Motor Image launches the facelifted 2016MY Subaru XV in Malaysia

(from left) Jun Yong, Emcee of the day; Andrew Lee, General Manager, Motor Image Malaysia; Reza Mutalib, Executive Director, TC Subaru Sdn Bhd; Monika Sta Maria, 2015 Asia's Next Top Model runner up and Subaru Brand Ambassador

Motor Image, the authorised distributor of Subaru in Malaysia launched the facelifted Subaru XV sometime around brunch time today (that's breakfast and lunch time to you folks out there).  The MY16 or model year 2016 Subaru XV features the following improvements that I've laid down below.

The exterior of the the all-new MY16 Subaru XV features a slightly different Subaru hexagon grille and C-shaped headlights. There is a new front bumper design with sharper contour lines running along the front bumper, fog-lights and tail-lights. It also has new rear combination tail lights and 17-inch sport rims which has almost the same pattern as the pre-facelift model but the spokes are now angled and there is now a gap between the spokes too - to those who do not know would think it is basically the same set of wheels...but it's not. Nope. Different. Slightly different.

The Subaru XV's interior has also been enhanced with a stylish premium meter cluster display (which greets you with the nice sweeping from one end to another upon start up), there is quality leather wrapping around the seats and leather shift boot. The interior accentuate finesse in the smallest parts such as the orange stitching finish and a redesigned steering wheel for a comfortable grip (it looks more like the top of the range Subaru Legacy steering wheel now) .    

Additionally, more user friendly equipment such as premium multi-function infotainment system unit is added, also push start and smart entry, as well as features such as aluminium pedals and electric driver seat (which is a welcome premium item for those who like motor driven luxuries) have been included. So yes, the XV now looks a bit more premium than before. 

To improve handling responses, Subaru engineers have made further adjustments to the chassis; making the new XV more nimble than ever. This one can only be proven with a test drive obviously. But the pre-facelift model was already very nimble and agile in the first place unlike some other small SUVs on the market.

Nice LED arrow built into the side mirrors

Subaru have also made further enhancements to reduce wind and road noise. The seal between the front and rear window glass and the weather strip has been improved while an insulator has been added inside the A and D pillars trim, the rear wheel arch and the roof trim. Better NVH is always a good thing.

The all-new MY16 Subaru XV is available in two variants – 2.0i and 2.0i-Premium – priced at RM121,000 and RM125,000 respectively (before GST, without insurance, registration fee and road tax). Customers will have six colour options to choose from – Pure White, Ice Silver Metallic, Desert Khaki, Tangerine Orange Pearl, Dark Grey Metallic and Obsidian Black Pearl.

I have to add that the Subaru XV is a good thing to have happened to Subaru in Malaysia. Prior to this they were moving tiny numbers of vehicles. About two hundred or so cars was the number prior to the XV. These days, over 95% of their sales volume is the Subaru XV (They sold almost 3,000 units last year). Local assembly and that reknowned Subaru build quality have made this car a success over here and from what I see, the facelift adds more value to the car at the same price as before. I'd buy it over most brands if I was looking for an compact SUV. Some of you may remember that I once ran an Impreza TS before so this isn't just empty words. 

Anyway, Subaru also launched their latest campaign for their vehicles - UnPark Your LIfe. Note the logo in the photo below. It isn't a U Turn, according to Subaru it is about being unafraid to take a bit of a detour in one's life to have a bit of fun and then continue with one's responsibilities. Even the push start button you see above (that orange button to the right of the steering wheel) has this new logo. Unparkyourlife.com if you're interested.

  

NEW XV vs .....

Older XV

PRESS RELEASE

All-New MY16 Subaru XV Now Available in Showrooms Nationwide

Kuala Lumpur, 20 January 2016 – Motor Image Malaysia, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, today launched the all-new MY16 Subaru XV offering improved aesthetics, enhanced features and an optimised powertrain to deliver a more enjoyable driving experience for its customers.

The all-new MY16 Subaru XV is available in two variants – 2.0i and 2.0i-Premium – priced at RM121,000 and RM125,000 respectively (before GST, without insurance, registration fee and road tax). Customers will have six colour options to choose from – Pure White, Ice Silver Metallic, Desert Khaki, Tangerine Orange Pearl, Dark Grey Metallic and Obsidian Black Pearl.

Drivers are increasingly seeking vehicles that are tech-savvy, safe and efficient yet versatile and stylish enough to complement their active lifestyles, which is driving a surge in the trend towards compact SUVs and crossovers globally.

Subaru is confident that with its refined exterior and interior, extra equipment, responsive and spirited performance, combined with the company’s build quality and design, the all-new MY16 Subaru XV will ensure optimum result and deliver enhanced value-for-money to customers.

Upgrades and New Equipment

On the outside, the all-new MY16 Subaru XV features Subaru’s unique hexagon grille and C-shaped headlights have been incorporated into the design of the vehicle, coupled with sharper contour lines running along the front bumper, fog-lights and tail-lights. A new rear combination lamp and 17-inch sport rims complete the sportier and sleeker exterior styling.

Interior aesthetics have also been enhanced with a stylish premium cluster display to greet the driver upon entering the car, alongside quality leather wrapping around the seats and leather shift boot. The interior accentuate finesse in the smallest parts such as the orange stitching finish and a redesigned steering wheel for a comfortable grip.    

Additionally, technologies such as premium multi-function display, push start and smart entry, as well as features such as aluminium pedals and electric driver seat have been included for maximised utility and an exhilarating driving experience.

To improve handling responses, Subaru engineers have made further adjustments to the chassis; making the new XV more nimble than ever.

Engineers have also made further enhancements to reduce wind and road noise. The seal between the front and rear window glass and the weather strip has been improved while an insulator has been added inside the A and D pillars trim, the rear wheel arch and the roof trim.

Uncompromised Performance and Safety

Under the hood, the all-new MY16 Subaru XV is powered by Subaru’s renowned 2.0-litre four-cylinder Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine which offers an enjoyable, responsive drive coupled with excellent fuel economy. Producing 150PS of horsepower and 196Nm of torque, the upgraded Subaru XV is able to achieve 7.9litre/100km. As at February 2015, global cumulative production of the highly successful Boxer engines stood at 15 million units.

The combination of Subaru’s All-Wheel-Drive system and the lower centre of gravity achieved from Subaru’s boxer engine allows the vehicle to safely manoeuvre across any terrain. 

Safety is the core of every Subaru vehicle. With Symmetrical AWD, combined with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, the Subaru XV’s handling remains nimble and smooth, regardless of the conditions of the road. Exceptional all-round safety instils confidence and security in drivers when they are behind the wheel of a Subaru vehicle.  

The all-new MY16 Subaru XV aims to build on the previous generation’s core values and further enhance the overall driving experience. This results in an energetic crossover vehicle that offers adventurous urban dwellers a fun-to-drive and stylish yet practical vehicle.

Since its debut, the Subaru XV has also won “Five Stars” in the various global automotive safety tests such as: Japan New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP), Euro NCAP, Australia NCAP and ASEAN NCAP, Top Safety Pick for Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the USA.

The all-new MY16 Subaru XV is available for booking at all Subaru showrooms nationwide.