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2019 Subaru Forester (Gen 5)
- Thread starter FiestaST
- Start date
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Subaru Forester 2.0i-S ES (2019) Review
Fast facts
Price: R499 000 (January 2019)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4 cylinder
Power/Torque: 115 kW/196 Nm
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 7.6 L/100 km (claimed)
Pricing and warranty
The keen price of R499 000 for the 2.0i-S ES represents excellent value for a fully-specced car. The Forester range stars at R429 000 and every derivative comes with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and 3-year/75 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
The new Forester builds on the previous generation’s strengths of excellent ride quality and practicality. It remains a solid, reliable and hard-wearing SUV that’s got a bit extra to offer when you and your vehicle need to head off-road. The powertrain is capable within the confines of the city, but struggles a bit on the hills, freeways or when loaded to the brim. That said, the fuel consumption has improved a lot from that of its predecessor.
To some, the Forester might seem a bit bland and that’s probably true, both in terms of its interior (and exterior) packaging. It is, however, very well equipped and has a proven track record for lasting forever. There is ample space for passengers and their detritus and its added off-road prowess makes the newcomer eminently suitable for outdoorsy/sporty people. There’s a lot to like about this new model, especially the price!
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/subaru-forester-20i-s-es-2019-review/45972/
Fast facts
Price: R499 000 (January 2019)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4 cylinder
Power/Torque: 115 kW/196 Nm
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy: 7.6 L/100 km (claimed)
Pricing and warranty
The keen price of R499 000 for the 2.0i-S ES represents excellent value for a fully-specced car. The Forester range stars at R429 000 and every derivative comes with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and 3-year/75 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
The new Forester builds on the previous generation’s strengths of excellent ride quality and practicality. It remains a solid, reliable and hard-wearing SUV that’s got a bit extra to offer when you and your vehicle need to head off-road. The powertrain is capable within the confines of the city, but struggles a bit on the hills, freeways or when loaded to the brim. That said, the fuel consumption has improved a lot from that of its predecessor.
To some, the Forester might seem a bit bland and that’s probably true, both in terms of its interior (and exterior) packaging. It is, however, very well equipped and has a proven track record for lasting forever. There is ample space for passengers and their detritus and its added off-road prowess makes the newcomer eminently suitable for outdoorsy/sporty people. There’s a lot to like about this new model, especially the price!
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/subaru-forester-20i-s-es-2019-review/45972/
Brenden_E
Executive Member
Subaru has honestly fallen behind the last couple of years. As a big fan of the brand, I can't see a level-headed person choosing this over the competition.
Cost almost the same as a 4x4 Fortuner. No man...
Cost almost the same as a 4x4 Fortuner. No man...
hj2k_x
Honorary Master
It does seem crazy (we still have 3 Subis in the family). There new ones are crap though.
And then Subaru complain that they have difficulty trying to to get there customers who own old subarus to upgrade.If you gonna produce rubbish then dont expect new sales.I will happily keep my 15 year old subaru thanks very much.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Alex on Autos review
I really would not use that as a yardstick... Not a fan of the new scoobys though.
Brenden_E
Executive Member
The point is if I have a choice between new Subaru and new Fortuner and they both cost the same, I have to be doping off on coke and smack to choose the Subaru.
dielaksman
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2011
- Messages
- 337
- Reaction score
- 304
Friend got her new one last week, she sent a pic of the fuel consumption she has been getting thus far, 5.9l/100km. Mostly highway driving, but still super impressive figures.
AntennaMan
Expert Member
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2014
- Messages
- 2,661
- Reaction score
- 1,452
That is excellent. Whereabouts in the country is that? Figures at the coast might differ significantly from the reef.
dielaksman
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2011
- Messages
- 337
- Reaction score
- 304
It's on the reef, Pta - Joburg.
AntennaMan
Expert Member
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2014
- Messages
- 2,661
- Reaction score
- 1,452
Then that is very good. Especially for a NA engine.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Driven: 2019 Subaru Forester 2.0i-S ES
The new Subaru Forester quickly became the automaker's best-selling vehicle when it was launched late 2018.
And that's not a surprise, because SUVs are big business for most car companies in 2019. Which is why I was keen to get my hands on the fifth-generation Forester or to Scooby fans, SK.
Sean Parker spent a few days with the newcomer, now exclusively powered by a 2.0-litre Boxer engine, and found five reasons why the Forester is perhaps underrated compared to its rivals like the Toyota Rav4, Mazda CX-5 and the Nissan X-trail.
