‘SUV of the Year’ by 4x4 Magazine: the Subaru XV

Subaru UK has announced in their latest press release that its compact crossover, the Subaru XV, has been named ‘SUV of the Year’ by 4x4 Magazine. Here are the details published on November 16, 2012 below:

Putting the XV through its paces, both on- and off-road, 4x4 Magazine crowned the XV its class winner in one of the hardest-fought categories in a special ‘4x4 of the Year’ issue.  The SUV market has expanded rapidly in recent years with the proliferation of compact crossovers, and 4x4 Magazine placed Subaru’s latest All-Wheel Drive model ahead of key rivals from Audi, Kia, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen.

The judging panel, comprised of members of the magazine’s editorial team, praised the XV’s ‘enjoyable’ and ‘involving’ drive, fuel economy and off-road ability.  Subaru’s industry-leading customer service package, Everything Taken Care of (ETCo), also helped tip the balance in the Subaru’s favour.

Commenting on the XV’s victory, Nigel Fryatt, Editor, 4x4 Magazine, said: “The SUV class in 4x4 Magazine’s 4x4 of the Year test is one of the most competitive.  The Subaru XV was an interesting new arrival in that class, which did much to impress judges.

The Subaru XV range starts at £21,295 on the road and is available with 1.6 petrol manual or CVT, 2.0 petrol manual or CVT and 2.0D manual options. One of the aspects that surely tipped the vote over to this vehicle was that all new Subaru models benefit from Subaru’s unique Everything Taken Care of (ETCo) aftercare package. Deemed the most comprehensive in the UK and with it being no additional cost, ETCo is worth up to £7,000.  Covering minor dent and scratch repairs, alloy wheel repairs, monthly wash, annual valet, lost keys replacement, service collection and delivery, annual wheel alignment check, first MOT cover, and winter wheel and tyre storage, this is one exceptional extra. And it also provides an accident management service and a contribution to insurance cover excess.  ETCo is offered in addition to Subaru’s three-year / 60,000-mile manufacturer warranty.

To find out more about the Subaru XV, visit their official website here,  and don't forget to pick up the latest 4x4 Magazine to read the full report.