It’s hard not to be influenced by other
people, and when I mentioned to a couple of fellow motoring hacks that I was
taking delivery of the Subaru XV, they weren’t exactly complimentary. But
having driven the car for the last week, I really don’t think it’s as bad as
they were suggesting. Yes, the 2.0-litre 145bhp diesel engine is noisy in
comparison to other SUVs. Yes, the six-speed gearbox is a bit clunky and lacks
the well-engineered smoothness of rivals. No, the cabin isn’t as upmarket as
some in the class and the touch-screen nav system on my SE Lux Premium model is
as user-friendly and intuitive as a self-service supermarket check-out. But
with two-tone wheels and matching roofbars – as in the above picture, except my
car is satin white – it’s a smartly-styled machine. The XV is roomy inside,
there’s loads of practical storage space and while the ride gets a bit bouncy
on uneven roads, it’s a Subaru so that means full-time 4WD. It’s also got a
rarity value which I quite like; people don’t know what it is so stop and read
the boot badge. If you’re looking for a C-segment crossover and want something other
than the ubiquitous Nissan Qashqai, the XV isn’t without charm.
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