Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Debuts Alongside WRX Concept

While it has garnered a well-deserved reputation as a “green” automaker, Subaru has yet to actually sell a single “green” car. But that has all changed with the introduction of the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, which debuted today at the New York International Auto Show alongside the new WRX Concept. But for a hybrid, this new Subaru isn’t exactly a fuel economy king.

In fact, the new hybrid setup mates a 2.0 liter gas engine to a small electric motor to produce the same horsepower as a non-hybrid XV Crosstrek; 148 horsepower and 145 ft-lbs of torque. That is respectable, if not impressive.

Unfortunately, fuel economy recieved what could only be described as a very modest boost. Subaru says that the XV Crosstrek will deliver around 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, up from 25/33 on the non-hybrid. Part of the problem is that the hybrid technology adds an extra 300 pounds to the Crosstrek’s curb weight, much of that from the 13.5 kWh nickel-hydride battery in the trunk area. Subaru also added start/stop features and regenerative braking, but all told, the fuel economy figures are kind of disappointing.

Subaru also debuted a new WRX concept vehicle, and while the radical design probably won’t make it into production, the car seemed to be very well recieved. No details were given out, but when a new WRX does hit the market, expect at least a few of these design cues to come along for the ride.

Subaru fans, we want to hear from you; were you expecting better from Subie’s first hybrid? Or does this work well enough for now?

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Tags: crosstrek hybrid, subaru, subaru hybrid, Subaru WRX, Subaru WRX Concept, Subaru XV Crosstrek, Subaru XV Crosstrek hybrid, subie

About the Author

Christopher DeMorro A writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to HEMIs, Chris can be found wrenching or writing- or esle, he's running, because he's one of those crazy people who gets enjoyment from running insane distances.

Marko Germani

13,5 kWh? Sounds too much to me. The huge Ampera battery is 16 kWh, lithium. There has to be a mistake.

So, really disappointing. In the Visiv, they mated the hybrid to a diesel. Here they keep it terribly simple, just adding the motor to the existing concept. Seems pretty useless for me. No power gain, little fuel efficiency gain, but nothing compared to the diesel. Is that just a guinea pig for Subaru?

IMHO the best solution is the PSA hybrid4, but they really need to go “kaizen”, adding more electrical power, lithium batteries and plug in capability.

I keep waiting for my 50 MPG, 9 seconds for 0-60, 4WD SW or SUV… Won’t trade my old horse for anything less
- http://twitter.com/protomech Michael Beatty
  
  Probably typo, 1.35 kWh sounds about right.
  - Christopher DeMorro
    
    @ Michael Beatty
    
    Not a typo. It’s a 13.5 kW battery, not to be mistaken with a kWh.
    
    The difference explained here. http://www.energylens.com/articles/kw-and-kwh
http://www.facebook.com/people/Bruce-Miller/100000952005408 Bruce Miller

Sense the ‘Lag” product to science? now Israel with a 1000 km electric, and the Chreos with 1000 km. electric as pundits try to guess if they use nano carbon super capacitors at higher voltages to achieve Energy Density approaching, even exceeding that of gasoline, with no battery ‘internal resistance” to waste energy limit power delivery, or charging currents, or another more secret more advanced system? Watch for electric planes? Ion engines replacing jet propulsion? This first decade of the 21st century technology absolutely astounding! Subaru still in the copy and improve stages of development while Chinese Science and technology advances soar?
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