First, the arrival of the all-new Subaru Crosstrek confirms the discontinuation of the well-known Subaru XV nameplate after more than a decade. First launched as a trim for the Impreza in 2010, it was split off as its own nameplate in 2012. The second-generation model, launched in 2017, was significant in that it was the first vehicle equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology in the Philippines.

Fast forward to 2023, and now, the third-generation model has finally reached ASEAN. Codenamed GU, the all-new Crosstrek for the Indonesian, and most likely the Philippine market, retains the FB20 engine (no hybrid tech in here, yet). The FB20 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine still produces 156 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 196 Nm of torque from 4,000 rpm. As always, power is routed through a Lineartronic CVT driving all four wheels. Zero to 100 km/h is quoted at a relaxed 10.5 seconds, while top speed is listed at 198 km/h.

For the Indonesian market, the all-new Crosstrek comes in one variant: the 2.0i-S EyeSight. If the Philippine market model would go the same route, this solitary variant is well-equipped with features such as LED combination lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a sunroof. Inside, it receives leather seating with 10-way power adjustment for the driver, aluminum pedals, a 11.6-inch portrait-style center screen, USB Type A and Type C ports, dual zone climate control with rear AC cents, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold.

As for colors, two new colors join the Subaru Crosstrek line-up: Offshore Blue Metallic (a sort of bluish-gray hue) and Oasis Blue (a bright blue). Other more “classic” Subaru Crosstrek colors remain: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Sun Blaze Orange, and Pure Red.

On the safety front, the Subaru Crosstrek, be it in Indonesia or Taiwan, is confirmed to get the Subaru EyeSight 4.0 system. Now equipped with three cameras, it enables a wider field of detection and imbues abilities such as being able to automatically steer the vehicle away from a collision (Automatic Emergency Steering Assist).

In Indonesia, the Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i-S is priced at 549,500,000 IDR (P 1.956 million) which is around P 200,000 more than the outgoing Subaru XV in that market.

When it comes to its Philippine launch, the original plan was to launch it at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) in April where it will join the likes of the refreshed Subaru Evoltis and Outback. Whether or not that plan will continue is anyone’s guess at this point. However, it’s understood that Subaru dealers in the country are already offering hefty discounts on the current Subaru XV which indicates that they’re depleting their remaining stocks at this point in preparation for the all-new Subaru Crosstrek.