I just bought a Crosstrek premium CVT in Desert Khaki. A couple of comments:
- Reference the road noise question by billmang: it is there, but it's a little different than the Imprezza. It's tough to explain, but it seems to be slightly less intense than the Imprezza...I chalk it up to a different tread pattern and taller sidewall. I initially drove one before the dealer prep was complete (I was the first one to test drive it), and I was put off by the road noise. The next morning I came back and drove it again and it seemed quieter...dealer may have adjusted the tire pressures.
- suspension tuning is great. Firm (notably firmer than the Imprezza), controlled, good ground clearance, and it feels very sporty.
- Power: I too read the reviews saying it was underpowered and sluggish. I completely disagree. Ok...if you're coming out of a Mustang GT, it will feel underpowered. But to me, it doesn't feel underpowered or sluggish. The throttle tuning makes it way too sensitive off the line to mask the low power, but even after getting used to that, it doesn't feel underpowered at all to me. Fact is, I think it feels quite perky and sporty, with plenty of power for my needs. I also think that Subie's programming of their CVT is spot-on correct, which helps it make the most of its power. I'll report back after I drive it later this week at higher elevation, as I'm at sea level now but going to the mountains (5000-7500 ft elevation) later in the week.
- Great back seat. I'm 6 ft, set the drivers seat for myself, got in the back, and had a few inches of clear space ahead of my knees, and my feet fit easily under the front seat. Plenty of headroom. No need for me to remove the rear headrests to fold down the rear seats. Much more roomy in back than my old '08 OB.
- Cargo space: adequate...not great, but on par with other similarly sized hatchbacks.
- I can't report on fuel economy yet as it's brand new and I've only put about 45 miles on it so far. I track my fuel economy closely, tend to meet or exceed EPA estimates in Subarus, and expect to do the same in my Crosstrek.
All in all I like it. It feels playful, looks great, and seems to be a good car.