2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek delivers well beyond expectations

Customer response to the new 2013 XV Crosstrek in Canada has been extremely enthusiastic and beyond expectations, and 2013 Outback sales remain strong.

Subaru has consistently recorded sales gains and has done it by introducing new products that get a new generation of global buyers excited. Subaru has announced sales in Canada and the new XV Crosstrek has performed “well over target” for the Japanese automaker. They have introduced the all-new 2013 XV Crosstrek in the Canadian market and buyers have enthusiastically embraced the new rugged crossover.

But how does the seemingly small automaker from Japan know what a new generation of buyers is looking for? They do it by asking their current customers what they like, and more importantly, what they don’t like about their products. And the Canadian consumers have responded by opening up their wallets. With 1,889 units retailed, Subaru Canada closes the shortest month of the year as its second-best February ever. Monthly results fell just 13 units shy of the 1,902 units retailed during the same period last year.

XV Crosstrek performs better than expected

Subaru's compact crossover, the 2013 XV Crosstrek, performed well over target with 370 units retailed for the month of February. The new 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is a five-door crossover that is based on the Impreza hatchback, but comes with an expanded capability chassis with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, larger tires with 17-inch alloy wheels, larger front brakes, a larger fuel tank and special black wheel arch and rocker panel cladding. It’s an ideal crossover for the Canadian lifestyle. "Customer response to our XV Crosstrek has been extremely enthusiastic and beyond our expectations," said Shiro Ohta, president and CEO of Subaru Canada, Inc. "We have an extremely strong lineup this year.”

Canada also sees strong Outback sales

Last year, Subaru of Canada saw record-high annual sales marked with 31,003 units (up 14.9% from 2011) led by the strong sales of the Impreza, the newly introduced Subaru XV and steady sales of the Outback. Last month, Subaru Outback sales were up 2.5 percent over the same period last year.

This month, ALG (Automotive Lease Guide) named the 2013 Outback sport utility vehicle its best mid-size car for highest predicted overall resale value for the third year in a row. The Subaru Outback is also the best mid-size car for the fourth year in a row in the Canadian Black Book Best Retained Value Awards.

The new Forester launches in Canada this spring

Subaru Canada is expecting even better sales this year as the Japanese automaker launches the all-new 2014 Forester later this spring. Ohta, commented, "We have an extremely strong lineup this year. We're looking forward to breaking more records as we introduce our all-new fourth-generation 2014 Forester to Canadians this spring."

The newly redesigned 2014 Subaru Forester is set to deliver Canadians even more value, with the well-equipped entry model starting from $25,995, and the turbocharged Forester 2.0XT starting from $32,495. Look for the 2014 Forester launch in Canada early spring.