The Subaru XV Hybrid will become the Japanese brand’s first petrol-electric production model when it debuts at next week’s 2013 New York auto show.
Subaru says the XV Hybrid will become the most fuel-efficient and lowest-emitting AWD hybrid crossover in America when it launches in the second half of this year.
While details are scarce at this stage, the Subaru XV Hybrid will team a four-cylinder Boxer engine with an electric motor and a battery pack – a combination that promises to improve markedly on the non-hybrid XV’s 7.0 litres per 100km fuel consumption and 162g/km CO2 ratings.
The Subaru XV Hybrid is visually similar to the standard model, differentiated by ‘Hybrid’ badges behind the front wheel arches, clear-lens tail-lights, unique silver and black alloy wheels, and a striking lime green paint colour.
The Hybrid variant retains the standard XV’s 220mm ground clearance, living up to its marketing slogan, “Built to get dirty, not be dirty”.
It won’t be getting dirty on our shores, however, with Subaru Australia’s David Rowley confirming the XV Hybrid has been designed for the North American market and will be built exclusively in left-hand drive.
Subaru confirmed the XV Hybrid would be joined on the stand in New York by a “performance concept car”, but revealed no other details of the top-secret sports model.
More details will be revealed when the 2013 New York motor show kicks off on March 27.
