Subaru has launched the Crosstrek crossover in the UK, succeeding the outgoing XV.

The Crosstrek is aimed at buyers looking for a rugged family car with all-wheel drive as standard

Priced from £34,290 and available in Limited and Touring trim levels, it’s aimed at buyers looking for a rugged family car with all-wheel drive as standard.

Subaru says it’s designed around “the concept of utility and sportiness that lends itself to an active lifestyle” and the Crosstrek delivers a “class-leading” 220mm of ground clearance while also providing a “comfortably low step-in height”.

Power comes from the brand’s e-Boxer engine, producing 136hp and 182Nm of torque, and married up with a CVT transmission. Touring trim models also feature a manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission via eight pre-set ratios. The 0-62mph time stands at 10.8 seconds and top speed is 123mph.

Standard across the range Subaru’s latest all-wheel drive system, which delivers a faster response time, more agile handling and better control, both on- and off-road. Driver-selectable X-Mode with Hill Descent Control maximises wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines. Touring variants upgrade to dual-function X-Mode for increased capability in a wider range of conditions.

All models feature Incline Start Assist, which briefly holds the vehicle while the driver pulls away from a stop on a hill, along with Subaru Intelligent Drive with two selectable drive modes, Intelligent and Sport.

It’s built on the Subaru Global Platform, enhanced with a 10% stiffer chassis for improved dynamic performance and ride quality. Boot space stands at 315 litres seats up, or 922 litres with the 60:40 folding rear seatbacks down. All models also come with raised roof rails.

The exterior debuts a new frameless hexagonal grille, compact headlights, a more sculptural body, and a broad-shouldered stance. It also features black wheel arch cladding and rocker panels. Limited models come with 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded to 18 inchers in an alternative design for Touring models.

Onboard equipment includes a 11.6-inch touchscreen as standard with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity, and a rear vision camera.

Standard on all Crosstrek models is Subaru’s latest EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which features a wider field of view and updated control software, enabling it to identify bicycles and pedestrians at junctions sooner and, when necessary, alert the driver and apply braking.

Also standard are automatic emergency steering, blind spot detection, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, plus a driver monitoring system that alerts the driver to any unusual and potentially dangerous activity whilst behind the wheel.

Order books for the Crosstrek are open now.