Subaru CUV Concept Breaks Cover in Shanghai

Fuji Heavy Industries takes a stab at defining the direction of a next-gen cross/utility vehicle with the Subaru XV concept unveiled at the Shanghai auto show.

The Japanese auto maker isn’t saying, but it’s not hard to envision the XV, similar in size to the Forester, as a future replacement for that model or an addition to the Subaru lineup.

Fuji calls the styling theme “Protren,” a word it created to convey the driving concepts of “professional tool” and “trendy design.” The XV was engineered to “blend the crossover commanding silhouette with a fashionable image in a single, modern package,” the auto maker says.

The front end houses Subaru’s signature hexagon grille flanked by “hawk-eye” headlamps. The hexagonal theme is carried to the rear treatment as well.

Inside is a multifunction touch-screen for controlling navigation, audio and vehicle information systems. Also packaged in the XV is Subaru’s “EyeSight” safety technology that uses a liquid-crystal display to provide the driver with images captured by the system’s stereo cameras.

Power comes from a 2.0L DOHC 4-cyl. boxer engine, which is mated to a continuously variable transmission.

The XV measures 175.2 ins. (445.0 cm) in overall length and is 70.9 (180.0 cm) wide and can seat five.

XV features Subaru signature grille and “Protren” design theme.