How To Turn Your Subaru Crosstrek Into a Baja Racer

Subaru's connection with the world of rally racing is undeniable: ever since Colin McRae took home the World Rally Championship Constructors' title from 1995 to 1997, the Japanese manufacturer's name has been cemented in rally folklore. While the brand still produces rally-inspired cars such as the formidableWRX STI, others such as theCrosstreklack the will to hit the dirt. That was the case until performance parts company Crawford announced some new parts for this little crossover.

Not to be mistaken with the radical Baja 500Subaru Crosstrek Desert Racer, the run of the mill Crosstrek is a humble crossover SUV that is targeted towards young families who don't mind a bit of an adventure, but forget performance driving; the Crosstrek is most happy cruising along at the speed limit.

Crawford Performance, a performance shop that's been running since 1995, saw a gap in the market and has eagerly filled it with a product that will get Crosstrek owners itching at the collar: the Crawford CDR Series 2-inch Lift Kit.

The kit, which retails for $549.95 offers a full two-inch lift from the front to the back. The Crosstrek in standard guise offers a solid 8.7 inches of ground clearance, so the Crawford Performance kit should see that number grow to a respectable 10.7 inches. That's more than enough to clear even the most brutal curbstone or speed bump.