5 Reasons Why New Crosstrek Pushes Up the Fun-to-Drive Meter; It Now Comes Fitted with WRX STI Technology

Tom Doll, COO of Subaru of America says “In its short life, the Crosstrek has become very important to the growth and appeal of our brand.” It’s now Subaru of America’s third best selling model behind Outback and Forester. The new-generation 2018 Crosstrek is making its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show this month. Why will it be more fun-to-drive?

What U.S. consumers will want to know is that this new Crosstrek will push up the fun-to-drive meter. There’s five reasons why the new-generation Crosstrek CUV will be more fun to drive than the outgoing model. It gets the new Subaru Global Platform that lowers the center of gravity for less body lean in the corners, an updated suspension, improved body stiffness which will translate to better stability than the outgoing model.

Even though Crosstrek has a higher ground clearance for off-road pursuits, the boxer engine sits low in the chassis and gives the crossover a lower center of gravity. This will improve Crosstrek’s driving dynamics. The Crosstrek’s new double-wishbone independent rear suspension mounts its rear stabilizer bar directly to the body, which Subaru says significantly improves body stiffness and stability compared to the outgoing model. It will also get more agile because of something called ATV.

The new 2018 Crosstrek gets more agile

Active Torque Vectoring (ATV), first introduced on the WRX and WRX STI performance cars, is now 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. What difference will driving enthusiasts feel?

This technology developed in the 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.

How does ATV work?

Subaru developed the system in motorsports and transfers the technology to their production vehicles like the Crosstrek. Without it, the forward motion wants to keep the vehicle moving in a straight path. ATV 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. It will keep Crosstrek carving the tight corner.

Go to Page 2- More fun in the dirt

Active consumers will use the new Crosstrek for weekend adventures like getting to the trailhead for hiking, mountain biking and transportation to the ski slope. For more fun in the dirt and extreme off-road situations, Subaru’s X-Mode traction assist system is now standard on all 2018 Crosstrek trims with the Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission).

The new 2018 Subaru Crosstrek will be available across North America this summer, and now comes with five new performance enhancements that will push up the fun-to-drive meter. Now all performance fans need is a Crosstrek STI.

Photo credit: Subaru