The final production version of Subaru’s new XV – the company’s first foray into the compact crossover market – follows the design concept first shown at the Shanghai show in April. As usual, it will be underpinned by Subaru’s symmetrical All-wheel drive and advanced Subaru dynamic chassis control concept.

Created around the concept of “urban adventure”, the XV will be available for the Euro market with 1,6- or 2,0-litre petrol engine, or a 2,0-litre diesel. The vehicle has been specifically engineered for easy access to the spacious interior, which has plenty of stowage areas. It’s the first time in 21 years that Subaru has developed a new, environmentally friendly (yet still horizontally opposed) FB-designated engine to replace the EJ power-unit currently used across all Subaru vehicle lines. Its performance characteristics are more focused on torque in the low- and mid-speed ranges.

Concurrently, a new lightweight, compact Lineartronic CVT has been developed for the XV. Six-speed and five-speed manual transmissions are also available.

Safety is a key focus area. Integrating the partition windows into the front doors and positioning the door mirrors on the door panels has helped create what Subaru says is class-leading forward visibility and reduction of blind spots. Driver and passenger’s airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags and driver’s knee airbag are installed as standard in all models, as is uprated VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) and brake assist.

Alongside the XV at Frankfurt was an “enhanced model” of the BRZ, which is a significant departure from Subaru’s recent all-wheel-drive history. The front-engine rear-drive sports car is being jointly developed with Toyota, with production scheduled for 2012. At Frankfurt, the BRZ Prologue showcased Subaru technology, built around the horizontally opposed Boxer engine configuration. The production BRZ will feature an exclusively developed all-new 2,0 litre direct injection boxer engine.