SUBARU's latest hybrid model, the XV e-Boxer, is now in dealer showrooms with prices starting from £30,995.

This mild, self-charging hybrid version of the XV shares its power train with the recently launch Forester hybrid, with the company's legendary two-litre flat four ‘Boxer' engine and CVT transmission mated to an electric motor which is powered by a lithium-ion battery mounted beneath the boot floor. Pure electric driving is available at speeds up to 25mph.

The Japanese maker claims that this hybrid version of the XV improves on the already impressive handling of the mid-sized, all-wheel drive SUV thanks to the clever positioning of the electric drive system with the heavy motor placed near the car's centre of gravity and the battery positioned above the rear axle.

There's little to distinguish the e-Boxer from the petrol-powered XV other than a new front grille design featuring an active shutter. low-profile roof rails and minor design tweaks including a new fog lamp bezel which surrounds the LED fog lights, a gloss black rear spoiler end plate and e-Boxer badges on the wings and tailgate.

It comes equipped with a wide range of driver assistance technologies including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and throttle management, lane sway and departure warning, lane keep assist, lead vehicle start alert, rear blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alert.

The impressive standard spec list also includes an eight-inch multifunction colour touchscreen, keyless entry and push button start system, LED headlights equipped with high beam assist, privacy glass on the rear windows, dual zone air-conditioning, reversing camera, heated seats and 18" alloy wheels standard across the range.

And if that's not enough, for an extra £2,000 there's an SE Premium model which adds leather seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver seat, satellite navigation and sunroof.