[AM407]

Placed the order for my 2023 Crosstrek Sport 6MT back on July 9 and just picked it up a few days ago.

Pretty happy I got it at all. For a while there, the dealer was suggesting my order might get bumped to 2024! Did. Not. Want.

Anyway, it’s here now and I love it! Not going to be doing much in the way of mods, just added a ski box, Husky Liners and some RokBlokz mud flaps.

Not much overland stuff to be done up here - this will spend 95% of its time on pavement and maybe 5% on good gravel, so keeping the stock ride and handling is the priority.

I also have zero complaints about the shifter so far. Thought maybe I’d have to add the Perrin slop eliminator, and maybe some solid bushings, but I think it’s just fine as is.

Of course, it will see lots of snow and ice, so already have it rolling on a set of Hakkapeliitta 10 studded winters.

Been too busy driving it to get any good photos, but a couple snaps for now.

 

[AM407]

Yeah, my salesman said I got lucky. Apparently, near the end of ‘23 production, they ran out of parts to make automatics (I’m guessing chips for EyeSight) so they went down the list and started cranking out manuals instead.

Dunno how much truth there is to that, but seems pretty certain at this point that I’ve got one of the last manual Crosstreks built - ever.

 

[AM407]

From what I hear [from experts and the like] is the smartest of all Crosstrek buyers buy one in white!

It looks very nice!!

Haha, yes!

Wasn't sure about white at first. I’ve never really liked white cars before, but also wasn’t crazy about any of the other colour options.

I think white really suits the Crosstrek. Love the contrast with all the black bits.

 

[AM407]

Haven’t had much of a chance to test out the tires yet, unfortunately. Of course, all of December was minus 30 and the roads were thick with a slick layer of polished ice, but it’s been warmer for a while and most all the roads are bare pavement now.

I will say I’m happy with them on the pavement though. Noisy around town, but not too noticeable once up to speed. And the handling seems fine on bare pavement too.

Personally, I think a top-tier studless tire (Blizzak WS-90s on my last car were great!) is the best compromise for our winters here, but my wife was adamant about going with studded. Who am I to argue?

 

[AM407]

Matched paint Body side Molding. You'll thank us later.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek Body Side Molding - J101SFL501 - Genuine Subaru Accessory

Attractive, color-matched moldings coordinate with the styling of the vehicle while helping to protect doors from unsightly dings.

parts.subaru.com

I have seen that and seriously thought about it.

Just not crazy about the idea, though. I remember my grandmother had those on the side of her Oldsmobile.

I’ll probably regret it after the first door ding, but I do like the clean lines of the car without them.

 

[AM407]

congrats! looks great.

Does it feel like it has enough power or a little sluggish?

So far it seems totally fine, and I haven’t even taken it over 4,000 rpm yet.

And I’m coming from a Stage 1 GTI that was probably 250 HP or so. I knew the Crosstrek wasn’t going to be a rocket ship, and that’s fine.

No problem so far merging onto the highway, passing on a two-lane, or maintaining speed up hills (and that’s in the Canadian Rockies.) Just have to plan ahead and not be afraid to rev it out (just to 4,000 rpm for now.)

But almost all of my driving is rural. Might not be as much fun in the city on a really busy Interstate where everyone is doing 75+.

 

[AM407]

Wait I have to ask, how did you spec the Sport model with the MT? The Sport comes with the 2.5l CVT combo if I do recall. Details?

It’s that little Canadian flag next to my username.

Up here, what you call Sport, we call Outdoor. The Canadian Sport has the 2.0 with 6MT, and also LEDs, power driver’s seat, moonroof, 8” screen, and maybe some other extra stuff not on the U.S. Premium.