SUBARU has expanded its SUV range in the UK with the release of the new Crosstrek model which replaces the XV in its line up.

The Crosstrek will be available in Limited and Touring trim levels with prices starting at £34,290 and going up to £36,290 for the range-topping Touring variant.

Aimed at outdoor families, the Crosstrek has a 220mm ground clearance which is greater than that of many SUVs, yet it maintains a low step-in height for both front and rear passenger entry.

Standard across the range is a revised Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with a faster response time and better control both on-and off-road.

Driver-selectable X-Mode comes with hill descent control for use on slippery surfaces and steep inlcines.

Touring variants upgrade to a dual-function X-Mode system for increased capability in a wider range of conditions.

All models feature Incline Start Assist, which briefly holds the vehicle while the driver pulls away from a stop on a hill, along with Subaru Intelligent Drive with two selectable drive modes, Intelligent and Sport.

The Crosstrek has 315-litres of boot area capacity with 60:40 folding rear seatbacks for added flexibility. With both seatbacks down, the cargo area can increase to 922 litres of usable space.

A new exterior design includes a new frameless hexagonal grille, compact headlights, a more sculptural body, and a broad-shouldered stance.

Black wheel arch cladding and rocker panels are fitted while Limited models are equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels with Touring models having 18-inch wheels in an alternative design.

Inside, a more supportive front seat design increases overall comfort and minimises fatigue while an 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen, fitted as standard on all Crosstrek models, is equipped with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with a full-screen display.

The onboard multimedia system also works as a centre information display with combination meter integration and on-screen controls for audio, climate, and vehicle functions.

Additional features include Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity, AM/FM stereo and DAB audio, and a rear vision camera.

The Crosstrek is powered by Subaru's 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct-injection e-Boxer engine producing 136ps with a 0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 123mph.

Standard on all trim levels is a Lineartronic CVT gearbox which on Touring models features a manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission via eight pre-set ratios.

Standard on all Crosstrek models Subaru's latest version of its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology which now has a wider field of view, updated control software and the addition of an electric brake booster.

It can identify bicycles and pedestrians at junctions sooner and, when necessary, alerts the driver and applies braking to avoid collisions.

Automatic emergency steering is now included on models equipped with blind-spot detection, lane keep assist and rear cross-traffic alert. This safety feature works with EyeSight and blind-spot detection to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision within a lane at speeds less than 50 mph.

A Driver Monitoring System is also now fitted as standard to Crosstrek models, alerting the driver to any unusual and potentially dangerous activity whilst behind the wheel.

All Crosstrek models are covered by a three-year/60,000-mile manufacturer's warranty with the battery for the e-Boxer engine covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.