2023 Subaru Crosstrek is Sporty-ish. Here’s Why

There are many reasons to buy a Crosstrek, not the least it being a practical hatch/wagon design, wrapped around a spacious-ish interior. Crosstrek replaces the XV of the previous generation, but keeps all the cool stuff that makes a Subaru, a Subaru. Gay cars come in many forms, but is the Crosstrek going to come up to the standards gay buyers expect?

The exterior:

The metalwork is a trifle more svelte than its chubby-cheeked forbear. LED lights up front come standard on all but the lowest of the low, and who wants that one anyway? Crosstrek has inherited the somewhat polarising plakky wheel arch moldings from WRX, but that’s about the only likeness the sedan and wagon share. Crosstrek has an extra 85mm of ground clearance, but you won’t be going far off-road. Crosstrek is a city lad that likes a spot of water sports on the weekend. He isn’t climbing a 45^o slope for anything but a gin and tonic at the other end, and there are far butcher cars for that anyway. The Crosstrek is more like something that will have a couple of skis bolted to the roof for a weekend in the Snowies.

The roof will take a lightweight load, and who doesn’t like a light load?

Crosstrek is not exactly handsome. It won’t stick out in a car park, and perhaps that is its strength. Like the Impresa and WRX, Subaru Crosstrek won’t offend anyone with outlandish slashes, over-designed front ends, and bums like baby elephants.

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ABOVE: 2023 Subaru Crosstrek

The Interior:

The cabin is snug and cosy.

The back seaters will want to be very good friends indeed. There is not an excess of space, but what is there, is comfortable. Bizarrely, there are floor level vents, but only for heating. A country like Australia’s eye-singeing summers are a place where cold air vents should be legislated, and their omission punishable by death.

Pews up front are a little more convivial.

Weirdly, the only USBs are in the back seat. The front has a Qi charger instead, but if like me you have a spotty level of success with wireless charging, you’ll nab one of the rear sockets. I run a cable around and up into the cup-holders for emergencies. Wireless CarPlay will have your phone battery down faster a G and T at cocktail time.

The old Subaru infotainment system took a bit of getting used to whereas the new one is like a smartphone on steroids. You swipe your way into audio bliss, with the same motion gaining access to every other setting you could ever want. Menus are simple to follow, but I cannot understand why the off-roading “X-mode” is in a menu and not with the S/I drive mode buttons on the steering wheel. It is almost as if no one ever expects the X-Mode to be used.

The hybrids get nicer sound systems, but the extra cash is not worth the alleged savings in fuel.

The Drive:

Like the previous generation, Crosstrek is all about getting to places a lesser mortal might have to avoid. This is where we get to Subaru’s super-power, its AWD system. The 115kw boxer engine and CVT automatic feel leisurely, but the 4-paw grip afforded the little SUV more respect than that to which it would otherwise be entitled. CVT automatics are awful, but the 8-ratio paddles imitate a regular transmission and go somewhat to making up for the rubber-band-like feeling otherwise.

Crosstrek rarely puts a foot wrong, and is as competent in the snow as it is in the sand. Gravel paths and muddy tracks tempt you to be more adventurous than is probably wise, and you’ll eventually come undone, mark my words.

Subaru has made the ride and handling a clever balance of the capable and the comfortable. The cabin is quiet too, especially around town. Shopping centres can be the worst nightmare of some, but the petite proportions and be secreted into the tightest of spots. There is an accommodating 291L worth of luggage space, and the petrol versions manage to fit a sensible spare tyre under the floor, prepared for life’s little whoopsies.

There is something deliciously familiar about the comforting vibrations from the flat four. I learnt to drive in a Scube, albeit a far less salubrious one. Our little 1974 1400DL was FWD and had a completely inadequate 4-speed manual. The princely 59kw flat four’s performance was perfect for a learner with 2-up, but a bit rubbish for a family of four. That car remained in the family for decades before finally going to God, but was a fun drive right to the end.

Crosstrek is stable at any speed, it is just that it won’t set any land speed records. I took a shine to the previous model but was worried the new Crosstrek would not gird my loins. I need not have worried, although the fuel economy was around 9.8L/100k despite the lightest feet.

Our scenic trip through the rural surrounds of Sydney’s northern outskirts was one a gay couple might take their dogs on. People with dogs insist on taking animals everywhere with them, and there is certainly sufficient room for the mutts in the back, to the chagrin of some. Personally, I cannot stand a car smelling like farm yard covered in animal dander.

We enjoyed throwing the pint-sized SUV into corners, becoming ever-more enthusiastic as we went. Crosstrek is surprisingly sporty given the chance. As it spreads its wings, the rewards have drivers thinking they’re a demented cross between Lewis Hamilton and Neil Armstong.

Most controls were easy to work, but the cruise control seemed to have a mind of its own.

We can’t sign off without mentioning Subaru’s Eyesight safety systems. It offers a suite of driver and safety aids putting it on a par the best that any reasonably-priced brand has on hand.

Specifications sheet HERE: All-new Subaru Crosstrek Specs-6f85180605c8445894514f7367ce366f

Conclusion:

The price range, from $34,990 for the base petrol Crosstrek, to $45,090 for the range-topping hybrid, is a relatively small one. Considering the 5-year warranty, and fairly mean 12-month road-side assistance, Crosstrek would feel the pressure from the opposition, particularly the Koreans.

Nonetheless, Crosstrek’s rugged construction and clever technology make Crosstrek worthy of your shopping list.

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