Improved tech and efficiency for 2016 Subaru XV crossover

Subaru is making a series of upgrades to its XV crossover for 2016, focusing on the car's styling, efficiency and in-car technology.

The car's 145bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with six-speed manual transmission now returns a claimed 52.3mpg, while its CO2 emissions fall from 146 to 141g/km for £145 a year road tax. Meanwhile, series of updates to the 148bhp 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine see its economy improve to 43.5mpg (with the Lineartronic CVT automatic gearbox) and CO2 emissions pegged at 151g/km for £180-a-year tax.

Inside, material quality has been improved and new seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system has been added. There's also new metallic and piano-black trim, plus contrasting stitching on the steering wheel. The touchscreen recognises the 'swipe' and 'pinch' finger gestures familiar to smartphone users and also displays the 160-degree rear-view camera to help with reverse parking.

Voice control is also offered, allowing you to operate the sat-nav and climate-control systems by speaking commands, while the system additionally supports the iPhone's Siri Eyes-Free function, providing full voice control of your phone when linked to the car. The XV now also has two USB connection ports in the dashboard, where it previously had one.

Outside, visual changes consist of updated 'hawkeye' headlights, a redesigned front grille and bumper, a discreet boot spoiler, LED rear lights and a new black-and-silver diamond-cut aluminium alloy wheel design. There are also two new exterior colour options: Hyper Blue and Dark Blue Metallic.

Despite the improvements, the price of the Subaru XV is unchanged, starting at £21,995 on the road.