Japanese car maker Subaru's recently launched compact crossover, the XV, has been named "SUV of the Year" by 4x4 Magazine.

Putting the XV through its paces, both on- and off-road, 4x4 Magazine crowned the XV its class winner in one of the hardest-fought categories in a special `4x4 of the Year' issue. The SUV market has expanded rapidly in recent years with the proliferation of compact crossovers, and 4x4 Magazine placed Subaru's latest All-Wheel Drive model ahead of key rivals from Audi, Kia, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen.

The magazine's editorial team praised the XV's "enjoyable" and "involving" drive, fuel economy and off-road ability. Subaru's customer service package, Everything Taken Care of (ETCo), also helped tip the balance in the Subaru's favour.

Commenting on the XV's victory, Nigel Fryatt, Editor, 4x4 Magazine, said: "The SUV class in 4x4 Magazine's 4x4 of the Year test is one of the most competitive. The Subaru XV was an interesting new arrival in that class, which did much to impress judges.

"For a vehicle which obviously spends most of its time on-road, it is such an enjoyable drive, involving the driver in a positive manner. It also boasts promising fuel economy potential. When we took it off-road, given the obvious limitations of ground clearance, the Subaru completed our test route with ease. But what clinched it for the XV was Subaru's Everything Taken Care of customer service package, which has to be one of the best around."

The Subaru XV range starts at £21,295 on the road and is available with 1.6 petrol manual or CVT, 2.0 petrol manual or CVT and 2.0D manual options.