Subaru has built a better mousetrap in the 2018 Crosstrek.
If you liked the first-generation Crosstrek, first introduced in 2013, there is even more to like with its replacement.
This is the second generation of the popular compact crossover, formerly known as the XV Crosstrek. Like its predecessor, the Crosstrek is offered as a more rugged alternative to the five-door Impreza, and more compact in dimensions to the larger Outback.
Sizewise, the Crosstrek is larger than many subcompact SUV/crossovers, such as the Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trax and the Mazda CX-3, and smaller than Subaru鈥檚 own Forester or Outback.
The Crosstrek is squarely aimed at the outdoorsy crowd, with standard all-wheel drive, a generous 22 centimetres in ground clearance when you want to get off the beaten path and up to 1,565 litres in cargo capacity to carry all your sports gear.
The Crosstrek is offered in four trim levels 鈥� Convenience, Sport, Touring and Limited. I drove the top-of-the-line Limited model for this review.
Regardless of the trim, all Crosstreks come standard with full-time all-wheel drive. Most competitors offer two-wheel drive models as standard, with on-demand all-wheel drive as an option.
With an on-demand system, the vehicle operates in front-wheel drive the majority of the time, only reverting to AWD when the vehicle detects one or more wheels slipping.
The trusty 2.0-litre flat-four cylinder engine that powered last year鈥檚 vehicle remains under the hood, producing 152 horsepower, the most powerful among the above-named competitors.
Despite that, fuel consumption in the city (8.8 litres per 100 km) matches the HR-V and CX-3. It also shines on the highway with a 7.2-litre-per-100-kilometre rating, squeaking by both the Trax and CX-3.
The superior fuel economy is no doubt a result of using a continuously variable transmission. The good news is that Subaru has equipped the Crosstrek with steering-wheel paddle shifters and endowed the CVT with virtual gears. While they may never replace regular gears, the virtual ones can be fun when driving briskly.
Should people prefer exploring where no roads exist, a discreet X-Mode button optimizes the powertrain to a more sure-footed driving mode.
A six-speed manual transmission is available, but not on the Limited model.
The available brake-based active torque vectoring system is a welcome feature for those who like winding roads. The system applies braking to the inside wheel when cornering, transferring more power to the outside wheels, which in turn aids handling.
Add larger 18-inch wheels and 225/55R18 rubber (standard on the Limited) and quicker steering for 2018, and you get a more fun-to-drive car.
The 2018 Crosstrek鈥檚 wheelbase has been stretched by 30 millimetres, making it the longest in the group (it is now 110 mm longer than the Trax) and on par with even the larger Subaru Outback.
The benefits are immediate 鈥� the ride is more relaxed than before and rear adult passengers can stretch out more.
The cabin has undergone a metamorphosis as well, with a marked improvement in the design and quality of coverings. I thoroughly enjoyed all the new premium fittings, including a six-way power driver鈥檚 seat, leather surfaces with orange contrast stitching, a heated steering wheel, steerable headlights and an 8.0-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay/Android Auto infotainment centre.
The only option not on my tester was Subaru鈥檚 EyeSight driver assist package. The suite includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision throttle management and lane departure and sway warning with lane-keep assist.
But the newest feature this year is reverse automatic braking. The system automatically applies the brakes if it detects an object and judges that the chance of a collision is high (when a pedestrian or cyclist suddenly appears, for example).
This is on top of a back-up camera and audio and visual alarms that warn you as you back up and get closer to a stationary object.
The Crosstrek is also equipped with a rear/side detection system that warns you of oncoming side traffic you cannot see when backing out of a parking spot.
I appreciated the large blind-side warning lights found on the outside mirror frame, not integrated into the mirror itself. The lights made me aware of vehicles on either side of the vehicle on the highway.
For 2018, there is also a base version (no heated seats, no sunroof, a smaller 6.5-inch infotainment screen, etc.) starting at $23,695, easily undercutting the competition.
This is a mousetrap that any smart mouse would actually want to get into.
THE SPEC SHEET
Type: Compact SUV/ Crossover, front engine, all-wheel-drive
Engine: Horizontally-opposed four-cylinder, 2.0-litre, 152 hp at 6,000 r.p.m., 145 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 r.p.m.
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Dimensions (mm): Length, 4,465; width, 1,800; height, 1,615; wheelbase, 2,665
Curb weight (kg): 1,482
Price (base/as tested): $31,695/ $33,520 (includes $1,725 freight and PDI and $100 AC tax)
Options: Nil
Tires: 225/55R18 on alloy wheels
Fuel type: Regular
Fuel economy (L/100km): 8.8 city/ 7.2 highway
Warranty: Three years/60,000 km new car, five years/100,000 km powertrain and roadside assistance
