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Subaru launches its first plug-in hybrid production, with the help of Toyota. The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, debuting at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, is using Toyota technology. This is another product from the same partnership that gave birth to the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 sports cars. The hybrid plug-in will go on sale before the end of the year, said Subaru.
Like Chrysler with its Pacifica Hybrid minivan, Subaru has chosen to omit the term "plug-in" from the official name of Crosstrek Hybrid (the vehicle will however bear the mention "plug-in hybrid"). This is a strange gesture that may be confusing for hybrids that do not have corks. Unlike a conventional hybrid, a rechargeable hybrid can recharge its battery pack using either the internal combustion engine or an external power source. This means that the battery pack can be larger, allowing the car to rely more on electric power, which saves more fuel.
The Crosstrek Hybrid combines the 2.0-liter Boxer-four engine and the standard Crosstrek CVT with a 8.8-kilowatt lithium-ion battery and a hybrid hybrid system derived from Toyota. Subaru estimates the total power of the system at 148 horsepower, which is slightly lower than the standard 152 horsepower Crosstrek. Nevertheless, Subaru expects the hybrid plug-in version to be a second faster than the standard Crosstrek, from 0 to 100 km / h, while allowing better fuel economy.
The Crosstrek Hybrid will be able to drive solely to electric power up to 17 miles, at a speed of up to 65 mph, according to Subaru. This does not reach the plug-in hybrids of other mainstream brands, as claimed by Subaru's 90 MPGe efficiency rating. For reference, the Chevrolet Volt is rated 53 miles and 106 MPGe, rated by the Environmental Protection Agency, while the Kia Niro PHEV has a range of 26 miles and 105 MPGs . But the Chevrolet and Kia, as well as most other plug-in hybrids other than luxury brands, do not have all-wheel drive. The larger Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers all-wheel drive as well as greater electric autonomy than the Subaru (22 km), but a lower performance (74 MPGe).
Subaru calls the Crosstrek a "compact SUV", but it's really an Impreza sedan on stilts. Nevertheless, the Crosstrek Hybrid reported an 8.7-inch ground clearance (important for off-road vehicles) and a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds is respectable. Like the Subaru Ascent and Forester, the Crosstrek Hybrid also features an "X-Mode" for unpaved surfaces and descent control.
In addition to all-wheel drive, Crosstrek Hybrid's standard equipment includes an 8.0-inch Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible touch screen infotainment system, as well as various driving aids and safety features under the Subaru EyeSight banner. The list includes autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse), adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, lane keeping assistance, surveillance of the lane Blind spot, cross traffic alert and headlights that rotate when the vehicle is steered.
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid 2019 will start at $ 35,970 when it will be showcased at the showrooms. This base price includes mandatory destination fees of $ 975 and represents a significant premium over the standard Crosstrek. The base price of the plug-in hybrid is $ 7,800 higher than the standard Crosstrek most expensive finish.
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