Would you rather ride in a yellow sub or a yellow Sube?

Thoughts of a yellow submarine have faded some in recent years, as has the sounds of the Beatles which brought the matter to the forefront 45 years ago.

That hue of Subaru, though, has gained prominence this model year with the popularity of the 2015 XV Crosstrek, finished in sunrise yellow. It is very bright, and quite a standout.

The Subaru XV Crosstrek is a sensibly built, small crossover with all-wheel drive, based on the Impreza platform.

To see the ’15 model show up in my driveway with such bright exterior was no surprise. This is the third Crosstrek I’ve tested since it was introduced for the 2013 model year. The first was of tangerine orange color and the second, a Crosstrek hybrid, was splendid in plasma green.

The Crosstrek’s boxer engine is a 148-horsepower, 145 lb-ft. torque, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with a mile-mannered continuously variable transmission. A new transmission for 2015 offers paddle shifters with gearlike settings.

In a 50-50 split of in-town and highway driving miles, the Crosstrek averaged 28.5 miles per gallon. Its EPA estimate is 26/34.

Front seats are comfortable and supportive. Once into the rear seating area, there is plenty of legroom and headroom; getting through the door opening is a bit tight, however.

It has seemed to me the Crosstrek is considerable car for the money. This one for a sticker price of $26,140 offers the fairly economical AWD powertrain with the CVT, push-button start, power moonroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, Starlink infotainment system, heated front seats, rearview camera, cruise control, power windows/locks/mirrors and tray and tonneau cover for the rear cargo area.