Subaru Southern Africa will be introducing the new Crosstrek locally, replacing the XV as the manufacture’s offering in the compact crossover segment beneath the bigger Forester and flagship Outback.
What’s new?
The underpinnings are basically the same as in the XV, with a revised platform, re-engineered suspension, the same drive train and all the new tech similar to that found in the bigger Subaru SUVs.
Exterior:
With looks that resemble that of the Outlook, the new Crosstrek boasts a new hexagonal 3D grille, flanked by sharper headlight clusters and bulging wheel arches.
Compared to the outgoing model, the Crosstrek features larger wheel arch cladding and rocker panels all around the vehicle. From the rear, the contours of the C-shaped taillight clusters are more pronounced.
Interior:
The Crosstrek carries forward Subaru’s latest interior design and operation architecture previously seen on the new Subaru Outback and Subaru WRX models in South Africa.
Crosstrek features the latest driver’s multi-function display and steering wheel as well as a new 11.6-inch central display. The flagship Crosstrek iS features the portrait layout larger HD display with the latest Subaru infotainment architecture.
The infotainment system also operates the vehicle settings such as EyeSight Driver Assistance features and X-Mode settings to name a few.
The iS is fitted with Subaru leather seats with 8-way adjustable power operation, and the base iL is fitted with fabric seats.
Both models in the Crosstrek range feature remote keyless access, dual zone climate control, a new tyre pressure monitoring system and steering responsive LED headlights with Auto High Beam function.
New tech:
The innovative Driver Monitoring System from its bigger stable mates is also included in the new Crosstrek.
It uses an infra-red LED and a camera to assist with keeping an eye on driver fatigue, drowsiness or a lack of focus. The second function is to use facial recognition software to store and configure up to five individual driver profiles.
The Crosstrek is fitted with the latest and fastest version of the EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. EyeSight® operates like another set of eyes on the road, highlighted by a stereo camera set-up with a forward wide view ahead of the vehicle. The system features Pre-Collision Braking for emergencies, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Centering and Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with traffic crawling ability, traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed limiter.
Drive train:
Powering the Crosstrek is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled BOXER® engine that produces 115 kW and 196 Nm torque. This engine is coupled to a quieter, more efficient Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) through eight pre-set ratios.
Subaru’s Driver-selectable X-MODE off-road management system is available on both Crosstrek variants. The system settings are selectable from the new infotainment screen and pre-configured modes for SNOW/DIRT; DEEP SNOW and MUD assist when surfaces are slippery or particularly steep, managing the amount of torque, braking and wheel spin at each wheel.
Price:
Crosstrek iL (R579 000) and the flagship Crosstrek iS (R669 000).
The South African motor industry has lost one of its longstanding business figures following the passing of Jebb McIntosh, the group chief executive of Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), on Monday, 2 November 2026.
“South Africa’s automotive industry has been AGOA’s largest user, but for the sector the preference has already been largely overridden by the 25% Section 232 tariffs applied on vehicles and components. Losing AGOA adds a further cost to an industry that has already absorbed a significant shock.”
Foton has started building vehicles in South Africa, and the first overseas vehicle manufacturing base of BAIC Group is now in Gqeberha.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
MG Motor South Africa used its MG Tech Day and Premium SUV Family launch event to show what is coming to its SUV range. The brand was founded in Britain in 1924, and in 1931 its EX120 ‘Magic Midget’ became the first 750 cc car to exceed 160 km/h.
Tata Motors has expanded its local SUV portfolio with the launch of the all-new Punch. Available in three derivatives, the compact SUV introduces refreshed styling, upgraded technology and six airbags as standard across the range, while also becoming the first Punch sold locally with a turbocharged engine option.
Isuzu Motors South Africa has introduced its all-new seventh-generation N-Series truck range, representing the most comprehensive update to the company's light and medium-duty commercial vehicle line-up in years.
