好みの自動車デザイン：第52回ーー２（４）ドア・クーペの系譜： 第32回【日本車：スバル編】 スバル・XV Hybrid、2012（ライムグリーン・メタリック）『大発明：動くトレック・シューズ！』Subaru XV Hybrid、2012（Lime Green Metallic）『Moving Treck Boots』

• エンジン型式：FB20型
• 総排気量：1,995 cc、水平対向4気筒DOHC
• 最高出力 : 150 ps (110 kW) / 6,200 rpm
  
• 最大トルク：20.0 kg・m (196 N・m) / 4,200 rpm
  
• 駆動方式：AWD（シンメトリカルAWD）
• 定員：５名
• 車体形式：４ドア（5人乗り）
• ホイールベース：2,640 mm
  • 全長：4,450 、mm
  • 全幅：1,780 mm
  • 全高：1,550 mm
  • 最低地上高：200 ｍｍ
  • 重量：1,380 〜 1,390 kg
    
    

(Miniature car used in the photoshoot: Wet’s, 1/43 scale resin model, Subaru XV Hybrid (Lime Green Metallic) ——> Slightly adjusted the ride height to give it a slightly forward-leaning stance)

Favorite Car Designs: Part 52—2 (4) The Lineage of 4-Door Coupes: Part 32 [Japanese Cars: Subaru Edition] Subaru XV Hybrid, 2012 (Green Metallic) “Great Invention: Moving Treck Shoes!” Subaru XV Hybrid, 2012 (Green Metallic) “Moving Treck Boots”

For this 52nd installment, titled “The Lineage of 2-Door Coupes, Part 32,” I’d like to discuss luxury 2-door (GT) coupes, roadsters, and crossovers—vehicles that strongly reflect the national characteristics and unique exterior design styles of various countries. [Note: Includes convertibles]

I’ll proceed as follows.

In this 32nd installment, we’ll finally have a

[Japanese Cars: Subaru Edition] dedicated episode,

featuring the

Subaru Crosstrek XV, 2012 (Lime Green Metallic),

released in 2012.

[The Lineage of 2-Door Coupes: Table of Contents]

[American Cars]

Episode 1: Cadillac El Mirage, 2013 (Metallic Red)

Episode 2: Lincoln Continental MK4, 1972 (Black)

Episode 3: Mercury Cougar, 1967 (LT Metallic Green)

[German Cars]

Part 4: MB 500K Special Roadster, 1936 (Black)

Part 5: MB 300SL Roadster, 1957 (Silver)

Part 6: MB SLS AMR Gullwing, 2010 (Black)

[British Cars]

Part 7: McLaren F1, 1992 (Metallic Orange)

Episode 8: Jaguar XKSS Roadster, 1957 (Royal Blue)

Episode 9: Jaguar XKR Coupe, 1996 (Dark Metallic Green)

[Japanese Cars / Nissan Edition]

Episode 10: Nissan First-Generation Silvia, 1965 (Champagne Gold)

Episode 11: Nissan 5th-generation Silvia, 1988 (LT Metallic Green)

[Italian Cars]

Episode 12: Ferrari 250TR Pontoon Fender, 1958 (Red)

Episode 13: Ferrari 250GTO, 1962 (Italian Red)

Episode 14: Lamborghini Concept S, 2005 (Pearl White)

[Japanese Cars: Mazda Edition]

Episode 15: Mazda Cosmo Sport, 1968 (Racing White)

Episode 16: Mazda Eunos Cosmo, Type-S (Two-Tone: Black & Gray)

[French Cars]

Episode 17: Bugatti Type 59, 1935 (French Blue)

Episode 18: Citroën SM, 1970 (Champagne Gold)

Episode 19: Bugatti La Voiture Noire, 2019 (Black)

[Japanese Cars: Toyota Edition]

Episode 20: Toyota/Yamaha 2000GT, 1967 (Ivory White)

Episode 21: Toyota 2nd-Generation Soarer, 1986 (Crystal White II)

Episode 22: Lexus LC500 [GWZ100], 2017 (Manual Transmission, Red)

