Forester hits hybrid milestone
The all-new Subaru Forester is now available in local showrooms and comes in six variants, three petrol-only and three hybrids.
Subaru says the sixth-generation model also marks a milestone for New Zealand by becoming the first vehicle in its class to pair permanent mechanical symmetrical all-wheel drive with hybrid efficiency.
Central to this is the SUV’s strong hybrid e-Boxer system, which combines a 2.5-litre Boxer engine with a 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery, producing 145kW of total system output.
Subaru notes the output is 31.8 per cent more power than the outgoing mild hybrid and the Forester boasts a combined driving range of more than 1,000km.
For petrol-only variants, the Forester comes with a 2.5-litre Boxer engine that is paired with an upgraded Lineartronic CVT to offer improved responsiveness.
Every variant features Subaru’s always-on symmetrical all-wheel drive system, 220mm of ground clearance, and X-Mode with hill descent control.
New dual-pinion steering, first introduced on the WRX, also provides sharper response and more intuitive control.
Inside, the tech on the dash includes an 11.6-inch high-definition touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and select grades come with a premium Harman Kardon audio system.
Select hybrid variants also introduce a new 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster providing customisable display options for trip, media and energy flow information.
The all-new Forester has a five-star ANCAP safety rating and is equipped with Subaru’s latest-generation EyeSight driver assist system, which is enhanced with a new wide-angle monocular camera and the new emergency driving stop system.
A driver monitoring system, vision assist suite with panoramic 360-degree view monitor and nine airbags contribute further to the safety package.
Jerry Delaney, head of distribution at Inchcape New Zealand, distributors of Subaru in New Zealand, says: “The Forester’s always been part of the Kiwi adventure story – from hauling the bikes to the forest trails to tackling that unsealed road to the beach.
“This next-gen model takes everything Kiwis love about the Forester and dials it up – smarter hybrid tech, even better comfort and safety, and the same go-anywhere attitude that’s made it a staple in New Zealand driveways for decades.”
Pricing starts from $44,990 plus on-road costs.
