SUBARU has upgraded its XV compact crossover with a splash of extra quality - and there's no hike in price.

It means the revamped XV, which hits the streets next month, will still be up for grabs from £21,995 and with all-wheel drive as standard.

While the car boasts a higher ground clearance than most of its rivals and is also light, it now also gets suspension modifications and a quicker more direct steering rack for better handling and a smoother ride.

Also upgraded is the car's interior, now finished in higher quality materials and featuring a new seven-inch touchscreen info and sat nav system.

Changes include metallic and piano black trim plus contrast stitching and the driver's instrument binnacle has been redesigned to emit a soft blue glow.

Beneath the bonnet is a choice of two four-cylinder Boxer engines - a 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel plus two transmissions - six-speed manual and CVT automatic. In both cases the engines offer improved fuel economy over the existing model.

In the case of the 2.0-litre turbodiesel manual, which still produces 147PS, the Subaru can return 52.3mpg combined while CO2 emissions fall from 146 to 141g/km, placing the car in a lower BIK tax band

In spite of longer gear ratios, the car remains capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in 9.3 seconds.

And the 150ps 2.0-litre petrol engine now has a combined average of 43.5mpg with the Lineartronic CVT transmission. Emissions fall to 151g/km.

As for styling the XV's face now features updated ‘hawk-eye' headlights and a redesigned front grille and bumper while the rear has a discreet new boot spoiler and LED combination lamps.

Two new colour options are available to UK buyers - Hyper Blue and Dark Blue Metallic.

Prices are from £21,995 for the Subaru XV 2.0i SE model rising to £25,995 for the 2.0D SE Premium.