[American Cars Part 2]

Episode 23: Dodge Challenger, 1970 & Plymouth Barracuda, 1971

Episode 24: Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR, 2008 (Black)

Episode 25: Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept, 2004 (Chrome)

[Japanese Cars: Mitsubishi Edition]

Episode 26: Mitsubishi Galant λ, 1976 (Brown Metallic)

Episode 27: Mitsubishi Eclipse [North American Spec], 2006 (Orange Metallic)

[German Cars Part 2]

Episode 28: BMW M635CSi, 1984 (Dark Metallic Blue)

Episode 29: Mercedes-Benz 560SEC AMG 6.0 Widebody, 1989 (Black)

Episode 30: BMW M2 with Genuine Performance Parts, 2025 (Neon Lime)

Episode 31: First-Generation Audi TT, 1998 (Lake Silver Metallic)

[Japanese Cars: Subaru Edition]

Episode 32: Subaru Crosstrek XV, 2012 (Lime Green Metallic)

[British Cars Part 2]

Episode 33: Lotus First-Generation Elite, 1959 (British Green)

Episode 34: Lotus Elan S4 Sprint (2-Tone: Blue, White & Gold)

Episode 35: Jaguar E-Type Roadster (Light Blue Metallic)

[Japanese Cars: Honda (Lightweight Sports Cars)]

Episode 36: Honda S800, 1966 (Red)

Episode 37: Honda First-Generation CR-X 1.5i, 1983 (Blue & Silver Two-Tone)

Episode 38: Honda Beat, 1991 (Samba Yellow)

[Japanese Cars: Toyota Part 2]

Episode 39: Toyota Corona Hardtop 1800GT-TR, 1982 (Red)

Episode 40: Toyota GR Supra [DB Series, A90/A91] (Silver)

Episode 41: Toyota GR GT, 2027 [Planned] (Gunmetal)

[American Cars Part 3: Special Edition]: The Corvette Lineage

Episode 1: 1967 Stingray [C2] Convertible (Hardtop, Metallic Blue)

Episode 2: 1972 Corvette [C3] Convertible (Metallic Blue)

Episode 3: 1984 Corvette [C4] Coupe (Bright Red)

Part 4: Corvette Indy, 1986 [Mid-ship Pre-production Prototype] (Silver)

Part 5: Stingray Concept [Pre-production Prototype], 2009 (Blue Metallic)

#Subaru’s Great Invention!: “A Compact Car Wearing Trekking Shoes?”

As a one-time special episode,

I’d like to treat the “First-Generation Subaru XV”

as a [4-Door Coupe/SUV]

and share my personal thoughts.

The first time I saw this crossover,

I couldn’t help but exclaim,

“This is a great invention!!”

Mechanically, it’s probably impressive,

but personally, I wasn’t particularly wowed by

the Subaru Impreza’s chassis—

they simply raised it by about 15 cm and fitted it with larger tires,

yet it gained a completely transformed stance and sporty feel—it was as if

*they’d switched from

*everyday tennis shoes

to serious hiking boots for mountain trails—

achieving a complete image makeover.

#Subaru Impreza Sport, 2012

[Everyday Tennis Shoes]

#Subaru XV Hybrid, 2012

[Hiking Boots]

At the same time,

as someone whose livelihood depends on exporting watches,

I can’t help but be reminded of the appearance of Casio’s G-Shock.

What struck me as an invention was this:

products that retain the basic functionality of athletic shoes, wristwatches, and the like,

while adding an “exoskeleton”—I feel this is a monstrously effective product concept that sparks an intense desire to buy.

Applying that product concept to automobiles is

――> A major invention!

Just like with sneakers and wristwatches,

* Off-road version,

* Mountain climbing version,

* Beach buggy version,

* City jogging version,

* Camping version,

and so on—

I feel this is a versatile concept capable of producing an almost infinite number of variations.

Furthermore, as limited editions,

* High-performance, tuned-up engine specifications, or

* Special color editions designed by famous artists, etc.,

the possibilities are endless…

Regarding this wonderful, groundbreaking invention from Subaru,

the “XV Hybrid,”

I’d like to delve deeper into it like this.

