2018 Subaru XV Crosstrek release date, specs news: all-new crossover to make global debut at Geneva Motor Show

Georgia Gana Tuesday, January 24, 2017

A teaser image for the 2018 Subaru XV/ Crosstrek. | Subaru

Subaru has announced that the next-generation Crosstrek, known in Europe as the XV, will make its global debut at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show in March. To hype its arrival, the Japanese automaker has released a teaser image previewing the all-new crossover.

The all-new crossover is said to be based on the XV Concept that Subaru introduced at the Geneva Motor Show last year. As seen in the promotional image, the 2018 Subaru XV/ Crosstrek features a sportier design language, more pronounced character lines and body surfaces, larger taillights and new wheels. Subaru also revealed that the upcoming vehicle will feature a "personality packed exterior" and that it will feature Subaru's popular Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Other than that, no other official details were revealed.

Just like the first-generation XV/ Crosstrek, the updated version builds on the design of the Impreza hatchback. However, as a crossover, the vehicle gains a higher ride height and more rugged components for off-road adventures.

Subaru has not confirmed powertrains for the all-new crossover but it is likely to get the same options as the current XV/ Crosstrek including the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) transmission but will be available with a six-speed manual transmission.

Given that Subaru's global platform has been designed with a focus on electrification, a hybrid variant of the 2018 XV/ Crosstrek is likely to be released at a later date.

The 2018 XV/ Crosstrek is also expected to feature the latest technologies including the newest version of the Subaru Starlink infotainment system and the comprehensive suite of EyeSight driver-assist technologies, which include pre-collision assist and lane departure warning.

The 2018 Subaru XV/ Crosstrek will be unveiled during a press conference on Subaru's booth on Tuesday, March 7, at 11 a.m. CET (5 a.m. EST) following a speech from Fuji Heavy Industries president and CEO Yasuyuki Yoshinaga.