2015-2016 SUBARU XV changes and the "Zombie" recall

The 2015 Subaru XV is it a car is it an SUV? One thing it is - very practical. It's looks are not really my style especially the rear square-angular stop lights.



Was it does have going for it is the amazing AWD system that Subaru is well known for. Good amount of ground clearance for winter driving without the SUV flip-flop handling. (Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard with a wish-bone suspension in the rear.) As well a decent amount of cargo room with 632L and 1470L with the back seats folded.
Another bonus is the new 2.0L engine which uses a timing chain and not a timing belt as in the 2.5L engine. Those of you who have been reading by previous articles will know how much I despise the timing belt on the 2.5L engine and the cost of changing it around $1200!
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 148 hp and 145 lb-ft (197 Nm) of torque. power delivered to the Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive system. The engine can be mated to a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission. Consumption with the manual will be 23//30 mpg (8.9/6.7 L/100km) and 25//33 mpg (8.2/6.0 L/100km) with the CVT transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph (100km/h) rated at around 9.9 seconds for the CVT transmission.
The XV hybrid system consists of the existing 2.0L engine combined with an electric motor. The hybrid system will produce 161 hp and 193 lb-ft (262 Nm) of torque. Resulting in a consumption of  29/33 mpg (6.9/6.0 L/100km), not that great compared to other hybrid systems. The reason, most probably is the Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive which is always working.

Here are the full specifications on the XV in metric: http://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?WebSiteID=282&WebPageID=18737&Range=XV%20Crosstrek&ModelYear=2014
Here are  the full specifications on the XV in imperial: http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/xv-crosstrek/models-specs.html

Rumor has it that Subaru will be bringing a Turbo-Diesel engine to North America sometime in 2015-2016.
Link for rumor: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/144638-turbo-diesel-crosstrek-coming-to-america-in-2015/
The Turbo version of the Subaru XV is said to be starting at $28,700 US (approx. $32,995 CDN) versus the $26,400 US ($29,995 CDN) price of the Hybrid.
Link:http://previewnewcars.com/2015-subaru-crosstrek-turbo-hybrid-systems/

Recall:
Currently Subaru is recalling the XV for starting itself, this has come to be known as the "Zombie Car"
As it turns out, certain Subaru models may randomly start their own engines. The issue is confined to select models equipped with an automatic or CVT and the company's optional Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. If the RES key fob is dropped, it could "randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button."
"Vehicles affected include the 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback with an automatic or CVT, 2012-2013 Impreza with the CVT, and 2013 XV Crosstrek with CVT (shown), all equipped with the Audiovox RES accessory. Likewise, certain 2013 Legacy and Outbacks may have received replacement RES fobs that could be affected. All told, 47,419 vehicles are included in the recall."
Link: http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/subaru-issues-recall-over-cars-that-may-start-themselves/