* Real-Car Review: The Sneaker-Style Crossover

* Exterior Design Features:

* “Me” and the Subaru XV:

* Three-Theme Story: G-Shock, Great Invention, and Stance

* Plus, Subaru’s “Rising Stars”…

* Real-Car Review: A “Sneaker-Style” Crossover?

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The first-generation Subaru XV (Impreza XV / 2012 model, the predecessor to the current Crosstrek) is an extremely important milestone in the history of automotive design that defined the “symbolization of functionality.”

The design team, led by then-Chief Designer Kazuhiro Nasu, was not aiming to create merely a “raised-height version of the Impreza.” Rather, their goal was to establish a new language for the “urban crossover” that perfectly fused urban style with outdoor toughness.

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n We’ll thoroughly dissect the evolution of design—from the first-generation XV in 2012 to the latest “Crosstrek Wilderness (WILDERNESS)” released in 2024—and explore the contemporary trends in product design it embodies: the “Nike sneakerization,” “trekking bootification,” and “G-SHOCK-ification” of automobiles, all from a designer’s perspective.

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1. 2012: The First-Generation XV—Design Innovation and Three-Dimensional Composition

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The greatest achievement of the XV, introduced in 2012, was its ability to create a completely different character through design while leveraging the excellent proportions of its base vehicle, the “Impreza Hatchback.”

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Contrast with the reassuring feel of a clamshell:

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The designers conceived the XV’s body as a “solid block.” Viewed from the side, the character line extending from the front fender to the rear does not run parallel to the ground but flows powerfully with a slight upward slope toward the rear. The most notable design highlight is the “black plastic wheel arch protectors (cladding)” that encircle the lower portion of the body.

* Visual lift-up effect: By not only raising the ride height but also boldly positioning the black resin parts, the body appears slimmer, while conversely emphasizing the strength of the suspension.

* A symbol of toughness: The “tool-like” quality—the ability to drive without fear of scratches—is expressed through the contrast of the “raw black” material texture, which is unpainted.

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An “urban” feel created by “geometry”:

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The XV’s front fascia is based on Subaru’s traditional “hexagonal grille,” but the mesh is coarser than that of the Impreza, giving it a three-dimensional shape. The headlights feature a sharp design known as “Hawk Eye,” giving them a crisp look that stands out against the city’s nightscape.

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Particularly noteworthy is the striking design of the 17-inch aluminum wheels.

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The geometric “star-shaped (or shuriken-shaped)” design, with its striking contrast between the silver machined finish and the black paint, was extremely innovative in the automotive world at the time.

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*The design aims to create a visual effect where rings of light appear to float while the car is in motion.

* As a result, the design succeeded in giving the vehicle a light, nimble look—more like “pop and fashionable sneakers” than a “rough-and-tumble 4×4.”

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2. Product Context:

The “G-SHOCK-ization,” “trekking boot-ization,” and “Nike sneaker-ization” of automobiles

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The seeds sown by the 2012 XV have, over more than a decade, grown into a major trend in automotive design as a whole. That trend is the “G-SHOCK-ization” and “trekking

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The seeds sown by the 2012 XV have, over the course of more than 10 years, grown into a major trend in automotive design as a whole. This is the “G-SHOCK-ization” —a synchronicity with modern lifestyle products such as the “trekking boot” and “Nike sneaker” trends.

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① The “G-SHOCK-ization” of automobiles: Excessive visualization of functions and protection

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Casio’s G-SHOCK created the value of absolute toughness by encasing a delicate precision instrument—the watch—in a “block of resin.”

The design of the XV—and the current Crosstrek—embodies precisely this “G-SHOCK” logic.

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Stylizing Protective Elements: The black resin on the wheel arches of the 2012 XV has expanded in area and become more complex in shape with each passing year. This is a technique that elevates the “function” of protecting vulnerable parts of the body into the “centerpiece (icon)” of the design.

Solid, Block-Like Presence: By sharply accentuating the press lines (folds in the sheet metal) and incorporating powerful details reminiscent of bolted fasteners, the design evokes the “desire to own” associated with digital gadgets—a sense of it being a coveted piece of gear.