1. It has supreme ride quality - Under that boxy, bulgy exterior is a car with one of the smoothest ride qualities I have ever experienced.
The new Forester is based on the firm's 'Global Platform'. The chassis has higher rigidity, is stronger and weighs less, which aids rolling resistance and helps provide better steering.
The gearbox, a CVT, is a darn sight better than it was on the previous model. The engineers have even matched the engine noise and created a serene in-car driving experience. Top class.
2. It's one of the safest cars on sale - The Japanese firm announced that the new model achieved "the top rating in the Japan New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP) preventive safety performance assessment."
As like other models in the company's line-up, the Forester is fitted with EyeSight, an umbrella of safety systems including braking if a pedestrian or another car is in a potential threat.
The self-braking system worked overtime during the stint I tested the Forester, mainly due to pedestrians jaywalking. It's an effective halt that caught me by surprise on its first appearance.
The Forester will also tell you if you've strayed out of your lane (via a message in the dashboard display) as well as if a car or cyclist is in your blind spot (via a yellow light on the side mirror).
Other nifty safety features include a hold feature that maintains the vehicle on any gradient not only when you're on an incline.
3. The CVT isn't as bad you think - Continuously variable transmissions get a bad wrap from motoring hacks. Drawbacks include: a droning noise and the gears have same consistency to scrambling eggs. The reason? Well, there is an infinite number of gears which run on a belt.
Subaru's in-house name for their CVT is Lineartronic. In the new Forester it weighs less than the unit in the previous model and is more efficient.
Speaking of fuel efficiency I got pretty close to Subaru's claimed average fuel consumption figure of 7.6-litres/100km. Over five days I reduced it from over 10-litres/100km to 8.8-litres/100km.
My point is, there are worse CVT's fitted to other cars in the market. In the Forester it works because it suits the lazy nature of the normally-aspirated engine.
4. Its non-turbocharged engine is a good thing (hear me out) - While some might lament the use of a non-turbocharged engine in the new Forester, my take is the 2.0-litre engine has some merits.
It's an all-new Boxer engine featuring direct-injection producing 115kW and 196Nm. Those figures might seem paltry on paper but the Forester's engine does a fine job of hauling just over 1.6 tons.
It is not the most enthusiastic engine and struggles at high revs, but if you modulate the throttle and drive it smoothly it can be rewarding.
Another reason why I like the naturally-aspirated engine is because it's less complicated than a turbocharged unit.
And I think Forester owners are likely to keep their cars for seven or eight years and the chances of something going wrong are less likely.
Bear in mind the only other rival in the segment to use a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine is the upcoming Toyota Rav4, perhaps the Japanese are onto something here.
5. It comes standard with a lot of kit - Granted, we had the High Spec version on test, that retails for just shy of R500 000, but Subaru's stance is about packing its flagship model with enough kit to make your neighbours jealous.
Standard features across the range are an easy to navigate high-res touchscreen infotainment with smartphone integration including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
I linked up my iPhone via a USB cable and CarPlay worked easily and I really enjoyed working via the big touchscreen. There is, of course, the obligatory Bluetooth functionality available too.
More standard equipment like electric windows, electric parking brake, electric side mirrors, multi-function display, keyless access and electrically-operated seats for the driver and passenger (our test unit had 2-memory programmable settings).
Special mention must be made of the nine-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system and the tailgate can be opened and closed electronically.
https://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/driven-2019-subaru-forester-20i-s-es-20190205
The new Subaru Forester quickly became the automaker's best-selling vehicle when it was launched late 2018.
And that's not a surprise, because SUVs are big business for most car companies in 2019. Which is why I was keen to get my hands on the fifth-generation Forester or to Scooby fans, SK.
Sean Parker spent a few days with the newcomer, now exclusively powered by a 2.0-litre Boxer engine, and found five reasons why the Forester is perhaps underrated compared to its rivals like the Toyota Rav4, Mazda CX-5 and the Nissan X-trail.
1. It has supreme ride quality - Under that boxy, bulgy exterior is a car with one of the smoothest ride qualities I have ever experienced.
The new Forester is based on the firm's 'Global Platform'. The chassis has higher rigidity, is stronger and weighs less, which aids rolling resistance and helps provide better steering.
The gearbox, a CVT, is a darn sight better than it was on the previous model. The engineers have even matched the engine noise and created a serene in-car driving experience. Top class.
