Faults:

Previous owner replaced rear wheel bearings, and at the same time brake disks. It's supposedly a common thing to fail. Front brake rotors will need a replacement soon.

General Comments:

A bit noisy, not a lot of power at low RPM.

Decent fuel consumption. The XV is really a bit too small for a family car, I would prefer a 5-7 cm more legroom for the rear passengers in order for the child seats to fit without restricting how far back I can pull the driver's seat. There is room for a standard sized stroller in the back, but barely. I would prefer a Forester or an Outback, but I got my XV at a very good price, so I could not pass on it.

It has an enormous towing capacity for its size, and very accessible for most maintenance and service, which was important for me as I like to be able to do those myself.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

With the mileage I've put on it, the car has been reliable, comfortable, and perfect for mountain/semi-offroad driving.

The hybrid was the first model Subaru made, so it does not save much on fuel, and you lose the spare tire due to the battery.

The interior is a bit small for an SUV and the radio/navigation system is very basic; they should have at least made it upgradeable. But these are all minor offsets that will not deter me from getting another Subaru in the future.

I have moved twice and I've done it pulling trailers and being able to carry gear when going on outings. Not to mention living in snowy conditions. It has been an excellent 30 MPG SUV. And I'd definitely recommend it. I hope to have many more adventures with it in the coming years.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong, as it should be for a new car.

General Comments:

The XV/Crosstrek is the sweet spot for those of us who want a moderately efficient, AWD car capable of mild offroad use, and nothing more.

The manual transmission is good and preferable to the noisy, boring CVT. But, the clutch lacks 'feel' and seems more like a foot-operated button than my previous vehicles. The engine feels under-powered to the extent that it strains to quickly accelerate, but isn't as bad as expected after reading reviews from the press.

Handling is good, especially considering the higher ride height.

Suspension is a little bumpy for a passenger car, but not unbearably so.

The interior is simple, and this one is not equipped with any electronic bells or whistles, as is my preference.

Faults:

Nil far - 2 months in.

General Comments:

My requirements were a sporty, reliable and family friendly 4x4 that did not force me in to the one-upmanship game associated with certain marques.

The XV won the SUV of the Year segment in 4x4 magazine's 2013 awards, and this was what drew it to my attention. In contrast the mainstream press's reviews were somewhat more mixed, but after a couple of test drives the XV 2.0D SE won me over with its styling, lusty drivetrain and solid character.

I opted for the diesel model just after the 2013 Summer price-drop kicked in, making an expensive proposition much more feasible. Wanted the fuel economy and torque that the diesel would give me, and have not been let down on either front. On A roads it is such a fun drive - responsive, glued to the road, gear-ratios that make you enjoy briskly working the notchy gearbox - yet on motorways it cruises effortlessly along and chews up the miles. Getting 45 MPG for mixed driving; 50 MPG for long motorway journeys at 2000 RPM or thereabouts.

The ride is definitely sports-car firm, bordering on the twitchy, although this is only notable at slower speeds (and then only to my passengers). Have driven a few muddy, potholed country tracks and it is a lusty, enthusiastic performer up hill and down-dale, engendering huge confidence in its AWD system, robust suspension and ground clearance. Corners very well with no body roll of note; the steering is precise, although feedback is a little late.

Inside, and even without a spare wheel - the boot is on the small side - enough for a family weekend away, but you'd need a roofbox if you were driving 4 adults for a week's skiing somewhere. Plenty of passenger space, though. Reports of the cabin being spartan are off the mark - it is comfortable, functional and hard-wearing, and I don't consider it a let down at all. The add-ons: Bluetooth, stereo, rear-view camera etc are all fine and do what they are supposed to with a minimum of fuss.

It's early days, but the more I drive this car, the more I enjoy it, and the more I look forward to driving it. The SUV market is certainly crowded, but if you are looking for a distinctive, capable vehicle with bags of personality - then check out the XV.