A NEW limited edition version of popular compact crossover the Subaru XV has been launched by the Japanese brand.

Called the XV Black, the variants will be available with either Subaru's 2.0-litre Boxer diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or the 2.0-litre Boxer petrol unit and a Lineartronic automatic transmission.

Exclusively finished in Crystal Black Silica paint, the XV Black offers a number of visual additions unique to the version, which are designed to boost the car's rugged appeal.

They include front, rear and side silver-resin underguards, front and rear mudflaps, a cargo step panel and a foldable cargo tray, while inside, the Black model is fitted with heavy-duty rubber floor mats.

The all-wheel-drive XV Black costs £24,495 for the 2.0i Lineartronic model and £24,995 for the 2.0 Boxer diesel, and is based on the existing SE variant. 

Customers will pay £1,000 for all the extras fitted as standard to the XV Black, which - if fitted separately as options to other models in the range - would total over £1,600.

With a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating and at 90 per cent, one of the highest scores for child occupant protection ever recorded, there's clear appeal for young families.  

The XV also boasts the highest ground clearance of any vehicle in its segment with the lowest centre of gravity and fuel consumption is a Combined 50.4mpg.

Standard kit icludes stuff like Subaru's Vehicle Dynamics Control system, 17-inch alloys, daytime running lights, heated front seats, wiper de-icers, cruise control, dual-zone air-con and rear view safety camera.