VERDICT
The Subaru Crosstrek would be an easy target if judged against the same usage case as your average family hatchback. Although quite spacious, comfortable and convenient, it is clearly not a car that stands out for its digital cabin technology or premium appeal. It is neither assertively fast nor studiously efficient, and it has only the dimmest hint of the driver appeal that once marked out a Subaru.
And yet, if you have genuine need of an outwardly quite ordinary mid-sized hatchback with extraordinary any-surface traction – one with which to tackle wet fields and rugged tracks with impunity; to use come snow and high water almost as you would at any other time; or as an enabler of a lifestyle involving snowy mountain passes, weathered slipways, forest lanes or long, empty beaches – very little would meet your needs better.
The truth is that, without a trailer-load of kayaks or motocross bikes coupled up to it, or a family’s worth of skis on its roof, this car probably makes less sense than many more conventional compact SUVs. We regret most that it hasn’t got a stronger, more appealing powertrain, but we’re still glad it exists and can see it slotting into its micro-niche just fine.
Testers’ notes
MATT SAUNDERS
A US-market Wilderness version gets extra ground clearance, uprated roof bars (fit for a roof tent), shorter ‘off-roading’ gearin
