I haven't driven the XV, only sat inside one in the showroom, but its very similar to the Forester and shares the platform with it. The diesel was entirely adequate but handled better than it looks like it should as all the weight is low down. The seatbacks are taller than in Skodas, which was a reason I was looking elsewhere. The interior isn't flashy but that to me is a plus. The XV has a pretty small boot though, but if you're not bothered then it won't be an issue.

 

You get a nice Subaru growl even from the diesel, but you do need to rev it.

Only trouble with the XV is they don,t do an Auto diesel version.Would imagine the Petrol/auto is a bit heavy on fuel.

Tony

The Subaru CVTs actually give higher MPG than the manuals. From living with mine and seeing how it handles gearing in economy mode, I can believe that. There are two kick down thresholds, one where it doesn't increase the revs, just changes the gearing and the higher one where it goes straight to peak power.

 

They have only recently put out the high torque CVT I have in mine, so its just making it into the diesel Outbacks.

If you compare the yeti 1.2 with quash 1.2 and are not interested in a 4x4 what about a comparison with the new Kia soul,very high spec ,limited engine choice both 1.6 but both better than the 1.2s and more rear legroom than a q3 and a closer shape to the yeti compared to most other SUV.........

It's the soft-road capabilities I'm particularly interested in as some of the places we are going with the kit we carry really aren't suitable for a standard car ride height.

I know a small trailer will help, but you still will struggle with a standard car.

My Subaru has a CVT and is rated to tow 2 tons with a 100,000 mile warranty. I too was apprehensive of it, but the warranty (5 years) was good enough to give it a go.

I'm now wondering if the Germans are providing a warranty to Subaru thus relieving them of the worry if it fails.

I'm now wondering if the Germans are providing a warranty to Subaru thus relieving them of the worry if it fails.

 Well, the whole car came with a 5 year / 100,000 mile warranty and I'm not too bothered who picks up the bill

 

I think the gearbox is still Subaru, but LUK (who make VAG's DSGs) make the chain for it.

 

KBPhoto, if you're after something with actual off road ability, then your short list should probably be the Freelander and Forester.

It's more the ability to get in and out of muddy campsites in the back of beyond, up rutted or rocky tracks and carrying four adults and outdoor kit that I'm after.

A full 'off-roader' is not essential. But I have looked at the Freelander 2.

It seems a lot of the 'possibles' look like a space ship inside. I've become used to Skoda's functional, sparse looking interior; and I like it.

Having driven the Freelander 2 around Eastnor LRE a few times now, including on part of the Defender route where it normally isn't allowed, I can honestly say that it is brilliant off-road, and far better than it's predecessor and the Yeti. 

To me it is still the nearest equivalent for consideration out of the 3 vehicles I would consider.