XV Concept AIMS for Melbourne

Following its prologue in China, Subaru will present its Impreza-sized XV Concept at next month's Australian International Motor Show
discount new cars  » Get the best price on a new Subaru

Australian International Motor Show
Fresh from its unveiling at the Shanghai Auto Show this April, the Subaru XV Concept will make its local debut at the Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) in Melbourne next month.

Australia will become only the second country to see the concept compact SUV, the car retaining Subaru's famed symmetrical all-wheel drive system, its rugged look said to point to a possible change in styling direction for the brand.

The front fascia sports a variation on the company's hexagonal 'family' grille and 'hawk eye' headlamps finished with a wider front apron and wheel arch flares in black.

The show car also features 19-inch allow wheels consisting of black rims, silver spokes and blue centre caps, a large, glass sunroof, and metallic, clear-finish roof rails.

Inside, XV Concept is upholstered in light-coloured leather with contrasting darker tones. The cabin's centrepiece a new touchscreen operated infotainment system with integrated trip computer.

Visually, the changes indicate that the high-riding hatch is likely to form the basis for the next-generation Impreza hatch, sources at the Shanghai show telling the Carsales Network the car is 90 per cent production-ready. The dimensions reveal XV Concept is marginally longer in length and wheelbase (+20mm) than the current Impreza, while also being a little wider (+30mm).

Motivation comes from Subaru's new 2.0-litre Boxer engine driving all four wheels via a 'Lineartronic' continuously variable transmission (CVT).

"We're delighted to showcase this newest Subaru concept and will be seeking feedback on our stand at the show to gauge the level of possible customer interest in such a car," said Subaru Australia's managing director, Nick Senior.

"It promises to be a totally new offering. The XV Concept was warmly received in Shanghai and based on the long-term success of Forester and Outback, we can see this type of vehicle could have huge potential in pursuing a new niche in Australia.

"XV Concept is fashionable, practical and underpinned by new generation Subaru technology and we're hopeful there will be a lot of interest."

AIMS will kick off in Melbourne on Friday, July 1.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site