The Subaru Crosstrek is much more capable than its rivals when stopping on-road and starting off-road – and it looks the part

CROSSTREK. It’s a much better name than XV.

Now it comes with the rest of the Subaru package: Outback, Forester and Solterra.

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In its third generation, this newly named but very familiar compact crossover is a redesigned XV that is tasked with pushing the stalwart Japanese brand back into the sales charts.

But although it’s the cheapest car Subaru makes, starting at £34k, it’s not what you’d call cheap.

Tried and tested rivals including the Hyundai Kona, Skoda Kamiq and Mazda CX-30 have all shaved £10k off.

And then there’s the Dacia Duster, of course, which starts at £17,000.

So it’s fair to say the work is difficult.

But unlike cheaper rivals, the Crosstrek comes fully loaded and is much more capable when on-road stops and off-road begins.

Permanent all-wheel drive and Subaru’s X-Mode all-terrain system are standard.

Now, while most school running moms and dads don’t need these gubbins, Subaru drivers love the rough stuff.

Traditional charms

And that’s exactly why they buy them. Time after time.

Plus, they cost a lot less than a Land Rover.

The Crosstrek looks the part, with raised suspension providing 220mm of ground clearance, contrasting black wheel arch cladding and a set of serious roof rails that you can tie a canoe to.

The cabin is of the traditional and reliable type, with analogue speedometer and rev dials, tough plastics with leather at the touch points and a touch of piano black trim here and there.

Obvious buttons and knobs appear right where you’d expect to find them too, and there’s a choice of new USB-C ports and old USB 2 ports for your chargeables, plus an AUX input for any tech you might still have that’s compatible therefore .

I haven’t seen one of these on a new car in a long time.

An almost Volvo-style vertical touchscreen dominates the center of the dashboard that’s compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but let down by outdated graphics and a clunky operating system.

Driving the Crosstrek is a better experience than the previous XV model, thanks to a reinforced chassis and revised steering responsiveness.

You also won’t waste time thinking about which powertrain to choose.

There is only one.

And that’s a 2-litre petrol hybrid automatic with a humble 136 hp and 182 Nm of torque.

The top-end Touring trim adds 19-inch diamond alloys, an electric sunroof and leather seats for an extra £2k.

It’s not the golden ticket Subaru needs to suddenly increase sales.

But the now-prettier baby Subie’s traditional charms will likely appeal to those looking for remarkable capability and dependable reliability from a badge they know, rather than a futuristic-looking gamble from a badge they don’t.