First Subaru XV Crosstrek rolls off line in Malaysia

The first 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek has rolled off the assembly line in Malaysia as Subaru expands production in the growing Asian markets.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is only a few month’s old and it’s already popular around the globe. Subaru launched the all-new XV Crosstrek in September and sales in Japan have already more than quadrupled the Japanese automakers initial sales goals. The popular XV Crosstrek looks like it’s going to be a bigger hit with consumers than expected. Now Subaru will continue its global advancement of the new crossover, as the first XV Crosstrek has rolled off the assembly line in Malaysia.

Subaru announced that it has started production of the Subaru XV crossover SUV at a Malaysian assembly plant of Tan Chong Motor Assemblies Sdn. Bhd (TCMA). The official ceremony to mark the production start was held at the TCMA plant this week. Subaru showcased the first pre-production model that was built at the plant at the 20th Indonesia International Motor Show in September. The XV production in Malaysia is part of a key initiative of Fuji Heavy Industries to increase capacity around the globe along with Japan and North America.

The new XV Crosstrek gets excellent reviews

Government dignitaries, and representatives from FHI and Tang Chong Group as well as Subaru / Tan Chong team members of Subaru's CKD (Completely Knocked Down) production project attended the ceremonies with the first XV Crosstrek rolling off the assembly line. Subaru plans to produce 5,300 XV’s a year at the Malaysian plant and they will go on sale early next year in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia through Tan Chong Group's well-established distribution network.

The plant is well established and has produced automobiles for the European brands including Subaru going all the way back to 1986. The pre-production model of the TCMA-made Subaru XV showcased at the Indonesia International Motor Show has received excellent reviews as it meets Subaru’s production quality standards.

Sleek and muscular design

The XV Crosstrek features a sleek yet muscular design. The new crossover has 8.7 inches of ground clearance for a “go-anywhere” attitude. It comes with large front brakes, a large fuel tank, 17-inch alloy wheels and special black wheel arch and rocker panel cladding. The Asian model will be motivated by Subaru’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 148 horsepower and 145 lb. ft. of torque. It will come mated to either a five-speed manual or a Continuously Variable automatic (CVT) transmission.

The 2013 XV Crosstrek will be the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive crossover available. The rugged crossover is estimated to get 23/30 city/highway for the manual and 25/33 city/highway for the CVT. The new Crossover SUV offers all-road capability, excellent cargo carrying capacity and good fuel economy.

With the first 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek rolling off the assembly line in Malaysia, Subaru has made a good step forward on its commitment to sales expansion in the growing Asian markets.