertrains are a 2.0-litre four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine producing 115kW and 196Nm, and a hybrid version that combines a 2.0-litre engine (110kW/196Nm) with an electric motor of 12.6kW/66Nm and battery pack.
In other markets, however, the Crosstrek has a stronger engine. In North America, the 2.5-litre engine is offered in the Forester and Outback – with 129kW and 235Nm – offered in certain Crosstrek trims.
Subaru Australia CEO Blair Read said the brand was keeping an open dialogue with headquarters about potential improvements to powertrain offerings for Crosstrek in Australia.
“We are always ready to offer the various products available from the Subaru Corporation,” he said. “There’s a 2.5-liter Crosstrek available globally and while it’s not available to our market at this stage, it’s something we’re interested in.”
Mr Read says that while the Outback has just received a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol option (supplied as standard in the WRX), that engine isn’t on the cards for the Crosstrek at this time.
He said: “The turbocharged Crosstrek is not globally available, so it is not suitable for the Australian market.
So, will Aussie Crosstrek customers have to do with what’s currently on offer, until something worse comes along?
That seems to be the case, but Mr Read hints that there may actually be a bigger improvement for the hybrid version of the Crosstrek.
“Of course we already offer hybrid in the Crosstrek range and we are seeing strong demand for it. The Subaru Group has confirmed that hybrid development will come to powerful hybrids from the mid-2020s, but as to which vehicles and when they might be available for the Australian market, you’ll have to stay tuned because I am unable to share the information with you today,” he said.
Perhaps a mid-life, mid-decade update to the Crosstrek will bring some improved hybrid power.
Subaru is working closely with Toyota for a wide range of product lines, which means that buyers will see the Japanese brand’s petrol-electric hybrid technology applied to the Subaru lineup in the coming years.
In Australia, Toyota dominates the hybrid market and offers a range of options across its lineup, from the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain offered in the Yaris and Yaris Cross. (front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive). ), via a 1.8-liter four-cylinder hybrid in the Corolla and C-HR (2WD only), a 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the Corolla Cross (FWD or AWD) and a petrol-electric option of 2, 5 liters in Camry (FWD), RAV4 (2WD/AWD) and Kluger (AWD).
One possible outcome of this partnership would be to combine the high-voltage electrical components of Toyota’s proven Hybrid Synergy Drive system with Subaru’s iconic flat-four petrol engine in a similar way. Similar to the first generation Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 sports coupes, Toyota D4-S has added direct fuel injection technology to Subaru’s FA20 boxer engine.
Nine out of 10 hybrid vehicles sold in 2022 will account for 9,000 vehicles from Toyota Australia, with more than 315,000 hybrids sold locally in the past 20 years.
Subaru Australia continues to offer hybrid technology in the new Crosstrek, as well as the Forester midsize SUV.