Japanese company Subaru revealed its first plug-in hybrid for the US market, which is based on the Crosstrek model. Under that name there is a crossover XV, which is essentially a “lifted” version of the Impreza hatchback. The hybrid modification had the previous generation of Subaru Crosstrek, but it was a traditional hybrid.
The hybrid drive system includes the familiar combination of the company – a two-liter engine, a Lineartronic and a symmetrical four-wheel drive system, complemented by two electric motors. One of them acts as a starter but can also charge the battery from the engine. The second, with 118 hp, drives the wheels in hybrid and pure electric mode of movement. It also recharges the battery when it stops in recuperation mode.
For the hybrid, the two-liter engine is slightly deflected – the power is reduced from 152 hp to 137 hp. In addition, a new braking system has been developed that automatically distributes the braking force between the service braking mechanisms and the electric motor operating in the generator mode.
The 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery is located under the luggage compartment floor, which reduces its volume from 588 to 450 liters. the car car drive only 27 km on electric. By the way, the Toyota Prius Prime range with the same battery capacity is 40 km.
In full electric mode, the Crosstrek Hybrid can develop up to 104 km/h. Despite the increase in weight by 258 kg, the electric add-on makes the hybrid more dynamic than the similar crossover with a clean gasoline engine – from a speed of up to 100 km/h accelerates a second faster than it.
The external differences between the hybrid and the “ordinary” model are not many, but there are. Blue rings are fitted in the headlights and metal inserts appear on the radiator grille and on the bumpers. The interior has a new leather trim in contrasting shades (gray and dark blue) with blue stitches as well as blue inserts on the dashboard and the doors. In addition, the hybrid received an electromechanical handbrake with a button while the conventional crossover still has a traditional handbrake lever.
The official premiere of the new modification will be at the Los Angeles Motor Show. The US Crosstrek Hybrid will be sold at the end of the year for 34,995 USD. The analogue crossover with a traditional 2-liter gasoline engine and CVT costs 22,795 USD. The model is being assembled at Subaru’s factory in Indiana.
