Subaru XV concept (2011) first teaser picture

Subaru has offered a first glimpse at the Subaru XV, a new crossover SUV concept for the 2011 Shanghai motor show.

For the Subaru XV release, Subaru's press office has followed the 'darkened silhouette' school of teaser photographs.

So at this stage, all we can tell you is that the Subaru XV is a wagonoid form sitting rather tall on its wheels versus a conventional estate. Would you have preferred a lovingly rendered close-up shot of a wing mirror instead?

Subaru is holding on to full details until the 2011 Shanghai motor show next week.  The XV is a crossover SUV with Subaru's traditional all-wheel-drive, and it has been designed under the theme of 'enjoyment and peace of mind'.

Subaru's aim with the XV is to combine SUV practicality with a fashionable form. Given that Subaru is a brand known for winning respect with its durable, practical vehicles in spite of their, how do we put this kindly, distinctive styling it will be interesting to see what the XV looks like when the lights go up.

Subaru has two existing vehicles in the seven-seater wagon market. The Subaru Exiga is sold in Japan and is closer to a roadgoing wagon or MPV, and the Subaru Tribeca sold abroad is more of an SUV. Neither vehicle is currently sold in the UK, local buyers making do with the Outback wagon and Forester soft-roader.

But try thinking smaller for the XV. The last time Subaru used the XV nameplate, it was on an Outback-style Impreza hatchback, which debuted at the 2010 Geneva motor show. Perhaps this is a new sub-Forester compact crossover, joining the new 2011 Impreza family?

The Subaru XV will be fully unveiled at the 2011 Shanghai motor show on 19 April. If you're worried the finished item might not look as good as the silhouette, put your sunglasses on before viewing our coverage.

By Mark Hamilton