2. It's one of the safest cars on sale - The Japanese firm announced that the new model achieved "the top rating in the Japan New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP) preventive safety performance assessment."
As like other models in the company's line-up, the Forester is fitted with EyeSight, an umbrella of safety systems including braking if a pedestrian or another car is in a potential threat.
The self-braking system worked overtime during the stint I tested the Forester, mainly due to pedestrians jaywalking. It's an effective halt that caught me by surprise on its first appearance.
The Forester will also tell you if you've strayed out of your lane (via a message in the dashboard display) as well as if a car or cyclist is in your blind spot (via a yellow light on the side mirror).
Other nifty safety features include a hold feature that maintains the vehicle on any gradient not only when you're on an incline.
3. The CVT isn't as bad you think - Continuously variable transmissions get a bad wrap from motoring hacks. Drawbacks include: a droning noise and the gears have same consistency to scrambling eggs. The reason? Well, there is an infinite number of gears which run on a belt.
Subaru's in-house name for their CVT is Lineartronic. In the new Forester it weighs less than the unit in the previous model and is more efficient.
Speaking of fuel efficiency I got pretty close to Subaru's claimed average fuel consumption figure of 7.6-litres/100km. Over five days I reduced it from over 10-litres/100km to 8.8-litres/100km.
My point is, there are worse CVT's fitted to other cars in the market. In the Forester it works because it suits the lazy nature of the normally-aspirated engine.
4. Its non-turbocharged engine is a good thing (hear me out) - While some might lament the use of a non-turbocharged engine in the new Forester, my take is the 2.0-litre engine has some merits.
It's an all-new Boxer engine featuring direct-injection producing 115kW and 196Nm. Those figures might seem paltry on paper but the Forester's engine does a fine job of hauling just over 1.6 tons.
It is not the most enthusiastic engine and struggles at high revs, but if you modulate the throttle and drive it smoothly it can be rewarding.
Another reason why I like the naturally-aspirated engine is because it's less complicated than a turbocharged unit.
And I think Forester owners are likely to keep their cars for seven or eight years and the chances of something going wrong are less likely.
Bear in mind the only other rival in the segment to use a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine is the upcoming Toyota Rav4, perhaps the Japanese are onto something here.
5. It comes standard with a lot of kit - Granted, we had the High Spec version on test, that retails for just shy of R500 000, but Subaru's stance is about packing its flagship model with enough kit to make your neighbours jealous.
Standard features across the range are an easy to navigate high-res touchscreen infotainment with smartphone integration including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
I linked up my iPhone via a USB cable and CarPlay worked easily and I really enjoyed working via the big touchscreen. There is, of course, the obligatory Bluetooth functionality available too.
More standard equipment like electric windows, electric parking brake, electric side mirrors, multi-function display, keyless access and electrically-operated seats for the driver and passenger (our test unit had 2-memory programmable settings).
Special mention must be made of the nine-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system and the tailgate can be opened and closed electronically.
https://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/driven-2019-subaru-forester-20i-s-es-20190205
RudderVator
Expert Member
- Joined
- Jun 15, 2010
- Messages
- 2,778
- Reaction score
- 2,076
I can vouch for the fuel economy! Show me an SUV size car that has permanent All wheel drive and a 2.0L automatic that will give you 7l/100km in city stop start driving? Biggest contributor must be the Direct injection motor and CVT mostly. These figures is what I get currently on my 18’ XV.
Once again. The only car Ive found that can compete with the Global Platform in terms of ride quality will most probably be the new Tiguan. But go and add City assist automatic braking, Adaptive cruise control, Keyless entry, All wheel drive/4motion and Car play to the Mix and the Tiguan will easily be a R700 000+ car.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Tested: Subaru Forester is plush but lacks grunt
Subaru's latest Forester is one of the best-value SUVs on sale in SA when it comes to spec, space and safety credentials. But, as we recently discovered, after spending a week with the range-topping 2.0i-S CVT model, the car isn’t as engaging to drive as previous generations.
Nevertheless, redesigned from the ground up, and built on the company’s new Global Platform, the latest Forester aims to set new standards for the segment.
Thoroughly revised
The width, length and wheelbase of the new Forester have increased compared to its predecessor, but the vehicle’s overall height is 5mm lower than before.
It looks good from any angle, although some might find the rear to be a bit too fussy, with one colleague suggesting that it reminds them of ‘Hyundais’ from the back. (Not sure whether this is a good or bad thing.)
The rear section of the vehicle sports split rear taillamps with a more pronounced C-shape, and black-out cladding at the back now extends higher than before.