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② The “Trekking Bootification” of Cars: Fashionable, Authentic Outdoor Style

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In the past, trekking boots (mountaineering boots) were specialized gear used solely for climbing mountains. However, today, brands like Danner and Salomon have become deeply ingrained among young people as urban fashion items.

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Functional Beauty: The defining features of trekking boots—“thick soles (for traversing rough terrain),” “rubber mudguards (cladding),” and “eye-catching shoelaces (colorful accents)”—align perfectly with the XV’s design composition.

The Extraordinary in Everyday Life: Just as people wear hiking boots even when walking on paved city streets, the XV conveyed the narrative (emotional value) that “you can head out into nature at any time” through its design.

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③ The “Nike Sneakerization” of Cars: Color Schemes and Street Culture

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nNike’s sneaker culture, epitomized by the “Air Max” of the 1990s, proved that the pursuit of functionality could become a street icon in its own right. The XV was a pioneer in transforming the automobile from “mobility (a means of transportation)” to “sneakers (footwear for self-expression).”

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Introduction of Pop Colors: The “Tangerine Orange Pearl” and “Desert Khaki” that served as the XV’s signature colors in 2012 were extremely unconventional choices for a car at the time. Earth tones and vivid primary colors were the very same color schemes found in Nike’s limited-edition sneakers and outdoor apparel.

Blending into the Streets: Rather than relying on a sense of luxury (through the heavy use of chrome plating), the approach of emphasizing matte finishes and color contrasts perfectly resonated with the feeling young people have when they pick out their favorite sneakers and head out onto the streets.

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3. 2024 Crosstrek “WILDERNESS”: The Pinnacle of Symbolism

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The “gear-ification” trend that began with the first-generation XV in 2012 reached its ultimate culmination with the 2024 model “Crosstrek WILDERNESS.”

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The Wilderness is Subaru’s toughest trim level, marketed primarily in the North American market. From a design perspective, it can be described as “a creation that takes the symbols of functionality and distorts (or emphasizes) them even more radically.”

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Overwhelming Protection (The Perfection of the “G-SHOCK-ization”)

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In the 2012 XV, the black resin parts were merely “trim” around the body, but in the 2024 Wilderness, they have expanded to cover a vast area—enough to envelop most of the front bumper and the majority of the fenders.

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The front grille features a more three-dimensional honeycomb pattern, with hexagonal motifs proliferating down to the finest details.

A “matte black decal (anti-glare sheet)” is applied to the center of the hood to reduce sunlight reflection. While this is a standard feature of full-fledged rally cars, it also serves as a powerful visual message (symbol) that “this car is a professional’s tool.”

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Copper (copper-colored / anodized-style) accents

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What defines the Wilderness’s design is the “copper (zinc-copper) accent color” placed at key points on the body.

This color, featured on the base of the roof rails, the tow hook cover, and the side logos, evokes the texture of “anodized” metal—the same finish used on professional mountaineering gear and carabiners.

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While the 2012 XV expressed a sneaker-like vibe with its pop “orange” color, the 2024 Wilderness shifts toward a more specialized, heavy-duty outdoor gear tone with “copper.”

Aggressive Footwork (The Ultimate in Trekking Boot-Style Design)

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The Wilderness is equipped with Yokohama “GEOLANDAR A/T” all-terrain tires featuring white lettering, and the wheels feature a custom matte black design.

The ride height (ground clearance) has also been raised further, and its silhouette is the very embodiment of “a genuine Vibram mountaineering boot with deep lugs designed to grip the mud.”

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4. Summary from the Designer’s Perspective:

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The Subaru XV (Crosstrek)’s design journey spanning more than 12 years is a prime example that most beautifully captures the shift in 21st-century consumer values—from “premium” to “utility” (functionality and a sense of practicality).

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The first-generation XV, launched in 2012, pioneered a new genre in automotive design by placing “new symbols”—such as plastic protectors and innovative wheel designs—on the excellent canvas provided by the Impreza. It was, in essence, a proposal for a lighthearted lifestyle that seamlessly moves between the city and nature, just as one might do while wearing their favorite pair of Nike sneakers.

