The award-winning Subaru XV ticked all the boxes for vet Angela Jones when she tested it for a typical day in her busy life
‘About 90% of my time is spent out and about on visits, so a reliable and comfortable car is essential,’ explains equine vet Angela Jones.
From Chiltern Equine Clinic’s Berkshire yard (www.chilternequine.com) Angela, who specialises in performance horses and internal medicine, drives in the region of 1,000 miles a week, visiting clients across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire.
Angela also has an important role as vet to the Metropolitan Police’s mounted unit, so she spends two to three days a week driving from Berkshire to London and navigating the capital’s packed streets.
For Angela, the right car is as important as any part of her surgical kit. She needs an ultra-reliable vehicle that is a pleasure to drive in both rural and urban locations, and one that makes her feel safe and comfortable during long journeys-it’s important to feel relaxed and at ease when spending as much time as Angela does behind the wheel.
So what did she make of the XV when Subaru gave her the exciting new model to test for the day?
With a host of features designed to improve comfort and convenience, including clever additional storage space that’s perfect for Angela’s medicine, bandage and kit boxes, plus a lower-boot floor for practicality, cruise control with steering-wheel- mounted controls, rear-vision camera system, keyless access, 12-volt power outlets, a USB jack and automatic air-conditioning with anti-dust filter, the XV is a joy to drive. For someone with a professional life as demanding as Angela’s, the XV takes the stress out of being on the road.
As Angela spends most of her time travelling alone, it’s even more crucial that she feels secure. There are multiple models of XV to choose from and each comes with a range of safety features as standard, including:
* Safety-pedal system
* Brake-assist system
* Brake override
* Front, front side, curtain and knee airbags
* Whiplash-reducing front seats
But Angela isn’t entirely on her own when travelling to see clients. Her characterful part-bred pug George accompanies her on all visits. ‘George seems very taken with the XV,’ laughs Angela, as the 18-month-old dog settles himself into the passenger seat.
The two-litre XV range is incredibly well appointed and comes with many other features, such as heated seats, hill start assist and roof rails, as standard-and all for a starting point of only ￡21,995.
The XV is also extremely good value for money, without compromising on spec or that all-important driving performance. Whichever model you choose, you will enjoy:
* Permanent, symmetrical all-wheel drive
* Subaru’s Boxer engine, for a lower centre of gravity
* Class-leading ground clearance
* Five-star Euro NCAP safety score
* A five-year/100,000-mile warranty
* Three years’ home and roadside assistance-something any Subaru driver is likely to need, but invaluable for professionals who travel as much as Angela
With its modern looks and compact dimensions, the XV is a great car to drive around town and is perfect for Angela to take to London, both for work and visiting friends. But as her lifestyle proves, it’s not all about the car’s good looks and well built interior. Appearances can be misleading-the XV is also great off-road and will handle anything the country can throw at it with ease. There’s a reason 4×4 Magazine crowned the XV SUV of the Year 2012.
Although Angela does many miles on the motorway, she still needs to be confident that the car she drives is capable of tackling off-road terrain.
‘Obviously, I need to be able to reach clients’ horses in all sorts of locations, plus, in my free time, I like to take George for long walks in the countryside. I need a fuss-free 4×4,’ she explains.
As Angela’s day shows, the full-time, all-wheel drive capabilities of the XV are ideal for anyone whose life demands great performance across all terrains. The car’s durable build means that it is a tough and long-lasting choice for anyone leading an outdoor life. During her day of testing the XV, Angela didn’t have to worry about muddy boots or keeping the car pristine, and the dark coloured alloy wheels are perfect for off-roading. The Subaru really is a 4×4 that represents low-maintenance luxury.
Importantly, the XV’s full-time, all-wheel drive gives great traction in all conditions, too, and class-leading ground clearance of 220mm enables equestrian professionals like Angela to tackle mud, snow and plough without having to worry about constant gear changes.
Rugged, well-equipped and luxurious, the XV proved itself the perfect partner for Angela-and George-during the test drive. Visit www.subaru.co.uk to find out how it might be the perfect partner for you.
6 things Angela loves about the Subaru XV
1. Full-time, all-wheel drive: reassuring in all conditions, giving a safer, more engaging ride. Allows me to visit patients in all weathers.
2. Heated seats and a clear multi-function display-all the comforts I need for a long day behind the wheel.
3. Luxurious but durable interior-
perfect for me… and also for George!
4. Stacks of storage room and a brilliantly practical lower-boot floor, plus box sub-trunk and retractable cargo cover. Great for my (extensive) medicine kit.
5. Although the XV is really roomy, it’s dimensions mean it’s not too big for driving around London when I’m visiting my patients at the Metropolitan Police’s mounted unit.
6. The helpful features-such as hill-start assist and heated rear window with timer-that come as standard.
Official fuel consumption figures for the Subaru XV range in mpg (l/100km): Urban from 32.1 (8.8) to 41.5 (6.8). Extra Urban from 47.9 (5.9) to 56.5 (5.0). Combined from 40.9 (6.9) to 50.4 (5.6). CO2emissions from 160 to 146 (g/km). MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. For built-in peace of mind, all vehicles marketed by Subaru (UK) Ltd are covered by a five-year/100,000 mile (whichever is sooner) limited warranty.
