Power delivery

It has been a long time coming, but finally Subaru has added a spot of hybrid drive to its line-up. Meet the XV e-Boxer Hybrid. But how does it stack up?

The XV is already a great soft to medium off-road practical package, but now thanks to Subaru’s e-Boxer Hybrid setup, you can throw in economy, too.

The 2.0 four-cylinder boxer engine produces 110kW and the addition of a 12.3kW battery pack. Like most hybrids, it is self-charging and regenerates energy when braking.

Subaru’s SLT gearbox perform really well and, with the hybrid package, achieves a claimed 6.5L/100km.

Inside sits a 6.5-inch infotainment display, which could be a tad bigger to be honest.

However, you do get niceties like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Digital Radio, and Bluetooth.

Your surroundings are also quite cushy and comfortable. Subaru’s Eyesight driver safety system is also in attendance.

Power delivery from the e-Boxer is very smooth and you feel quite planted at speed, especially in corners. Activate Subaru’s X-Mode and you are climbing every mountain and fording every stream (within reason).

At $42,490, the Hybrid is $5000 more than the petrol XV Sport.

However, the combination of frugal economy and fine handling characteristics makes this long overdue addition to Subaru’s family very welcome.