fortune some instances , just downright dangerous for the inexperienced .
Over in Indonesia , poor road conditions and regular flash floods mean that tough , high ground clearance multi-purpose or sports utility vehicles ( SUVs ) are preferred over lower riding passenger cars .
“ I have nothing to hide with the XV , this is exactly how the car will be used by customers and I want you to experience it in its elements ,” said Glenn Tan , executive director of Tan Chong International Limited , which owns Motor Image .
Subaru doesn ’ t like to call its permanent all wheel drive ( AWD ) XV an SUV but a crossover instead , reserving the former for its higher range Tribeca and Forester models .
The loosely defined crossover term is a bit of a misnomer , an amalgamation of a 4x4 , hatchback and estate car .
Chrysler says its defunct AMC brand ’ s 1972 Eagle created the crossover genre . The fact is that seven years earlier , Subaru was the first to install all wheel drive capability on a passenger car , a high ground clearance Subaru Leone estate . Engineering centric and less marketing savvy , Subaru was an often forgotten progenitor of the crossover genre , a fact that the XV will correct .
With 220mm of air beneath its undercarriage , the XV
SpECifiCaTiOnS
Subaru XV 2.0i
( Malaysia market model )
Engine 2-litre , doHC 16-valve fourcylinder horizontally opposed
Max power 148hp @ 6,200rpm
Max torque 196nm @ 4,200rpm
Transmission all wheel drive , CVt
Fuel consumption 7.9 litres / 100 km ( manufacturer ’ s figure , combined cycle )
Safety dual front airbags , driver ’ s knee airbag , aBs with EBD and BA , Isofix
Price rm145,070 ( otr with insurance )
crossover actually clears dirt trails better than many so-called SUVs , as it is 50mm higher than the next nearest competing SUV model . As for concerns on the tall ride height compromising ride and handling , a testament of the XV ’ s ride comfort is when rear passengers were soundly asleep when this writer was at the wheel negotiating Ubud ’ s
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