Subaru Forester 2.0i-L vs. Subaru XV 2.0i (1 week to decide)

Hi Guys,

This is a spin-off of the original thread I made a few weeks back:

http://tsikot.com/forums/car-compari...x2-gas-101042/

However, after countless test drives and dealer visits I've decided to increase my budget to 1.25M and has narrowed down my choices between the Forester & XV (both base model)

While they are almost similar (same engine), after test-driving both, there are certain trade-offs:

1. XV has a more comfortable ride compared to Forester's bumpiness especially felt in the rear (wife felt dizzy).
2. Forester has bigger interior space especially in the rear seats while the XV felt cramped having 3 persons at the back.
3. The Forester has HID lights while the XV has paddle shift.
4. The XV is cheaper by 60k, has more "available" color options and the mags are the same as with the premium (good-looking ones).
5. The Forester may be slightly more expensive, but there's no denying the "sulit" factor in terms of space and features. But I'm now limited to just 1 color availability (Marine Blue) and has to settle with it's underwhelming stock mags.

I need to decide before this week ends as it's a company car plan.

I would appreciate your invaluable inputs and advice!

Thanks so much Tsikoteers!