The Subaru Crosstrek is vastly more capable than rivals when on-road stops and off-road starts – and it looks the part

CROSSTREK. That’s a much better name than XV.

It goes with the rest of the Subaru pack now: Outback, Forester and Solterra.

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In its third generation, this newly badged but largely familiar compact crossover is a redesigned XV that is tasked with pushing the stalwart Japanese brand back up the sales charts.

But while it is the cheapest car Subaru makes, starting at £34k, it is not what you would call cheap.

Tried and tested rivals including the Hyundai Kona, Skoda Kamiq and the Mazda CX-30 all undercut it by £10k.

And then there’s the Dacia Duster, of course, which starts at £17k.

So it is fair to say it has got its work cut out.

But unlike those cheaper rivals, Crosstrek comes fully loaded and is vastly more capable when the on-road stops and the off-road starts.

Permanent all-wheel drive and Subaru’s X-Mode all-terrain system are standard.

Now while most school run mums and dads have no need for such gubbins, Subaru drivers love the rough stuff.

Traditional charms

And that is exactly why they buy them. Time after time.

Plus they cost a lot less than a Land Rover.

Crosstrek looks the part, with jacked-up suspension giving it 220mm ground clearance, contrasting black wheel arch cladding and a set of serious roof rails you could strap a canoe to.

The cabin is the trusty old-school type with an analogue speedo and rev dials, hard-wearing plastics with leather on the touch points and a splash of piano black trim here and there.

Obvious knobs and buttons appear just where you would expect to find them too, and there is a choice of new USB-C and old USB 2 ports for your chargeables, plus an AUX input for whatever tech you may still have that is compatible with that.

Not seen one of those in a new car for a long time.

An almost Volvo-esque upright touchscreen dominates the centre of the dash that is wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible, but let down by dated graphics and a clunky operating system.

Driving the Crosstrek is a better experience than the outgoing XV model thanks to a stiffened chassis and revised steering responsiveness.

You won’t waste any time dithering over which powertrain to pick, either.

There is only one.

And that’s a 2-litre petrol hybrid automatic with a humble 136hp and 182Nm of torque.

The top Touring spec trim adds 19in diamond-turned alloys, an electric sunroof and leather seats for £2k extra.

It is not the golden ticket Subaru needs to suddenly rack up the sales.

But the now better-looking baby Subie’s traditional charms will likely appeal to those looking for remarkable capability and trusted dependability from a badge they know, over a futuristic-looking gamble from a badge they do not.