The entire system is predictive in nature . In other words , it doesn ’ t wait for wheel slip to occur , it predicts when it ’ s likely to occur according to the throttle , transmission , engine and wheel sensors incorporated into the Vehicle Dynamics Control ( VDC ) system . When this scenario seems likely to happen , the system automatically locks the clutch pack to send more engine torque to where it ’ s needed most .
In the Ascent , the VDC system is further aided by standard Active Torque Vectoring , which automatically applies the brakes to the inside front wheel and distributes more torque to the outside front wheel during cornering . This added system gives the driver even more ability to maintain control of the vehicle — in all road and weather conditions .
Yet another system , specifically designed for the toughest of challenges , is also standard on the Ascent . With the push of a single button , X-MODE assumes greater control over engine output , transmission , torque distribution front to back and the braking system to help navigate the trickiest conditions .
When climbing a hill in low-traction conditions , X-MODE automatically engages lower gear ratios to maintain engine torque and the AWD system sends that torque to the wheels with the most available grip . The transmission control unit also applies up to 25 percent more pressure on the multiplate transfer clutch to control how much the front wheels are turning in relation to the rear wheels and vice versa . This set-up helps ensure greater stability and surefootedness , even while forward momentum is maintained .
On steep declines , when travelling at speeds up to 20 km / h , X-MODE incorporates the Hill Descent Control ( HDC ) system to maintain a constant speed . In this case , the driver does not need to pay attention to the accelerator or the brakes , and is free to focus on steering the Ascent and negotiating curves in the road ahead . This technology is especially useful when the hill is muddy , rugged or uneven .
In other slippery driving conditions , engaging X-MODE triggers the traction control system to act with increased sensitivity , thereby reducing the response time from initial loss of traction to corrective action . The system can either divert engine torque to the wheels with the most traction available or deactivate the locking action of the multiplate transfer clutch to send torque to a slipping wheel . The X-MODE system can help the driver maintain control in every possible scenario — but it ’ s particularly effective when conditions are at their worst .
For the new model year , there are notable developments to the Ascent vehicle line , most of them engineered to boost safety standards further . On all models , EyeSight ® Driver- Assist Technology now encompasses two new features — Traffic Jam Assist and Lane Centring Assist . All trim levels also now feature seatbelt reminders for the second- and third-row seats , an ideal addition for the on-the-go family looking to secure the safety of everyone . The availability of SUBARU STARLINK ® Connected Services , complete with advanced safety and security features , is another welcome addition . Lastly , the Convenience and Touring trim levels now receive LED Steering Responsive Headlights with High Beam Assist . These final features are key to the Ascent receiving the highest possible rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ).
When the engineers at Subaru first began to work on the Ascent project , they were aware that the vehicle would eventually fill a gap in the product line-up . They understood that a mid-size SUV of any type or description that carried the Subaru logo would likely prove popular , regardless of how well it handled or how well it performed in safety tests . But the engineers didn ’ t take this knowledge as the inspiration to start resting on their collective laurels . Instead , they spent years in developing and fine-tuning a more family-friendly SUV that ’ s also a Subaru to the very core . six star magazine 41