All-New Subaru Crosstrek Gets More Fun to Drive Thanks to 4 Fresh Improvements

Subaru Corporation is all about designing vehicles that are built for more than just transportation to work during the week and getting groceries on the weekend. The all-new Subaru Crosstrek ramps up the fun-to-drive meter with four new improvements for the 2018MY. The Japanese automaker made major upgrades underneath the new crossover's exterior, and there’s a few coming that will make it even more fun to drive than the outgoing model.

The new Crosstrek gets an improved steering ratio, lower center of gravity, Active Torque Vectoring for the first time, and more power. What will consumers feel when they get behind the wheel of the new crossover?

Quicker steering and lower center of gravity

The steering gear ratio has been quickened from 14:1 to 13:1 for improved maneuverability in urban environments. Many Crosstrek owners will take their new crossover for weekend excursions to the mountains and will also see improved driving dynamics and quicker steering in tight mountains corners.

Crosstrek with the new Global Platform, also features increased rigidity throughout the body and chassis (a 70-100 percent increase over present models) and incorporates substantial improvements to the suspension system. 2018 models feature a lower center of gravity (5 mm lower) that will keep Crosstrek flatter on twisty mountain roads. Subaru says the new architecture underpinning Crosstrek reduces body roll of the vehicle by 50 percent compared to present models.

New Active Torque Vectoring

One of the biggest driving improvements on the new Crosstrek will come from its new Active Torque Vectoring (ATV). First introduced on the WRX and WRX STI performance cars, it now comes standard on all 2018 Crosstrek trims. Consumers will get greater control of the crossover and improved hazard-avoidance capabilities. The system helps reduce understeer and keeps the vehicle on the driver’s intended cornering path.

This technology developed in the rally-bred WRX STI, makes handling more precise and enhances the vehicle’s agility, especially in the corners. This is accomplished by using the braking system to help turn the vehicle. ATV allows the driver to push the performance envelope to the limits and gives the driver a greater sense of control in spirited driving. Go to Page 2.

Subaru developed the system in motorsports and transferred the technology to the new 2018 Crosstrek. How does ATV work? The performance system effectively brakes the inside wheels under cornering and apportions greater torque to the outside of the car, reducing understeer and oversteer to allow a more predictable and controlled course through curves. Without it, the forward motion wants to keep the vehicle moving in a straight path. With ATV, Crosstrek will carve the tight corner.

More power and improved fuel-efficiency

Crosstrek also gets a newly-redesigned 2.0-liter Boxer engine with direct fuel injection. Subaru says around 80 percent of the parts are new on the power plant, and it’s 12 kg (26.4 lbs) lighter. It gets a bump in horsepower from 148hp to 154hp, and the 2.0-liter direct fuel injection boxer engine will be more fuel-efficient.

The new 2018 Subaru Crosstrek gets an improved steering ratio, lower center of gravity, Active Torque Vectoring and more power. Consumers will feel significantly improved driving dynamics when they get behind the wheel of the new crossover.

Watch The All-New 2018 Subaru Crosstrek video

Photo credit: Subaru