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And in the evolution leading up to the 2024 Wilderness, that design delved deeper into the realm of functional beauty found in professional tools—such as “G-SHOCK” watches and “trekking boots”—becoming more profound and essential.

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Subaru’s designers did not simply follow trends. It is precisely because Subaru possesses “genuine technology (the foundation)”—all-wheel drive (AWD)—which it has cultivated over many years that the design elements (such as protectors and color schemes) applied on top of it never come across as fake, and continue to captivate people’s hearts with strong persuasiveness. The XV/Crosstrek can be said to be the most successful textbook example of the “fusion of toughness and style” in modern product design.

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#Three-View Photos:

#Key Specifications:

Engine Type: FB20

Total Displacement: 1,995 cc, horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC

Maximum Power: 150 ps (110 kW) / 6,200 rpm

Maximum Torque: 20.0 kg·m (196 N·m) / 4,200 rpm

Drivetrain: AWD (Symmetrical AWD)

Seating Capacity: 5 passengers

Body Style: 4-door (5-seater)

Wheelbase: 2,640 mm

Overall Length: 4,450 mm

Overall Width: 1,780 mm

Overall Height: 1,550 mm

Ground Clearance: 200 mm

Weight: 1,380–1,390 kg

*Exterior Design Features: The Leone’s Comeback?

When I was a kid,

I often saw modified 4-door hatchback Leones in my neighborhood

that had been lifted by about 15–20 cm.

I remember feeling a sense of excitement every time I saw them.

Later, as an adult in LA,

I found myself caught up in the ups and downs

of the “Eagle”—

a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle

from AMC (American Motors), which was then in the midst of severe financial difficulties—

and was captivated by its distinctive, slightly quirky coolness.

I’d like to highlight the following five

exterior design features of the “Subaru XV,”

which inherited the DNA of the Leone and

the Eagle

across generations.

1: The birth of a future star, born of chance—simply by fitting larger tires (which were too small on the Impreza Sport) and raising the ride height significantly, it achieved an incredible sense of upgrade! ――> The AMC Eagle also didn’t make much of an impression during its “Concord” era before the ride height was raised, did it?

2: The clamshell-like sense of security provided by the “cladding” covering the lower section of the entire body, combined with just the right balance of playful, tattoo-like flair and sportiness――> Although the “cladding” gradually became more exaggerated afterward… I prefer the first-generation version the most.

3: The coexistence of the front fascia’s sharp, sporty look and the reassuring sense of ruggedness

4: The intentionally high-waisted rear design and the taillights positioned at the very edges, creating a striking contrast

5: The incredible “stance” created by the large tires, wheelbase, and wide track

Let’s take a closer look at each of these

with photos.

1: The birth of a “future star”—a serendipitous creation that achieved a tremendous sense of upgrade simply by fitting larger tires (which were too small on the Impreza Sport) and raising the ride height!

(The fact that the Impreza Sport already had a relatively long wheelbase from the start really paid off here.)

――> The AMC Eagle also didn’t make much of an impression during its “Concord” era before the ride height was raised, did it?

2: The clamshell-like sense of security provided by the [cladding] covering the lower section of the entire body, combined with a playful, tattoo-like aesthetic and just the right balance of sportiness.

――> Although the [cladding] gradually became more over-the-top afterward… I still prefer the first-generation version the most.

3: The coexistence of the front fascia’s sharp, sporty look and the reassuring sense of ruggedness

4: The intentional high-waisted look of the rear design and the taillights positioned at the very edges, creating a contrast

5: The incredible “stance” created by the large tires, wheelbase, and wide track

Now then,

I’d like to share a personal experience.

* “Me” and the “2nd-generation Subaru XV”: A friend’s beloved car

(The majestic sight of a 3rd-generation Subaru XV I spotted in the parking lot of a local Catholic church)

(This is the latest model CrossTrek I found in the parking lot next to Memorial Park Station on the Metro Line.)