Subaru’s XV compact crossover has been given an upgrade, but it won’t cost customers a penny more. It means that from next month, the revamped XV will still be on sale from £21,995, but with all-wheel drive as standard.

The car has a higher ground clearance than most of its rivals and is also light, but now it also gets suspension modifications and a quicker more direct steering rack for better handling and a smoother ride.

Also upgraded is the car’s interior which is now finished in better quality materials and features a new seven-inch touchscreen infotainment and sat nav system.

There is a choice of two four-cylinder Boxer engines – a 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel plus two transmissions – six-speed manual and CVT automatic. In both cases the engines offer improved fuel economy over the existing model.

The 2.0-litre turbodiesel manual, which can reach from 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds, can return 52.3mpg combined while carbon emissions fall from 146 to 141g/km, placing the car in a lower BIK tax band.

And the 2.0-litre petrol engine now has a combined average of 43.5mpg with the Lineartronic CVT transmission. Emissions fall to 151g/km.

As for styling the XV’s face now features updated ‘hawk-eye’ headlights and a redesigned front grille and bumper while the rear has a discreet new boot spoiler and LED combination lamps.

Two new colour options are available to UK buyers – Hyper Blue and Dark Blue Metallic.

Prices start from £21,995 for the Subaru XV 2.0i SE model and rise to £25,995 for the 2.0D SE Premium.