2019 Subaru Forester (Gen 5)

Subaru Of America Is Being Super Lame Right Now About The Subaru ****S

Last week, the world was made a better place when the Subaru Forester Ultimate Customized Kit Special edition (also known as the Subaru ****S) was unveiled at the 2020 Singapore Auto Show. Jokes were made. Laughs were had. It was a good time. And then I woke up today to see Subaru of America had done some heavy apologizing over the weekend.

Subaru of America apparently took it upon itself to send out an apology note to its dealerships on Friday, reports The Drive. The outlet obtained the note from an anonymous tipster, but we’ve copied it below:

Dear Retailer:

Yesterday afternoon we learned about an unfortunate situation related to the name given to a special edition Forester by the independent distributor in Singapore. We want to make sure that you and all of your customers know that Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) and Subaru Corporation (SBR) had nothing to do with this.

We apologize for any negative feedback this may have caused. SBR has had the name removed from the car at the Singapore Auto Show. We work very hard to build a strong brand image for this company and the naming of this vehicle in no way reflects the values and standards we hold true. Furthermore, we will always do our best to protect our brand’s integrity.

This vehicle was created by the distributor for the Singapore Motor Show and it goes without saying that this car will not be available in the United States market.


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ROAD TEST: Subaru Forester 2,0i-L ES Lineartronic CVT

TEST SUMMARY

Here at CAR, we often argue that the best value can be found lower in a model range. The same applies to the three-strong Forester line-up. Placed neatly in the middle, the 2,0i-L ES CVT is arguably the sweet spot. It’s a no-frills family SUV, endowed with myriad convenience and safety items, and a tried-and-tested all-wheel-drive system.

Said one tester: “The Forester is far more suited to a leisurely countryside getaway than the highway.” Dressed in Jasper Green, it certainly looks the part. A standard three-year/90 000 km maintenance plan (as opposed to the service plans offered by its rivals) only boosts the Forester’s appeal.

We should mention the Toyota RAV4 AWD GX-R tested in the July 2019 issue isn’t much more expensive. If you’re prepared to spend the extra cash, your purchase will be backed by an extensive dealer network and likely superior resale. However, if you’re a Subaru loyalist set on buying a new Forester, this is the model to get.

Price: R517,000
0-100 km/h: 10.3
Power (kW@r/min): 115 KW @ 6000
Torque (N.m@r/min): 196 N.m @ 4000
Top speed:
Claimed cons. (l/100 km): 7.6 l/100 KM's
C02 emissions (g/km): 176 g/KM


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Subaru Forester Finally Gains Turbo Motor

The popular Subaru Forester has finally gained a turbocharged motor. Some details on the new powertrain.


The Subaru Forester is a popular and capable SUV that has one glaring fault; the lack of a punchy and torque-rich motor. Previous generations of Forester have wowed with their turbocharged flat-4 motors and become cult icons. Sadly, the latest version lacked any form of forced induction and made do with so-so naturally-aspirated motors.

The current generation of powertrain isn't fatal, but there was just a lack of thrust that Subaru owners have grown accustomed to over the years. Good news as Subaru has a new motor for its Forester. It's technical name is the CB18 and its a turbocharged 1.8-litre with 130 kW and importantly, 300 Nm. Power goes to all 4 wheels via a CVT 'box. In comparison, the current engine offered to South African Subaru customers is a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated motor which serves up 115 kW and 196 Nm, so this new engine is quite a step up.

 
Subaru Forester Finally Gains Turbo Motor

The popular Subaru Forester has finally gained a turbocharged motor. Some details on the new powertrain.


The Subaru Forester is a popular and capable SUV that has one glaring fault; the lack of a punchy and torque-rich motor. Previous generations of Forester have wowed with their turbocharged flat-4 motors and become cult icons. Sadly, the latest version lacked any form of forced induction and made do with so-so naturally-aspirated motors.

