Base petrol has returned, base hybrid has gone. More change is coming.

AN entry format of the Subaru Crosstrek which dropped out when the car updated and renamed in mid-2023 has now returned, but the cheaper of two hybrids has gone.

With reinstatement of a base 2.0-litre, the all-wheel-drive car returns to a choice of two fully petrol-fed types but drops from two to one hybrid types.

Priced at $43,990, the new 2.0L is expected to position as a value-packed option for fleet and corporate buyers. It’s the cheapest Crosstrek since the model badged as an XV. At that time there was a $40,990 entry model.

The pure petrol car continues as a $48,990 Premium, with the same 115kW/196Nm four-cylinder.

The cheaper of two e-boxer hybrid choices launched in June of 2023 has been pulled; with that $46,990 variant gone, the powertrain simply shows in a $51,990 Premium.

More change is coming to Crosstrek, with an updated traffic sign recognition technology en route. In being capable of detecting Stop, Give Way and No Entry signs, in addition to existing speed-sign detection, this allows the incoming car to have a five-star ANCAP result. Cars built between 2023 and March 2025 remain ‘unrated'.

The hybrid is also set to gain a petrol particulate filter to meet the Euro 6e emissions standard, and while combined fuel consumption for that drivetrain remains rated at 6.5L/100km, power will reduce from 110kW/196Nm presently to 100kW/182Nm.