• Best-in-class safety rating
• Permanent four-wheel-drive
• From £21,295

The Subaru XV Crossover has arrived in the UK, sporting a basic price of £21,295.

It comes with the usual Subaru hallmarks: a boxer engine and permanent four-wheel-drive. The engine line-up consists of a 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol option, which develop 112 and 148bhp respectively, and a 2.0-litre diesel which puts out 145bhp and more crucially, 258lb/ft of pulling power.

The muscular diesel engine, combined with the four-wheel-drive system and the XV’s unusually high ground clearance, means it is likely to be as adept off-road as on, and will provide serious competition to the Volkswagen Tiguan and Nissan Qashqai, both of which are happiest on tarmac.

All models come with either a five or six speed manual gearbox. A CVT automatic option is also available on petrol models, which also come with stop and start technology as standard.

Despite the usually thirsty combination of a large car with four driven wheels, Subaru claim the diesel model will return 50.4mpg on the combined cycle. CO2 emissions of 146g/km means the XV sits in road tax band F and is liable for £130 in tax per annum.

The XV performed well in Euro NCAP safety tests, gaining the full five stars and being named as the safest car in its class. It scored particularly highly in child occupant safety tests, boosting its credentials as a family vehicle.

Three trim levels, S, SE, and SE Lux Premium, are available. Entry level S models are well specified with automatic air-con, heated mirrors and front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels and a multi-function display.

Standard safety equipment is also generous, with the XV having anti-lock brakes, traction control and vehicle dynamics control, which can control power and braking to individual wheels, allowing the driver to maintain control in difficult conditions. A full complement of front, side, curtain and knee airbags also feature.

Mid-range SE spec models are further equipped with cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning, rear view camera, USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, privacy glass and a leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob.

Top spec SE Lux Premium treats drivers to a sun roof, keyless entry with push button start, leather seats and integrated sat-nav.

Prices reach to £29,975 on the road for a diesel model in SE Lux Premium trim. The Subaru XV is available in dealerships now.

By Daljinder Nagra