The manufacturer Subaru had already announced its intention to market a plug-in hybrid version of its popular Crosstrek. Although the model is only expected before the end of 2019 at home as a 2020 model, Subaru is already revealing some details about the most environmentally friendly model of its upcoming range. Americans will get a 2019 model, them!Subaru says in its statement that the crossover can run in hybrid mode, so with the gasoline engine and electric motor working together to reduce the gas bill, but can also run in electric mode a short distance. Subaru Canada does not announce a distance for the electric mode, but the American division does it. In our neighbors south of the border, the Crosstrek PHEV will be able to drive a distance of 27 km based solely on its electric motor.
The 4-cylinder flatbed 2.0-liter engine is obviously part of the formula, it is connected to a CVT box exclusive to this model and two electric motors, one that serves as a starter and generator for the lithium-ion battery pack, and the other, booster engine to propel the vehicle into electric or hybrid mode.Once again, the Canadian division is not announcing theoretical autonomy, but Subaru USA is talking about a possible distance of 480 miles (or 772 km), when the vehicle exhausts all energy resources. The Crosstrek plug-in hybrid also retains the brand’s all-wheel-drive system, a facet that is not necessarily present in other vehicles with a charging cable.
On the outside, the Crosstrek “PHEV” is distinguished from the regular liveries by this chrome part in the front, its exclusive rims and the badges affixed to the trunk. Oh yes, the extra hatch for the cable is another indication of the “green” vocation of the model.Let’s just hope that the career of this rechargeable Crosstrek hybrid will be longer than that of the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, which probably convinced consumers a few years ago.
Thinking of buying the 2018 Subaru Legacy? Here’s what you need to know
The mid-size sedan segment is buzzing despite the fact that consumers are much more interested in sport utility vehicles than cars for four years. Honda redesigned its Accord last year just like Toyota with the Camry and Mazda with the Mazda6.Ford has also revised its Fusion while a new generation of Altima will be introduced this year. Subaru could not afford not to review its Legacy even though the Outback and Forester are much more important to the Japanese manufacturer.
Unlike the major changes in the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, improvements to the 2018 Subaru Legacy are more subtle.If you’re looking for a mid-size sedan and you have the 2018 Subaru Legacy on your list, here’s what you need to know.
The 2018 Subaru Legacy offers all-wheel drive
The Subaru Legacy is the only model in its segment to offer AWD at no extra charge. In addition, its starting price of less than $ 25,000 is average for the niche. It’s true that with equal equipment, the Subaru Legacy will be a bit more expensive than its competition, especially in the entry-level models, but the advantage of the all-wheel drive is ample justification.
A four-wheel drive waterproof car cover is our best friend in the winter. We will never be caught in a snow bank and we will never have difficulty climbing a steep slope. If you still need to get to where you’re going, no matter how much weather it’s outside wherever you live in a place where roads are not always cleared in the winter, all-wheel drive really becomes useful.
AWD does not really affect gas mileage
If it had been true in the past that an all-wheel drive vehicle consumed much more than an equivalent traction model, it is less true in the case of the 2018 Legacy. After a month at the wheel, we obtained an average consumption of less than 8.0 liters per 100 kilometers in summer.
It’s reasonable, but it’s certainly more than a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Mazda6 or a Nissan Altima. Expect about $ 20 more per month if you travel 20,000 kilometers a year.
It’s a more comfortable car than efficient
We are talking about models equipped with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 175 horsepower. For starters, its power is less than most other entry-level engines in the segment and it feels on the road. The Legacy does not necessarily want to be pushed in the back and its CVT gearbox is pretty quiet. Road handling and agility are impressive, but accelerations and recoveries are not particularly dynamic.
The comfort is however interesting. The Legacy is quiet and the suspension is quite soft. As a car to get from point A to point B in comfort, she does the job very well.
The cabin is functional, but not necessarily impressive
The Honda Accord has a very modern interior that is obvious. This is also true in the case of the Toyota Camry. The Mazda6 surprises for its part with the quality of the finish and the refinement of the whole. In the case of the Subaru Legacy 2018, the new dashboard is more interesting and functional than in the past, and the ergonomics are beyond reproach. We find easily and easily all the orders we are looking for.However, for the wow effect, you will have to go back. It’s pretty bland in the Legacy. All this is a matter of taste, of course, but the fact remains that there is nothing that makes us say “wow” when we take place in the Legacy.
Conclusion
The Subaru Legacy 2018 has no flagrant flaws. That said, to really appreciate it, you have to understand and want the virtues of AWD. Otherwise, we end up with a comfortable intermediate sedan, certainly, but that does not really stand out from its competition.
