• Howick and Pakuranga Times
 

WHEELY COOL: XV’s sporty presence is underlined by its unique 17-inch alloy wheel design, shared across the range.

Subaru’s ‘crossover’ all-wheel drive XV is the latest addition to Subaru’s recreational range.

A new third-generation four-cylinder 2.0 litre FB horizontally-opposed Boxer engine promises to deliver frugal fuel economy and low emissions.

There’s the choice of a new Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), or a short-shift six-speed manual gearbox.

The combination of low centre of gravity and high ride height provides capable handling.

High level safety continues to be standard on Subaru – all XVs have a five star rating for occupant safety from the respected Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). Every model has seven airbags, including a driver’s knee SRS airbag, plus reversing camera.

XV is priced from $38,990 for the XV 2.0i manual up to the $46,990 range topping XV 2.0i-S.

Strong start to year

Motor Trade Association (MTA) says the new vehicle market started 2012 on a high, due mainly to the strongest passenger car sales for a single month since January 2008.

Figures just released by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) show that last month, 8,681 new vehicles were sold compared to 6,476 in December 2011, an increase of 2,205 units (34 percent).

Compared to January 2011, overall new vehicle sales were up by 1,158 units (15 percent).

The strong start to the year was led by new passenger car sales of 7,499 units which was up by a massive 2,173 units (41 percent) compared to December 2011.

Toyota continued where it left off in 2011, easily leading the sales race for passenger cars; its 1,740 sales gave it top spot and a 23 percent share of the market.

Once again Toyota Corolla led the way in terms of individual model sales with 828 units, followed by Suzuki Swift with 382 units and Hyundai i30 with 312 units. Toyota Hiace was the leading commercial vehicle with sales of 132 units.