This energy transition phase will bring more brands onto a bridge called hybrids. Until all the infrastructure required for full electric mobility has been figured out and is in place everywhere, the hybrids will continue to offer the best of both worlds.
The latest brand to come on-board is Subaru, with the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid. It is the brand’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle, and is built around Subaru’s Global Platform which can accommodate both hybrid and electric powertrains.
There’s nothing much to talk about the exterior design since there are not many changes compared to the outgoing model. However, there’s a new exterior color called Lagoon Blue Pearl, one of four available hues. The SUV is further distinguished by details such as blue headlight projector rings, Plug-In Hybrid badges on the front fenders and on the tailgate. Rounding off the looks are 18-inch machine finished black alloy wheels.
As we can see in the pictures, the interiors get blue accents and blue contrast stitching. Feature list includes 4.2-inch color MID, 8-inch Starlink infotainment system which supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, power meter for real-time power output and regeneration (display located above the center stack), and standard All-Weather Package which includes heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer and heated exterior mirrors.
Options list includes voice activated navigation by TomTom, power moonroof, heated steering wheel, and 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. All are bundled in a package of $2,500.
The Subaru Starlink Connected Services include Remote Climate Control and Remote Battery Charging Timer. The vehicle’s climate control can function without starting the engine, so it can warm up or cool down even when in the garage. The Remote Battery Charging Timer allows the user to manage the vehicle’s charging schedule and monitor its status. The Hybrid comes with a 10-year complimentary subscription to Subaru Starlink Safety and Security Plus package, which includes SOS emergency assistance and automatic collision notification.
The 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid comes standard with a suite of driver-assist and safety features. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Lane Keep Assist. Also included are 7 airbags and Reverse Automatic Braking which apply brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing.
Powertrain
Which brings us to the business end of the story. The 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-litre (1,995 cc) 4-cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer engine, developing 137 hp at 5,600 rpm and 134 lb-ft (182 Nm) of torque at 4,400 rpm.
There are two electric motors. The MG1 is mainly the starter motor and generator for the gasoline engine. The MG2 is capable of driving the vehicle on electric power alone with its 118 hp between 1,500-6,000 rpm and 149 lb-ft (202 Nm) of torque between 0-1,500 rpm. The total system output is 148 hp.
The 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery located underneath the cargo area offers an all-electric range of 17 miles or about 27 km. Subaru claims a full range of 480 miles (772 km) when using both gas and electric power.
Transmission is a CVT, featuring X-MODE and Hill Descent Control for enhanced performance in low-friction and off-road conditions. Power is sent to all four wheels via an electronic coupling multiplate transfer clutch.
Priced at $34,995 plus $975 for destination and delivery.
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