Subaru, please turbo the Crosstrek

Kinja'd!!! "Stupidru" (Schm1an)
01/22/2014 at 17:22 • Filed to: None

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Subaru, please turbo the XV Crosstrek. It's a decently good looking vehicle with the right proportions, some oddly attractive looking wheels, a nice interior, it's mechanically identical to the WRX/STI, so putting some proper racing suspension won't be an issue, and best of all: It will be the WRX hatchback that everybody and their mother has been crying about! If you put the 2.0L DIT in there, I bet you could squeeze out some decent mileage instead of the underpowered NA 2.5L.

Please please please please please, give this thing the respect it deserves before it goes the way of the Baja!


DISCUSSION (27)


Kinja'd!!! HammerheadFistpunch > Stupidru
01/22/2014 at 17:29

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Okay, lets compromise...here is a hybrid XV.

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Kinja'd!!! A3R0 > Stupidru
01/22/2014 at 17:40

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See here is where I'm going to have to friendly disagree with you. What you just explained is awesome. However, I dont like the wheels very much and hate the way these look. I'm going to have to say I respect your opinion on this one, but I don't think I can agree.

Of course I have no power or anything even close to that with Subaru...

Dream until your dreams come true!:)


Kinja'd!!! Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > Stupidru
01/22/2014 at 17:48

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It may be mechanically similar to the WRX/STi, but who knows what Subaru actually did with the transmission. CVT or shorter gear ratios, anyone?


Kinja'd!!! Stupidru > A3R0
01/22/2014 at 17:53

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I mean everybody has an opinion, and I'm sure Subaru polled enough people to make the car how it is today. I've been told a billion times, I have a strange taste in cars (which might explain why I love Subarus lol), but I would definitely buy one if it had a turbo. I almost bought my wife one last year, but the lack of turbo swayed me to buy an 09 Forester XT


Kinja'd!!! lucky's pepper > A3R0
01/22/2014 at 17:53

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I hate the Crosstrek wheels too. Don't mind the ones on the hybrid model at all though.

I wouldn't be satisfied with just a turbo though. Someone let me know if they make a turbo model with a manual. Of course that will happen around the time hell freezes over.


Kinja'd!!! N/A POWAAAHH > A3R0
01/22/2014 at 17:58

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I changed the wheels for you


Kinja'd!!! N/A POWAAAHH > HammerheadFistpunch
01/22/2014 at 18:01

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You want compromise?

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Kinja'd!!! A3R0 > Stupidru
01/22/2014 at 18:07

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I feel like all enthusiasts have a strange taste in cars, especially the people here. Some said they would drive Aztek's. :O
Me? It would probably be a Saab 92-96. They look so cool to me. Personally I would have a 1966 96 because last year of 2-stroke.


Kinja'd!!! Long Live the Longdoor > Stupidru
01/22/2014 at 19:08

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I've been wanting this for a while, gimme this WRX with more ground clearance! Go anywhere POWARRR!


Kinja'd!!! Stupidru > Long Live the Longdoor
01/22/2014 at 20:38

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I have a feeling once these come down in price, or if you can find one with engine issues, then you'll see some turbo conversions from people like us to make the ultimate all-terrain, all-purpose sleeper


Kinja'd!!! BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Stupidru
01/22/2014 at 23:09

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I have been saying this for two years, here, and on the suggestion thread on NASIOC.

If it happens, it will likely be after the limelight for the WRX and STI dies down.

And laying out the case as to why CAFE regulations make it more likely than a 5-door WRX hatchback.

And wheels are no reason not to do it, BTW... wheels would be different on the turbo version, and aftermarket wheels are a lug-wrench away, if you want.

I thought I heard somewhere that the '15 WRX may have 5x114.3 hubs, like the STI has had since 2005... in which case, it would require different wheels anyway, and open up a lot more aftermarket options.


Kinja'd!!! Stupidru > BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast.
01/22/2014 at 23:29

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I could see Subaru trying something like this in about 2 years after they let the Hybrid version do its thing and when the model is ready for a refresh. Remember that in 2008 the WRX was ... meh. And then 3 years later they added the wide body fenders.

I do like the wheels on the XV, but you're right- it's a wrench away, however, judging by the forums, most XV owners don't seem to know that. And you're also correct that the new WRX will be using 5x114.3 hubs.


Kinja'd!!! BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Stupidru
01/22/2014 at 23:53

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A Hybrid XV and a Turbo XV are distinctly different roles, with different audience targets.

With so many other compact performance utes coming like Audi and Volvo, and the ones already on the market, like Range Rover Evoque, and Countryman/Paceman...

If they wait too long, as I've said before, Subaru will be late to a party that they should actually be hosting already.

If WRX and STI are their only performance options, they could use at least another, if not more.


Kinja'd!!! Burrito de EJ25 > Stupidru
01/23/2014 at 02:28

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Wait, what?

Why on earth would you want to put a racing suspension into what is literally just a lifted Impreza? Wouldn't it be easier to just fuss around with in an Impreza hatchback? Or just get a WRX?

Like, I get turbo charging it. The engine in these cars is gutless. But wheeeet ?


