Subaru unveiled its first production hybrid vehicle, the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid, at the New York International Auto Show. The new hybrid, based on the automaker’s XV Crosstrek, comes equipped with a 2.0L Boxer engine with a 13.4 hp electric motor, both of which are integrated with the vehicle’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. The vehicle has a 100V 13.5 kW nickel-metal hydride battery under the floor.

You can click any photo to see additional images of the XV Crosstrek Hybrid.

The addition of the hybrid system technology adds roughly 209 lbs. to the weight of the original XV Crosstrek, and other new equipment adds roughly 91 lbs. to that total. For fuel economy, Subaru said the vehicle can get up to 28 city, 34 highway, 31 combined mpg.

According to Subaru, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid uses the electric motor for initial acceleration and starts the gasoline engine as the vehicle continues to speed up. The vehicle can operate in EV-only mode at low speeds. The hybrid model has an auto start/stop system, regenerative braking, and a climate control system that uses a sensor to optimize operation and reduce engine power draw to further enhance fuel efficiency.

To adapt the XV Crosstrek for the hybrid system, the automaker said it re-engineered the chassis to handle the battery system’s weight and to improve handling, steering, and ride quality. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid also has extra sound insulation, a start/stop feature, a revised HVAC system, a new gauge cluster, and keyless start, among other changes.

For the vehicle’s drivetrain, Subaru said the Active Torque Split version of the company’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) system constantly adjusts power to the wheels and changes torque distribution based on acceleration, cornering, and road conditions.

Outside, the vehicle features new, aerodynamic aluminum alloy wheels. In the North American market, the vehicle also has an Active Grille Shutter system to reduce air resistance. The Hybrid version of the XV Crosstrek has a “HYBRID” badge and Subaru offers a new Plasma Green Pearl exterior color for this model.

Inside the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, cabin room is slightly less (by 0.7 cu. ft.) but similar to the standard XV Crosstrek. Maximum cargo room with the rear seatbacks down is 50.2 cu. ft. (vs. 51.9 cu. ft. in the gasoline version). The vehicle has a blue theme with silver trim and a Color Multi-Function Display that shows the hybrid system’s energy flow, which changes based on driving conditions.

Subaru said the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid model will arrive at dealers in the fourth quarter of 2013.