At the front, broader LED headlamps join a redesigned grille, new fog lamp surrounds and a new underguard treatment for added protection during off road expeditions. The vehicle’s roof rails have also been redesigned, now featuring loopholes on the premium spec model, for easier securing of ropes when tying cargo onto the top of the car.
18-inch alloy wheels adorned the test car, and overall it exuded a premium feel and presence. In fact, if felt like a much larger vehicle, more planted and sturdy than ever before.
Subjective styling traits aside, the redesign of the Forester means you now get increased interior space and more legroom too.
In the past, when compared to some of its German competitors in particular, the Forester’s interior always seemed to arrive dated upon launch; low-tech and lacking of a premium feel.
That’s all changed in the new model, especially in the range-topping S model. Soft touch materials are placed exactly where they need to be, the switches and stalks have a solid, sturdy feel to them, and the driver’s seat is plush and comfy (ideal for long road trips).
Subaru say a high focus on occupant comfort is emphasised in the new materials used on the door panels and centre console. Matching trim on the air vents and around the gear selector also complement the quality interior with new fabric or leather seats designed for optimal ergonomics, comfort all round and safety. Not bad, considering the price, which we’ll get to a little later.
Technologies aplenty
While the previous generation Forester was awarded 5-star safety ratings from most reputable crash-test agencies across the world, including being rated highest by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 12 years running, Subaru say the new model is even safer.
The S model, which we had on test, now comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist safety system as standard, as fitted to the WRX we tested last week.
But it’s not just about active safety features, as the new Forester’s platform is said to better-disperse energy in the event of a collision, for reduced risk to passengers.
Added to this, the engine and gearbox are designed to be pushed below the vehicle during a frontal collision instead of crashing into the cabin.
The Forester also gets seven airbags: two front airbags, two side airbags, two curtain airbags and one driver’s knee airbag.
Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a reversing camera system also ensure the vehicle is easy to manoeuvre and to park.
The drive
As usual, the latest Subaru Forester comes as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. You can access several drive modes via the X-Mode control knob on the centre console, depending on the terrain you’re tackling.
Subaru say the new platform ensures that manoeuvrability is enhanced with less body roll than the outgoing Forester and more direct steering. The steering is certainly sharp, crisp and light in action, but it does feel a little numb in the hands when trying to corner with intent. It’s not a sporty car though, so this isn’t something that should be a deal breaker for buyers.
Active Torque Vectoring assists in cornering, a feature that distributes less torque or brakes individual wheels for more precise handling and better driver control in situations where a loss of control is detected. This technology forms part of Subaru’s Preventative safety technology called Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).
VDC controls a number of vehicle systems such as braking, torque distribution and engine output to ensure maximum traction and control when driving. The system includes Anti-lock Braking, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Brake Assist and Traction control technologies. All of the above safety features come standard on all new Foresters too.
While the systems work well, there’s just not enough power and torque in reserve to truly explore the systems’ capabilities if you enjoy driving enthusiastically, but know that you have a strong safety net of systems to keep you upright and pointing in the right direction should you need to avoid an incident on the road.
Needs more oomph
The new Forester is a good car to look at and its interior has improved immensely, but the grunt that one needs in a Fozzie, in our opinion, just isn’t there.
There’s this moment where you put your foot flat on the accelerator and the car kicks down, but all you get is increased revs (and drone from the CVT gearbox). Subaru used to make wonderful 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated motors; both torquey and revvy, and they made even better turbo engines for Foresters, but this time around we’re only getting naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre models.
Perhaps at the coast, where you aren’t sapped of power and torque, the vehicle might feel more responsive, but there’s no hiding the fact that you’re lugging around a big car without much grunt in reserve up in Johannesburg where we tested the vehicle.
Verdict
Perhaps we’re a little too harsh when it comes to how the Forester feels to drive, considering its price point and how Subaru is trying to position the model in the market.
This isn’t the Forester XT or S-Drive you remember from back in the day, it’s a refined, upmarket replacement that will give pricier Tiguans and the Honda CR-V something to think about in terms of overall packaging at a competitive price point.
With all the safety tech you’re getting, and the fact that it sips a claimed 7.6l/100km (we averaged closer to 10l/100km though), you could do a lot worse than buying this solid alternative in a very crowded segment.
Priced at R499 900 for the 2.0i-S with CVT box, it also comes with a five-year/150 000km warranty and a three-year/75 000km full maintenance plan which can be extended to five-years/150 000km.
