The Subaru Crosstrek GT just hits the spot

With its raised ground clearance and aggressive-looking wheel arches, the vehicle flaunts a sleeker and bolder profile, perfect for off-roading. —CONTRIBUTED

The Subaru Crosstrek is practically known for its functionality and off-road capabilities.

Here in the country, formerly known as the XV before its rebadging back during its launch in 2023, this compact crossover has definitely one-upped its predecessor in more ways than one.

In fact, we got to acquiant with it recently as we took the Subaru Crosstrek i-L GT for a spin.

Interior cabin is roomy and comfortable, not to mention exuding a sporty appeal with its red stitching and embossed GT line logos. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

At the onset, although draped with plastics all over, this vehicle still flaunts a sleeker and bolder profile. With its raised ground clearance and aggressive-looking wheel arches, it’s perfect for off-roading.

At the front, it dons a signature hexagonal grille paired by flashy headlights with LED accents. Roof rails come standard, adding more functionality for carrying outdoor gear. This panache spills over at the back, all the more exuding its strong and rugged personality, which adheres to the upgraded Subaru Global Platform.

The engine is powered by a four-cylinder engine, which produces 154 hp at 6000 rpm and 196 N-m of torque at 4000 rpm.

Inside, it offers a comfortable and functional cabin with ample room for passengers and cargo. For the GT Line, the interior design features gray-colored cockpit. Sporty leather seats lathered with a bit of red accents. It can accommodate 291 of trunk space with all seats up. Folded down, space can fill up to as much as 1,278 liters.

With embossed GT logo, leather seats paired with red stitchings further boost its sporty and dynamic character.

11.6-inch infotainment display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity is complemented by a number of superb creature comforts.

The Crosstrek is equipped with a range of technology features for entertainment and comfort. For one, it has a 11.6-inch infotainment display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Alongside this, the vehicle offers dual-zone automatic climate control, power-folding wing mirrors, keyless entry, USB charging ports and push-button start.

What I’m more fascinated about is what goes on under its hood. It’s powered by a four-cylinder engine, which produces 154 hp at 6000 rpm and 196 N-m of torque at 4000 rpm. This engine is mated to a lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an eight-speed sport mode and paddle shifters.

It doesn’t look much on paper, but since the engine goes hand in hand with Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel drive system, traction and stability are boosted wherever the Crosstrek goes. In short, it’s pure driving bliss.

This top-spec variant is priced at P2,088,000. Some may say it’s a little bit pricey, but for me, with all its features, including its safety and impeccable engineering, it definitely just hits the spot.