Starting to look for new wheels for the Mrs. Probably won't be buying anything for a while, but was in Kitchener yesterday & took a detour to the Subaru dealer.
Had a good look at the Sport (mid-trim level). Had a seat behind the wheel, visibility is fantastic, best of anything i've experienced in a long while. The seats are height adjustable and tilt/telescoping wheel meant I could quickly find a good driving position. Heated seats are standard, even with the cloth - which I liked, a grippy material that looked good and felt durable.
Looked to be pretty good room in back for two. Three would definitely be squeezy. 60/40 seats fold perfectly flat & flip down easily with a lift of a button on the seatback. Good amount of room with those backs down, and again perfectly flat. Brochure shows a mountain bike easily inside. Back hatch area has a few hooks scattered about for grocery bags, etc. Every car should have these.
The Mrs. then tried out the drivers seat. No power seats, but a few cranks on the height adjuster, she's sitting high & happy. She in particular likes the expansive view. So, thumbs up from the boss.
Was asked if I'd like to take it for a drive, so why would I say no?. A dark cherry red Sport was summoned from back lot, and was a bit surprised we were sent off by ourselves.
A few months ago, had some seat time in an Impreza, so remembering my impressions with that (I liked it) was anxious to compare with the XV.
The one thing I distinctly remember in the Impreza was the hair-trigger throttle. I suppose you would get used to it, but was annoying in stop 'n go and in parking garages. That was thankfully absent in the XV, or at least definitely muted. Only went out for a short 10-15 minute drive. I like the little 2L boxer & the trademark growl. The CVT works just fine, no issues from me. Asked the Mrs if she'd be OK with the CVT - said she didn't notice any difference than a regular automatic... so I guess that means, yeah - she's OK.
Didn't get onto the highway, but around town is lively enough. It does handle well - planted with no body roll I could sense...dare I say it's even a bit fun to drive ...
So, both of us came away liking it & is definitely a strong contender.
Before we (well, she since it will mainly be her car) make a decision, want to take out a Civic - had one for 10 years & was a great trouble free car, so want to give it a chance, and also a Fiat 500. Bit of an odd trio, eh?