The current generation of powertrain isn't fatal, but there was just a lack of thrust that Subaru owners have grown accustomed to over the years. Good news as Subaru has a new motor for its Forester. It's technical name is the CB18 and its a turbocharged 1.8-litre with 130 kW and importantly, 300 Nm. Power goes to all 4 wheels via a CVT 'box. In comparison, the current engine offered to South African Subaru customers is a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated motor which serves up 115 kW and 196 Nm, so this new engine is quite a step up.


And from the same article:
There's some good news for SA Subaru fans as the brand plans to bring in the uprated 2.5-litre Boxer motor in 2021. Outputs are 136 kW and 239 Nm, which addresses the power deficit concerns.

I can finally upgrade my 2012! :)
 
Watch Subaru Forester outperform the A45 S in the Moose Test

The folks over at Spanish publication km77 have put the Subaru Forester through the dreaded Moose Test, with crossover completing the manoeuvre at a higher entrance speed than the Mercedes-AMG A45 S.

In the video below, the all-wheel-drive Forester – here in 2,0-litre hybrid CVT form (a model not offered in South Africa) and wearing Bridgestone Dueler HP Sport rubber in 225/60 R17 size – is subjected to one of the toughest handling tests out there, designed to simulate an animal suddenly running in front of a moving vehicle.

The first attempt performed just below the prescribed entrance speed of 77 km/h saw plenty of understeer and a couple of cones clipped. Eventually, km77’s best successful effort was at an entrance speed of 77 km/h, which is two units faster than the A45 S hot hatch managed.



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Subaru Forester range to gain new 2,5-litre engine (and Sport trim)

Subaru Southern Africa has announced the expansion of its Forester range, with two new 2,5-litre variants set to be added to the line-up in March 2021.

Interestingly, the company also looks set to remove the mid-spec 2,0i-L ES derivative from its range. As a result, the line-up will feature four variants once the reshuffle is made: two employing the 2,0-litre unit (2,0i-CVT and 2,0i-S ES CVT) and two with the new 2,5-litre engine (2,5i-S ES CVT and 2,5i Sport ES CVT).

The 2,5-litre boxer engine makes 136 kW and 239 N.m (compared with the 2,0-litre powerplant’s 115 kW and 196 N.m), delivered to all four wheels via the Japanese firm’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Subaru claims a combined fuel economy figure of 7,6 L/100 km.

The Forester 2,5i Sport ES will slot in at the summit of the line-up, boasting “signature aesthetics and features”. The grille and bumper elements, for instance, are finished in black, as are the side sills, wheel-arch surrounds, rear bumpers and the top section of the boot lid.


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Subaru Forester (2021) Specs and Pricing

Subaru Southern Africa has confirmed a more powerful and advanced Forester is on its way and will be on sale from mid-Feb 2021. What's changed and how much will it cost?

The Forester is Subaru's best-selling model in its portfolio and since its introduction 24 years ago, the capable SUV has won over many fans.

For 2021, Subaru Southern Africa will increase its local Forester offering with 2 new models. The most notable of the new models is the 2.5i Sport ES model, which combines practicality with sporty aesthetics. Those lamenting the lack of a properly potent engine in the same vein as the older-gen XT motors will have to make do with a naturally-aspirated motor, however, in 2021 guise, it now produces 136 kW and 239 Nm. This is an increase of 21 kW and 43 Nm over the 2-litre variant. In terms of fuel consumption, Subaru is claiming this flagship model consumes just 7.6 L/100 km. The vehicle is only available with a CVT.

Pricing

Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport ES - R599 000

Subaru Forester 2.5i-S ES - R629 000

 
Subaru Southern Africa has confirmed a more powerful and advanced Forester is on its way and will be on sale from mid-Feb 2021. What's changed and how much will it cost?

Correction, the 2.5 started rolling into dealerships yesterday.

I'll be getting the first customer owned 2.5 in the country tomorrow, the 2.5iS-SE in Horizon Blue Pearl to be precise :D
 
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