New Subaru XV teased

Subaru has teased its next-generation XV high-riding hatch in the lead up to its official unveiling at the 2017 Geneva motor show in March.

The Japanese brand has released one silhouette profile image at this stage. However, as with the outgoing generation the new XV appears to cling tightly to the Impreza hatch it is based upon.

Official details of the new model are still under wraps, but the second generation XV is expected to utilise the Subaru Global Platform. This platform currently underpins the Impreza small car and is set to expand across the entire future Subaru range.

Raised ride height, roof rails, unique alloy wheel designs and more rugged matte-plastic body cladding will help set the new XV apart from the more road-focused Impreza, with the full extent of design changes to be more clearly revealed at Geneva.

Interior changes, compared to the Impreza hatch, will likely be limited to colour and trim differences. The XV is expected to adopt the Impreza's 6.5-inch or 8.0-inch Apple CarPlay and Android compatible touchscreen infotainment systems. 

Beneath the surface the XV should sport the Japanese brand's 115kW/196Nm 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder petrol engine and all-wheel drive system and should be paired with either a CVT auto or six-speed manual transmission.

Australian specifications and pricing  will be made available closer to the local launch date, which Subaru Australia advises is to be expected about mid-2017.

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