2014 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

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A green, fuel-efficient, go-anywhere ride

In 2013, Subaru unveiled the brand’s first-ever production hybrid vehicle: the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid. When the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid went on sale, it was the most fuel-efficient and lowest-emissions AWD hybrid crossover in North America.

In developing its first-ever hybrid, Subaru chose one of its popular, go-anywhere crossover vehicle platforms. As a result, the 2104 XV Crosstrek Hybrid offered all the capability and versatility of the gasoline XV Crosstrek. The added benefits of a hybrid powertrain, including higher fuel efficiency, broadened the vehicle’s appeal. Key to this approach lay in the XV Crosstrek Hybrid sharing the gasoline model’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and chassis capability.

With the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru re-engineered the chassis to handle the added weight of the battery system, improving handling, steering and ride. In addition to chassis changes, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid added extra sound insulation, a start/stop feature, revised HVAC, new gauge cluster, keyless start and numerous other changes. 

The Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid combined a 2.0-liter Subaru BOXER engine with a 13.4-hp electric motor that’s integrated into the Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A 100v, 0.6kWh nickel-metal hydride battery is located under a revised rear floor area, and the engine uses and integrated starter/generator for the automatic start/stop feature. The compact hybrid system weighs just 209 pounds and places the electric motor just behind the transmission and in front of continuously variable transfer clutch. With the addition of all these features, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid weighs approximately 300 pounds more than the gasoline engine XV Crosstrek. 

Under light acceleration, the Subaru-engineered hybrid system uses the electric motor for initial vehicle acceleration and then starts the gasoline engine once underway. The electric motor can also provide motor assist for acceleration in parallel with the gasoline engine, and an EV mode will operate the vehicle in certain low-speed situations. 

Same Capability and Utility as Gas Model
Significantly, the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid built on the utility and versatility of the gas model, while offering enhanced handling responses and quieter driving performance. 

The Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical AWD provides the same operation and benefits as in the gasoline model. The system sends power to the four wheels all the time and adjusts the torque distribution in response to acceleration, cornering and road conditions. Passenger cabin room in the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid is also essentially the same as in the gas model. 

Subaru retuned the platform’s suspension and revised the steering ratio to give the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid sharper handling responses. Numerous enhancements that help to reduce noise include thicker floor sections, under-floor covers and additional sound insulation. 

Sophisticated Appearance
In addition to the different wheels, exterior enhancements readily differentiate the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid from the 2014 gasoline model. “Hybrid” badges appear at the front edges of the front doors and on the tailgate. A Plasma Green Pearl exterior colour, exclusive to the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, spotlights the vehicle’s environmental character. 

Inside, the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid features a clean, cool blue theme with silver trim to underscore the advanced hybrid engineering. The instrument cluster, exclusive to this model, uses gradations of the blue colour scheme to provide a sense of depth. 

The Colour Multi-Function Display shows the hybrid system’s energy flow according to driving conditions. Using switching screens, the display was designed to combine driving operation information with entertainment content, and its screen can be easily viewed from any seat. 

– Subaru Media Centre

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