Geneva 2017: Next-generation Subaru Crosstrek Stands Tall, Blends In

Unveiled in Geneva today, Subaru’s Crosstrek undergoes a top-down revamp for 2018, bringing the compact, lifted five-door in line with its Impreza stablemate.

Called the XV overseas, the Crosstrek soldiered on with its old bodystyle and platform in 2017, even after the model it shares its body and mechanics with went in for a makeover. With new skin, bones, and a thoroughly reworked powerplant, the model no longer has to live in the new Impreza’s shadow.

The biggest news for 2018, besides the updated looks, is the Subaru Global Platform borrowed from its compact sibling. Like with the 2017 Impreza, the new modular platform has increased the vehicle’s torsional rigidity by at least 70 percent. Less vibration and noise is Subaru’s goal.

While the new Crosstrek maintains the body cladding and 8.7 inches of ground clearance found on its predecessor, structural improvements aim for improved handling. Rear stabilizer bars are now mounted to the body, reducing body roll by 50 percent. The steering gear ratio drops from 14:1 to 13:1, aiding responsiveness.

Another form of comfort benefits from the new platform: piece of mind. Because of the increased stiffness and boosted use of high-tensile steel plates, impact energy absorption has increased by 40 percent.

Clearly, Subaru wasn’t waiting to spring brand-new all-wheel-drive advancements on the model, but it does gain a couple of extra features. The Crosstrek now offers improved bad-road performance and traction thanks to the availability of X-Mode, which optimizes the functioning of the engine, drive wheels and brakes to keep the journey under control. When shortcuts beckon, Hill Descent Control is on tap to keep momentum down.

The 2017 Crosstrek we tested recently felt low on power, and winter weather made it extra thirsty. For 2018, the automaker claims that 80 percent of the model’s 2.0-liter flat-four engine is revamped, reducing the unit’s weight by 26 pounds and improving fuel economy (though we don’t know by how much). While torque, regrettably, remains the same at 145 lb-ft, horsepower rises by six horses to 154 hp. Subaru also claims improvements to the Lineartronic continuously variable transmission.

Inside, a restyled dash, breathable fabric seats and an eight-inch infotainment screen await. The new model’s longer wheelbase means rear-seat passengers will gain extra legroom, though rear cargo space hasn’t improved.

Subaru plans to release more details on the U.S.-spec version of the Crosstrek at next month’s New York Auto Show.

[Images: Subaru]