When you head out to test drive one, try to drive it along uphills and downhills and see if you can live with the way it hangs onto the ‘gear’. If you can live with that, then you’ve found an ideal SUV for under R500k.
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/tested-subaru-forester-is-plush-but-lacks-grunt-19424876
Subaru's latest Forester is one of the best-value SUVs on sale in SA when it comes to spec, space and safety credentials. But, as we recently discovered, after spending a week with the range-topping 2.0i-S CVT model, the car isn’t as engaging to drive as previous generations.
Nevertheless, redesigned from the ground up, and built on the company’s new Global Platform, the latest Forester aims to set new standards for the segment.
Thoroughly revised
The width, length and wheelbase of the new Forester have increased compared to its predecessor, but the vehicle’s overall height is 5mm lower than before.
It looks good from any angle, although some might find the rear to be a bit too fussy, with one colleague suggesting that it reminds them of ‘Hyundais’ from the back. (Not sure whether this is a good or bad thing.)
The rear section of the vehicle sports split rear taillamps with a more pronounced C-shape, and black-out cladding at the back now extends higher than before.
At the front, broader LED headlamps join a redesigned grille, new fog lamp surrounds and a new underguard treatment for added protection during off road expeditions. The vehicle’s roof rails have also been redesigned, now featuring loopholes on the premium spec model, for easier securing of ropes when tying cargo onto the top of the car.
18-inch alloy wheels adorned the test car, and overall it exuded a premium feel and presence. In fact, if felt like a much larger vehicle, more planted and sturdy than ever before.
Subjective styling traits aside, the redesign of the Forester means you now get increased interior space and more legroom too.
In the past, when compared to some of its German competitors in particular, the Forester’s interior always seemed to arrive dated upon launch; low-tech and lacking of a premium feel.
That’s all changed in the new model, especially in the range-topping S model. Soft touch materials are placed exactly where they need to be, the switches and stalks have a solid, sturdy feel to them, and the driver’s seat is plush and comfy (ideal for long road trips).
Subaru say a high focus on occupant comfort is emphasised in the new materials used on the door panels and centre console. Matching trim on the air vents and around the gear selector also complement the quality interior with new fabric or leather seats designed for optimal ergonomics, comfort all round and safety. Not bad, considering the price, which we’ll get to a little later.
Technologies aplenty
While the previous generation Forester was awarded 5-star safety ratings from most reputable crash-test agencies across the world, including being rated highest by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 12 years running, Subaru say the new model is even safer.
The S model, which we had on test, now comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist safety system as standard, as fitted to the WRX we tested last week.
But it’s not just about active safety features, as the new Forester’s platform is said to better-disperse energy in the event of a collision, for reduced risk to passengers.
Added to this, the engine and gearbox are designed to be pushed below the vehicle during a frontal collision instead of crashing into the cabin.
The Forester also gets seven airbags: two front airbags, two side airbags, two curtain airbags and one driver’s knee airbag.
Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a reversing camera system also ensure the vehicle is easy to manoeuvre and to park.
The drive
As usual, the latest Subaru Forester comes as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. You can access several drive modes via the X-Mode control knob on the centre console, depending on the terrain you’re tackling.
Subaru say the new platform ensures that manoeuvrability is enhanced with less body roll than the outgoing Forester and more direct steering. The steering is certainly sharp, crisp and light in action, but it does feel a little numb in the hands when trying to corner with intent. It’s not a sporty car though, so this isn’t something that should be a deal breaker for buyers.
Active Torque Vectoring assists in cornering, a feature that distributes less torque or brakes individual wheels for more precise handling and better driver control in situations where a loss of control is detected. This technology forms part of Subaru’s Preventative safety technology called Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).
VDC controls a number of vehicle systems such as braking, torque distribution and engine output to ensure maximum traction and control when driving. The system includes Anti-lock Braking, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Brake Assist and Traction control technologies. All of the above safety features come standard on all new Foresters too.
While the systems work well, there’s just not enough power and torque in reserve to truly explore the systems’ capabilities if you enjoy driving enthusiastically, but know that you have a strong safety net of systems to keep you upright and pointing in the right direction should you need to avoid an incident on the road.
Needs more oomph
The new Forester is a good car to look at and its interior has improved immensely, but the grunt that one needs in a Fozzie, in our opinion, just isn’t there.
