Here’s a bit of a closer look at Subaru’s new XV crossover; a direct challenger for some of those rather juicy sales in this ever-more-popular “taller car” chunk of the UK new car market. Just look at the sales success of Nissan's Qashqai for crossover-inspiration.

XV will take to show floor at this month’s 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, alongside the ever-exciting Subaru “sportscar for the masses”; the BRZ, in “Prologue” form.

Subaru are keen to point out that the final production version of their new XV will remain true to the design concept first shown at the Shanghai show in April this year, and that it will also continue to feature Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive and advanced Subaru dynamic chassis control concepts. And for those that like to measure things, the XV will 4450mm long, 1780mm wide and 1570mm tall. The wheelbase will reach 2635mm in length. 

Next to the XV will be an enhanced model of the BRZ coupe, called BRZ Prologue. This show car will highlight the Subaru technology being used in the joint venture – to design and build the BRZ – with Toyota Motor Corporation, built around the famous, horizontally opposed Subaru Boxer engine. The BRZ will feature an all-new 2-litre Subaru direct injection Boxer engine which has been developed exclusively for the model, driving the rear wheels. Dimensions for the new BRZ are 4200mm x 1770mm x 1270mm and with a wheelbase of 2570mm.

The BRZ has been around in various concept guises for a while now, so it’s probably safe to say that the car we see at Frankfurt will be pretty close to the final production model. Let’s hope that we finally get some performance and power specs on what the Japanese firms are describing as an accessible driver’s car. 

Toyota’s version of their collaboration with Subaru on a rear-driving, reasonably-priced sportscar. Toyota call it FT 86, Subaru came up with BRZ

By Daniel Anslow

Follow us @TotallyMotor