Kinja'd!!! Stupidru > BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast.
01/23/2014 at 08:56

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Let's not forget Subaru already has the Forester XT, which is more of a performance SUV than this thing ever will be, but they've essentially ruined it for enthusiasts by putting the CVT in it. All I'm saying is that Subaru closed one door (WRX hatch), so they should at least open up another


Kinja'd!!! Stupidru > Burrito de EJ25
01/23/2014 at 08:58

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I'm saying that since Subaru closed the door on the WRX hatchback, this is now a sensible option to throw a turbocharger and a racing suspension into to replace what was every enthusiast's dream car (AWD, turbo, stick shift, hatchback, reliable, decent mileage)


Kinja'd!!! BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Stupidru
01/23/2014 at 10:39

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Forester XT is not a performance SUV hardly at all. I know... I have been calling for a Forester XTI or XT Sport for a long, long time. I have been researching them for years, and recently decided to buy something else, instead of buying a Forester.

It has a turbo instead of two more pistons like most other V6 compact CUVs in it's class.

It doesn't have bigger brakes. It doesn't have markedly better suspension, it doesn't have better colors, or a sportier look.

IT DOESN'T OFFER A MANUAL GEARBOX WITH THE TURBO. BIG DISQUALIFICATION.

Forester XT is Subaru's alternative to a Forester 3.6R, because that would be too close to the size, specs, and price of Outback 3.6R.

A lighter weight XV Turbo with a standard 6MT from the WRX, (optional CVT, not mandatory CVT) with the WRX's FA20DIT 268hp engine, WRX brakes and wheel hubs, and somewhat sporty, yet all-road capable suspension....

WOULD BLOW FORESTER XT AWAY, in terms of performance.


Kinja'd!!! Stupidru > BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast.
01/23/2014 at 10:51

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Oh yeah, I'd take an XV Turbo instead of a FXT anyday... even though I bought my wife an FXT. It's a nice car, but it needs more giddy-up, a better suspension (can you say plow?), and something better than the 4EAT (in our 09 at least). Geez, they butchered that car from an enthusiast standpoint. It is, however, a nice family car and it absolutely blows away my friend's Escape in terms of interior comfort, amenities, cargo space, mileage, etc.

Regardless, XV Turbo should be a logical next step for Subaru if they want to retain the AWD hatchback throne. Otherwise my next car is going to be a Golf R


Kinja'd!!! Burrito de EJ25 > Stupidru
01/23/2014 at 23:01

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It has plastic cladding. My point is if you're going to do some insane WRX swap, why not just use the regular Impreza hatchback?

It's cheaper. And doesn't have plastic cladding. And it isn't lifted.


Kinja'd!!! Stupidru > Burrito de EJ25
01/24/2014 at 08:55

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The body on this thing is plastic? Like Saturns used to be? I see no problem with plastic if it weighs less, doesn't dent, and is easier and cheaper to replace in any accident


Kinja'd!!! Burrito de EJ25 > Stupidru
01/24/2014 at 10:37

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No. There's black plastic cladding like you'd see on the Outback. You know, so it doesn't get badly beat up when it goes off-road?

It's a mini Outback. It's a lifted Impreza with black plastic cladding. So, again, why this over the regular 5-door Impreza?


Kinja'd!!! Stupidru > Burrito de EJ25
01/24/2014 at 10:48

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Because people like to ride up a bit. I certainly like it in my family hauler.


Kinja'd!!! james > Stupidru
06/08/2014 at 15:05

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I wholeheartedly agree. I've owned a Crosstrek and loved it but the one big complaint is power. It's fine at sea level but at higher elevation its really slow when accelerating from a stop. I've owned the 2015 2.5i outback before and even that had a lot more pick up. Also the body design seems to have more appeal than the 2015 WRX. It seems like Suby goes out of their way to make their flagship sports car ugly. I also agree with a few on this post that it's fun to have a turbo suby with higher ground clearance. I think a lot of people would like to see a Turbo Crosstrek in Manual. Even some like me wouldn't mind a CVT Turbo that can just cruise but has a little extra mustard when you need it. I love the Forester XT CVT. It's perfect for drivers like myself that drive long distances, see a lot of weather, are over stick, like some pick up and also appreciate good mpg. It not a car for an enthusiast but gives enthusiasm to a commuter car. If Suby doesn't think a turbo would sell I think the next model at least needs to have a little more pick up at higher elevation to merge with traffic and pass people going up hill.


Kinja'd!!! Stupidru > james
06/09/2014 at 09:03

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I agree 100% with what you just said. My wife drives a 2009 Forester XT, and that thing can really get out of its own way when you need it to. I'm driving a 2003 2.5L NA Impreza, and that thing even has a bit of power, but not the Crosstrek. From what I've heard, someone here on Oppo got to sit down with the model director of SoA and has asked him about an XV XT and he just smiled and said "we don't comment on future products" so I think there's at least a glimmer of hope. Driving a wagon right now, I refuse to give up the storage space that I have, and would absolutely kill to have an XV XT. I'm still not giving up hope on a WRX hatchback, but that ship may have sailed already


Kinja'd!!! Kafovofa > Stupidru
12/27/2014 at 07:54

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It needs a scoop right here.


Kinja'd!!! Dunkelblau190 > Stupidru
01/01/2015 at 20:35

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If this happens, I swear I'll get one to replace of my merc sedan as daily driver


Kinja'd!!! expert > Stupidru
06/10/2015 at 12:18

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Agree 100% - there powertrains are already there - more options to offer consumers is a good thing! I actually would’ve bought one INSTEAD of the used 2014 WRX hatcback if it was turbo’d.