There’s this moment where you put your foot flat on the accelerator and the car kicks down, but all you get is increased revs (and drone from the CVT gearbox). Subaru used to make wonderful 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated motors; both torquey and revvy, and they made even better turbo engines for Foresters, but this time around we’re only getting naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre models.
Perhaps at the coast, where you aren’t sapped of power and torque, the vehicle might feel more responsive, but there’s no hiding the fact that you’re lugging around a big car without much grunt in reserve up in Johannesburg where we tested the vehicle.
Verdict
Perhaps we’re a little too harsh when it comes to how the Forester feels to drive, considering its price point and how Subaru is trying to position the model in the market.
This isn’t the Forester XT or S-Drive you remember from back in the day, it’s a refined, upmarket replacement that will give pricier Tiguans and the Honda CR-V something to think about in terms of overall packaging at a competitive price point.
With all the safety tech you’re getting, and the fact that it sips a claimed 7.6l/100km (we averaged closer to 10l/100km though), you could do a lot worse than buying this solid alternative in a very crowded segment.
Priced at R499 900 for the 2.0i-S with CVT box, it also comes with a five-year/150 000km warranty and a three-year/75 000km full maintenance plan which can be extended to five-years/150 000km.
When you head out to test drive one, try to drive it along uphills and downhills and see if you can live with the way it hangs onto the ‘gear’. If you can live with that, then you’ve found an ideal SUV for under R500k.
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/tested-subaru-forester-is-plush-but-lacks-grunt-19424876
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Subaru Forester eBoxer 2019 review
Should I buy one?
Subaru's eBoxer hybrid powertrain feels like a slightly tentative step towards electrification, but a vitally important one for Subaru. It’s unlikely to catapult the Forester up the sales chart the way that Mitsubishi’s PHEV powertrain transformed Outlander sales – but, while there are clearly a few creases still to iron out of it, it does feel like it belongs on a typically dependable, capable Subaru. And that, as with anything, feels like the right place for the firm to start.
If you want a family SUV to use almost entirely on the road, and the drivability and economy of a diesel are your bottom-line requirements, this may not be the hybrid SUV for you. But if you need the towing and four-wheel drive capability that were once considered key for SUV buyers but increasingly only remain so for a minority, the Forester eBoxer ought to be high on your shopping list.
This is a bit of a curious, unusual animal: an old-school, new-generation family 4x4 that uses fairly avant-garde technology to serve a time-honoured brief in an uncompromising but pragmatic way. Oddly, considering all of that, you might quite like its sense of simplicity.
Subaru Forester e-Boxer specification
Where Vienna, Austria Price circa-£30,000 (tbc) On sale late-2019 Engine 4cyls horizontally opposed, 1995cc, petrol; plus electric motor Power 148/16bhp (petrol engine/electric motor) Torque 143/48lb ft (petrol engine/electric motor) Gearbox CVT Kerb weight tbc Top speed tbc 0-62mph tbc Fuel economy tbc CO2, tax band tbc Rivals Honda CRV Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/subaru/first-drives/subaru-forester-eboxer-2019-review
Should I buy one?
Subaru's eBoxer hybrid powertrain feels like a slightly tentative step towards electrification, but a vitally important one for Subaru. It’s unlikely to catapult the Forester up the sales chart the way that Mitsubishi’s PHEV powertrain transformed Outlander sales – but, while there are clearly a few creases still to iron out of it, it does feel like it belongs on a typically dependable, capable Subaru. And that, as with anything, feels like the right place for the firm to start.
If you want a family SUV to use almost entirely on the road, and the drivability and economy of a diesel are your bottom-line requirements, this may not be the hybrid SUV for you. But if you need the towing and four-wheel drive capability that were once considered key for SUV buyers but increasingly only remain so for a minority, the Forester eBoxer ought to be high on your shopping list.
This is a bit of a curious, unusual animal: an old-school, new-generation family 4x4 that uses fairly avant-garde technology to serve a time-honoured brief in an uncompromising but pragmatic way. Oddly, considering all of that, you might quite like its sense of simplicity.
Subaru Forester e-Boxer specification
Where Vienna, Austria Price circa-£30,000 (tbc) On sale late-2019 Engine 4cyls horizontally opposed, 1995cc, petrol; plus electric motor Power 148/16bhp (petrol engine/electric motor) Torque 143/48lb ft (petrol engine/electric motor) Gearbox CVT Kerb weight tbc Top speed tbc 0-62mph tbc Fuel economy tbc CO2, tax band tbc Rivals Honda CRV Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/subaru/first-drives/subaru-forester-eboxer-2019-review
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