The durable Subaru Forester has been around now for almost thirty years selling over five million cars in the process. Drivers have indeed come to trust this capable and reliable vehicle. Every new version heralded improvements to this versatile, boxer-engined all-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle (SUV) and the same can be said for this latest model, the all-new Forester e-Boxer, which now embraces hybrid technology. It’s available to order now and there’s a simple choice of three models, the range-topper being the ‘Touring’, with options like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats and larger alloys.
About The Forester
Not that much has changed on the outside; the design has been refined but it’s still the same chunky all-rounder that Subaru buyers have come to expect. The new All-Wheel Drive Forester combines the marque's renowned all-weather, go-anywhere ability with improved refinement, enhanced driving dynamics, and the latest safety technology.
Built on the evolved Subaru ‘Global Platform’, the new Forester showcases technical advances across its chassis and power-train. The platform now features full inner frame construction. This engineering enhancement, combined with increased rigidity at suspension mounting points, delivers a 10% improvement in chassis torsional rigidity compared to its predecessor, thus improving handling and traction.
The Forester retains Subaru's signature combination of ‘Permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive’ plus the e-Boxer hybrid power plant. The 2.0 litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine (Hence Boxer) features 24 technical improvements, working in harmony with the hybrid system and refined ‘Lineartronic’ transmission to deliver enhanced driving characteristics. The new dual-pinion electric power steering system provides improved response and more natural feedback, inspiring even greater confidence, whatever the conditions.
The Forester combines enhanced on-road dynamics with class-leading off-road ability, made possible thanks to its peerless ‘All-Wheel-Drive’ traction and 220mm of ground clearance. This is allied with an impressive approach, ramp break-over, and departure angles of 20.4°, 25.7°, and 21.0° respectively, complemented by a substantial 1,870kg towing capacity. That’s why it’s considered to be one of the best all-rounder, with good on-road manners too.
The Subaru brand has long been noted as being a leader in automotive safety, and the new Forester continues this tradition. This new model features the latest iteration of Subaru’s ‘EyeSight Driver Assist’ technology, representing a significant advancement in collision prevention safety. Now featuring a wide-angle monocular camera and new front radar, the system offers enhanced recognition performance across fifteen functions, including five new features.
Notable among these is the ‘Emergency Driving Stop System’, a first for Subaru, which activates if the driver becomes incapacitated. This works alongside an upgraded ‘Driver Monitoring System’, which now offers additional safety and convenience functions. The software-based safety improvements are complemented by significant hardware changes, including the introduction of front seat centre airbag and passenger seat cushion airbag, as well as a revised front bumper beam layout, optimized to dramatically improve collision energy absorption efficiency.
The Interior
As well as being exceptionally spacious and practical, the interior refinement has also been elevated further from the previous generation Forester, with cabin noise reduced by 39% for a calm and cosseting driving environment. New front seats minimise head sway, reducing movement by approximately 44%, significantly improving comfort on long journeys.
The modernised and light-filled cabin features a new 11.6 inch full HD infotainment system with improved operability while retaining physical buttons and switches for climate control and other key functions. The use of real buttons and switches is to be applauded; no fiddling around in menu listings! The updated infotainment suite includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as enhanced navigation supporting both Apple Maps and, interestingly, the increasingly popular ‘what3words’ which is ideal for tracking down remote locations. The interior is also equipped with both Type-C and Type-A charging ports, so electronics can be easily topped up, even when in the wilderness.
Other practical touches include a generous boot capacity of 508 litres (expanding to 1,720 litres with rear seats folded) and an optional hands-free power tailgate. All-round direct vision has been optimised through carefully designed pillars and an extensive glass area. This is complemented by the new 360° Multi-View Monitor system, aspherical door mirrors, and LED cornering lamps.
On The Road
Subaru’s improvements to the Forester’s refinement over time are very noticeable; losing that agricultural feel that much earlier models used to have. Although the exterior hasn’t changed much, it’s on the road that it feels more like an all-new car. The cabin is quieter than before and the ride remains comfortable, absorbing bumps with ease. This makes it a relaxed cruiser, especially at lower speeds. It goes without saying that the off-road ability is legendary.
Don’t expect lively performance; that’s not what this car is about. The Forester is about picking up children from school safely and also about going where ordinary cars fear to touch rubber. The 2.0-litre 136bhp (138PS) e-Boxer petrol mild-hybrid engine has power enough though, without worrying about the traffic light sprint.
If the features you really need from a car include durability, standard four-wheel drive and a long-established reputation for excellence off-road, then the Subaru Forester e-Boxer offers no-nonsense approach to family motoring. There’s a range of other models from this manufacturer too.
Check in with us here at MHH International to find out more about Subaru availability and our comprehensive and secure export service from the UK to countries like New Zealand, Ireland, Kenya and Mauritius and other destinations around the world.
