Subaru Australia has sliced another $1250 from the prices of its XV small SUV line-up, as part of an MY15 upgrade.
The move, which follows price reductions of $750 when the Australia-Japan free-trade agreement came into effect in January, makes the entry-level XV 2.0i some $2000 cheaper than it was last December, at $26,490 plus on-road costs.
XV 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S prices have also been slashed by the same amount, with the mid-range XV now costing $29,990 plus ORCs and the range-topping XV 2.0i-S now priced at $32,490 plus ORC. Subaru's Lineartronic CVT automatic continues to attract a $2500 premium over the six-speed manual prices listed above.
In addition to the price cuts – which help keep Subaru's smallest SUV competitive against a host of all-new rivals this year, including the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Renault Captur, Suzuki Vitara, Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade – there are upgrades to the XV's design, interior quality and infotainment system.
The base 2.0i is now equipped with 6.2-inch touch-screen unit, while the 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S gain a 7.0-inch touch-screen with satellite-navigation.
As well, there are upgraded steering wheel audio switches, silver accents around the air-conditioning vents, metallic accents on front door arm rests, silver rings around AC controls, two new 5V DC rear USB charge ports and revised front USB and auxiliary port locations.
In addition, the premium 2.0i models score an upgraded CVT shifter surround, silver leather trim stitching (in lieu of black) and an upgraded instrument cluster with new multi-information display.
"The XV has always been a great value for money story," said Subaru Managing Director, Nick Senior. "This move takes that value for money platform to a new level.
"The small SUV segment is highly competitive and with this realignment and all the extra equipment, we are confident of growing XV sales."