Topic: First Drive: 2016 Subaru Crosstrek

[Autos_Editor]

Subaru's Crosstrek drops the 'XV' and gains a few tweaks for 2016.
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[quadzilla]

The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $24,995 for the base Touring model. It comes with five-speed manual transmission, heated front seats, back up camera and a 6.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with USB and Bluetooth streaming. Move up to the Sport Package ($26,995) and we get a sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear spoiler and HID headlights.

The $29,395 Limited adds leather, dual-zone climate control, aluminum pedals, powered foldable heated door mirrors with integrated turn signals and a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation.

I know why they do this but you shouldn't be forced to the top trim just to get dual-zone. I'd be more than happy with the Sport Package w/dual-zone.

[neil]

That blue is eyepopping.  It needs a #43 decal and I fully expect the king to slide out through the window.

[drive67]

When thinking of Subaru colors the blue with yellow from the rally days was sharp. Only having a 5 speed automatic seems out dated and being an adventure vehicle the light color interior does not make senses.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

When thinking of Subaru colors the blue with yellow from the rally days was sharp. Only having a 5 speed automatic seems out dated and being an adventure vehicle the light color interior does not make senses.

Five speed manual or CVT.

As most of these things, they won't be venturing much beyond the mall parking lot. The interior was a bit of a coal bin when it was all black.

[2JDM]

Definitely one of my most favourite vehicles for less than <$30k.

[JohnnyMac]

These things are everywhere here in Fredericton.  Subaru seems to be the new choice for anyone who works on campus or at the hospital.

My question is when will they be coming out with a new one.  I'd like to see a bit more power, a little less weight, and maybe a 6 speed manual.

[Solstice2006]

The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $24,995 for the base Touring model. It comes with five-speed manual transmission, heated front seats, back up camera and a 6.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with USB and Bluetooth streaming. Move up to the Sport Package ($26,995) and we get a sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear spoiler and HID headlights.

The $29,395 Limited adds leather, dual-zone climate control, aluminum pedals, powered foldable heated door mirrors with integrated turn signals and a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation.

I know why they do this but you shouldn't be forced to the top trim just to get dual-zone. I'd be more than happy with the Sport Package w/dual-zone.

Don't they all do this... In the mainstream segment...

[theonlydt]

These things are everywhere here in Fredericton.  Subaru seems to be the new choice for anyone who works on campus or at the hospital.

My question is when will they be coming out with a new one.  I'd like to see a bit more power, a little less weight, and maybe a 6 speed manual.

Second the 6th gear in the manual would be useful - tends to allow a higher final drive, and slightly closer ratio 1-5.

Maybe a nice DI head, push the engine to 155bhp/155lbf.

At that point, I buy.

Seriously - I'm just sick of 5 speed manuals where there should be 6, and cheaping out by a couple of hundred $$s on the powertrain. Hell, make a DI engine an option. Or the new 1.6 turbo flat four.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Most of the manual 6 speeds have the same gear spread as the 5 speeds they replaced. All a person ends up doing is shifting more.

[rrocket]

Most of the manual 6 speeds have the same gear spread as the 5 speeds they replaced. All a person ends up doing is shifting more.

Spread means nothing.  You could have the same "spread" as other cars...but if first gear is 10x as tall, the acceleration would be a dog.  On the other hand, top gear fuel economy would be better.

With 6 speeds, they've tried to "best fit" better acceleration with improved fuel economy compared to the 5 speeds. 

[dkaz]

At least automatic climate control is standard, even if it's just single zone in the lower trims.

There are some cases where I'm ok with the 5 speed manual, like in the Ford Focus and also the Golf/Jetta/Passat with 1.8L turbo. All have a nice solid feel that you don't get in any but the best 6 speeds. But I heard that Subaru's 5 speed is pretty sloppy, like my old 08 Corolla.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Most of the manual 6 speeds have the same gear spread as the 5 speeds they replaced. All a person ends up doing is shifting more.

Spread means nothing.  You could have the same "spread" as other cars...but if first gear is 10x as tall, the acceleration would be a dog.  On the other hand, top gear fuel economy would be better.

With 6 speeds, they've tried to "best fit" better acceleration with improved fuel economy compared to the 5 speeds.

I mean the same first gear and top gear ratios as the 5 speeds they've replaced. The Honda Fit comes to mind. Actually, most Hondas come to mind.

[DF]

New colors availability is great.  Wondering what they have had done to eliminate the head gasket oil/coolant leak, spark plug tube seals oil leak that frequently occurs just past factory warranty?

[mixmanmash]

Most of the manual 6 speeds have the same gear spread as the 5 speeds they replaced. All a person ends up doing is shifting more.

This.  And it gets annoying.   I'd rather they adjust the ratios a bit and give me an additional overdrive gear.

[theonlydt]

Most of the manual 6 speeds have the same gear spread as the 5 speeds they replaced. All a person ends up doing is shifting more.

Spread means nothing.  You could have the same "spread" as other cars...but if first gear is 10x as tall, the acceleration would be a dog.  On the other hand, top gear fuel economy would be better.

With 6 speeds, they've tried to "best fit" better acceleration with improved fuel economy compared to the 5 speeds.

I mean the same first gear and top gear ratios as the 5 speeds they've replaced. The Honda Fit comes to mind. Actually, most Hondas come to mind.

Yep - the Fit is a joke in that respect. Now the Mazda 5 went from a 5 speed (and 2.3) to 6 speed (2.5) - but they had a lengthened 6th gear. It's relatively relaxed at highway speeds compared to the almost 3000rpm at 100kmh of the 5 speed.

Ideal gearbox for a standard commuter car you cruise easily at:
3rd - 35kmh
4th - 50kmh
5th - 65kmh
6th - 80kmh

Lightly loaded car, out on the plains etc, clearly that would be less. I find my Mazda will cruise 70kmh in 6 no problem, meaning it's still slightly too low. 6th should be a cruising gear, nothing else, not an accelerating gear.

So, if Subaru can maybe do a 6 speed the right way....

For interest's sake, ratios on the Crosstrek:
Measurements: Gear Ratios (5MT)
First Gear   3.545   
Second Gear   1.888   
Third Gear   1.296   
Fourth Gear   0.972   
Fifth Gear   0.780   
Reverse Gear   3.333   
Final Drive Ratio   4.444

On the Mazda 5 (because I knew I could find it)
First Gear Ratio 3.45
Second Gear Ratio 1.84
Third Gear Ratio 1.23
Fourth Gear Ratio 0.91
Fifth Gear Ratio 0.76
Sixth Gear Ratio 0.68
Reverse Ratio 3.20
Final Drive Axle Ratio    4.11

[Brig]

That blue looks suspiciously like Volvo's Polestar blue.  Coincidence?   

I'm still hoping that this will be the replacement for the Santa Fe.   

[quadzilla]

Seems to be a popular colour...

Subaru



Ford



Volvo

[safristi]

Wod D'e Fark is a "CAR KEY" Kolor..............put some camo seats in these lil pullers and yer G/F couldna find yer pecker in a snowstorm......"popular @ the hospitals!!!"............Nurse clean up in aisle 5 Parking LOT

[OliverD]

Most of the manual 6 speeds have the same gear spread as the 5 speeds they replaced. All a person ends up doing is shifting more.

Yeah, the only reason I prefer six-speeds now is because owning two cars, one five-speed and one six-speed, was annoying.