Subaru have launched a new version of the XV, its compact SUV, and, it’s safe to say, not a moment too soon. Sales figures in the UK showed a decline of more than a quarter last year compared to 2016 it will fall onto the Japanese firm’s haunches to help turn that around.

The question is, of course, is it good enough?

The first thing anyone who’s familiar with the old model will notice is that, at first glance very little has changed. The new design is, indeed, a subtle evolution of the first generation with some changes, such as the more steeply raked windscreen a rear roofline that has been lowered, only becoming obvious when the two models are placed side by side.

Angular wheel arches clad in black plastic and an impressive 220mm of ground clearance give the XV a rugged appearance that is not without merit and the hexagonal grille has been given more character, with bolder detailing that incorporates the distinctive Subaru wing design which flows through to the C-shaped headlights.

Overall the styling is sharper, with stronger lines and tighter angles that give the XV a much more dynamic, contemporary profile.

There’s a choice of either 1.6 or 2.0-litre boxer engines mated to Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive transmission that defaults to a 60:40 front-rear torque split. Unsurprisingly given the current climate, there are no diesel engines coming to the UK.

It’s the viscous coupling-equipped all-wheel-drive system fitted to the XV, something that puts most of its perceived rivals to shame in terms of true off-road ability, that really sets it apart. In combination with the company’s X-Mode and Hill Descent Control that manages power distribution using the engine, gearbox and brakes it offers a degree of control on steep, slippery surfaces that would leave most popular so-called crossovers wallowing helplessly.

There are just two trim levels – SE and SE Premium – and even less of a choice when it comes to transmissions, with the Lineartronic CVT gearbox the only option.

The biggest change, however, has taken place out of sight. The XV is the second car, after the Impreza, to be built on the billion-dollar Subaru Global Platform, which is said to be an astonishing 70% stiffer than the first generation XV.

The XV is also equipped with the latest version of Subaru’s Eyesight driver assist technology, which uses stereo cameras, mounted either side of the rear view mirror, to capture three-dimensional colour images of the road up to 110 metres ahead.

Subaru claims that it is more accurate than traditional cameras and sensors because it is able to distinguish objects rather than just recording an unidentified obstacle. The use of stereo cameras allows the system to measure distances in much the same way that binocular vision works.

Eyesight is actually a combination of six technologies.

If the subtle revisions to the exterior of the car leave room for doubt about this being an all-new car, the interior will do little to allay those suspicions. It still has that same sense of robustness that is at the heart of all Subaru’s models and, aesthetically at least, it’s pretty much as you were.

The switchgear is chunky and easy to use. It feels durable and built to last too. While it all feels very well put together, comparisons with its more mainstream rivals reveal a slight shortfall in material quality.

However, the cabin is a pleasant enough place to while away the hours. Leather upholstery with contrast stitching helps give the passenger space a pleasing ambience and there’s little doubt that it’s a definite and definitive improvement over the previous model.

There’s a decent amount of space, particularly in the front, but that sloping roofline does impact on headroom in the back but rear-seat passengers should have no complaints about legroom.

The touchscreen is an inch bigger – eight rather than seven – in the new model plus it now has DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across the range. That would be great, except I just couldn’t get Android Auto to launch in the Subaru, and I tried everything, including bribery, blackmail and a hammer. Okay, so maybe not the hammer.

Sat nav is only available on SE Premium spec cars but if you’re happy to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – assuming you have better luck than I did and can actually get it to work – then it won’t be missed.

Thankfully Subaru has resisted the temptation to make the interface entirely touch only. There are some useful shortcut buttons on the dashboard, making it both easier and more practical to use when on the move.

The 2.0-litre engine fitted to my test car is expected to account for the bulk of XV sales in the UK. Power is 156PS and torque a modest 196Nm. Power delivery via the CVT is smooth and linear but the more pressure you apply to the throttle the less refined the boxer power unit becomes. Under normal driving conditions, however, very little noise permeates the cabin.

You can select virtual ratios using the steering wheel-mounted paddles and that does allow a semblance of control over the rising decibels but there’s little incentive to adopt such a hands-on approach when the driving experience isn’t particularly engaging.

It is very comfortable, however, and the new model rides with markedly more composure than before, particularly at low speeds where the XV dispatches smaller lumps and bumps with some ease.

The steering is sharp and has a nice weight. It isn’t endowed with a huge amount of grip but there’s a reassuring predictability about the way it responds to steering inputs. There’s a degree of body roll in corners but nothing that upsets its handling balance too much.

The XV is a rare breed, though, because it’s a genuine crossover. A high-riding family hatchback that you can take off-road if you need, or want, to. It’s here that it makes up some of the ground lost to its rivals, where the compromises in on-road dynamics pay off. It really does deal with slippery, low-grip surfaces in an assured and confident manner, thanks in no small part

The second-generation XV is better in every way than the model it replaces, and it really needed to be. Even with a raft of improvements, however, it still isn’t quite enough to go to the top of the class. Where it does excel in a segment of soft-roaders and never-go-off-roaders, is genuine all-terrain ability. If that is somewhere near the top of your ‘pros’ list, then the XV could be the car for you.

Subaru XV 2.0i SE Premium Lineartronic

Price: £28,495

As tested: £29,045

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Boxer

Transmission: CVT Lineartronic

Max power: 156PS @ 6,000rpm

Max torque: 196Nm @ 4,000rpm

Max speed: 120mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 10.4sec

Urban: 32.5mpg

Extra urban: 48.7mpg

Combined: 40.9mpg

Emissions (CO2): 155g/km

For more information visit www.subaru.co.uk