Motor Image Pilipinas, the official distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines has unveiled the much-awaited XV compact crossover at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). Based off the all-new fourth generation Impreza (which will debut later in the year), the XV represents the company's new "Confidence in Motion" philosophy.

The XV promises to blend Subaru's core values of driving dynamics, comfort, all-around safety and stability with fuel efficiency and practicality. The XV is powered by the all-new 2.0-liter FB Boxer engine with 150 horsepower and 196 Nm of torque. The sole transmission is a 6-speed CVT (continuously variable transmission). Power is put to the road via Subaru's trademark symmetrical AWD system with an initial torque split of 60/40. This can be re-distributed to the set of wheels that require the traction automatically.

The XV is available in two variants: the XV 2.0i and the XV 2.0i Premium. The 2.0i is now the most affordable Subaru in the line-up with an entry price of P 1,288,000. Though pricey for some people, the 2.0i comes loaded with automatic climate control; a single CD player with USB input, 4 speakers and Bluetooth hands-free; power moon roof; a full-color multi-function display; 17-inch alloy rims and the full set of safety equipment from 6 airbags to anti-lock brakes and stability control. Meanwhile, the 2.0i Premium at P 1,398,000 (coincidentally the same price as the bigger Forester 2.0 XS) adds HID headlamps with pop-up washers and dual climate control. Outside, the 2.0i Premium gets you chrome trimming on the door handle as well as turn indicators located on the side mirrors.

Though the XV was getting the most attention at the Subaru booth, Motor Image Pilipinas has also re-freshed the Legacy and WRX STI models for 2012.

On sale starting July of this year, the 2012 Legacy gains a new front grille (putting it neatly in place with the new Impreza and XV's schnoz), an updated audio entertainment system with a full color LCD display and USB input, a rear back-up camera, revised mirrors and surprisingly...the removal of the Bilstein shocks! This means the 2012 Legacy models will benefit from a better ride at the expense of sharper cornering and handling. Meanwhile, the 2012 WRX STI has a new audio system with an USB audio input.

Pricing for the 2012 Legacy is P 2,048,000 for the sedan and P 2,148,000 for the wagon. Meanwhile, the WRX STI is P 2,498,000 for the MT and P 2,598,000 for the A-Line.