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Subaru Forester and XV Hybrid e-Boxer AWD arriving Q1 2020

Alvin Lee

Subaru has confirmed its March 2020 launch into the hybrid arena, with its new Forester and XV Hybrid e-Boxer All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variants.

Both the Forester and XV hybrid models feature identical petrol-electric engines that add a new dimension and choice to Subaru’s range.

XV Hybrid offers over 14% improvement in fuel efficiency over equivalent petrol variants in the urban cycle and over 7% improvement in the combined cycle, while Forester offers improvement of over 9% (compared to 2.5-litre petrol variants) in the combined cycle and over 19% in the urban cycle.

Forester is already Subaru’s best-seller in Australia and the Hybrid AWD variant will launch in February priced from $39,990 plus on-road costs, while XV Hybrid, with an exclusive new colour option – Lagoon Blue Pearl – will be priced from $35,580 plus ORCs.

One XV Hybrid AWD variant will be available and two Foresters: Hybrid L AWD and Hybrid S AWD.

Both hybrid models feature e-Boxer power – a 2.0 litre horizontally opposed Boxer engine linked via Motor Assist to a high voltage lithium ion battery, offering fuel economy benefits, particularly in congested city driving.

The four cylinder 2.0 litre engine produces 110 kW of power at 6,000 rpm and 196 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, while the electric motor develops 12.3 kW of power and 66 Nm of torque, and is self-charged via kinetic energy captured by regenerative braking and coasting.

The e-Boxer logic adjusts the power split between petrol and electric to match driving conditions. It automatically changes between three modes: Motor Assist EV driving, Motor Assist electric (EV) + petrol engine driving, and Petrol engine driving.

From standstill or at low speed, the vehicle is powered by the electric motor only, for quiet, zero-emission driving. Depending upon vehicle and battery condition, it can operate in fully electric mode up to 40 km/h.

At medium speeds, combined power from both the electric and petrol engine produce responsive, linear and more fuel efficient acceleration.

At high speed, the Boxer petrol engine exclusively powers the vehicle, while regenerative braking or coasting with foot off the accelerator, recharges the lithium ion battery.

In Forester Hybrid S, driver selectable SI-Drive – Subaru’s powertrain performance management system – allows the driver to tailor throttle characteristics by choosing between “Intelligent” and “Sport” modes, for flexible, convenient and enjoyable driving.

Subaru’s Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is mated to the e-Boxer system for smooth power delivery and torque.

Motor Assist enhances X-Mode off-road capability, through better low speed torque control.

X-Mode makes it easier for drivers to safely navigate bad roads, slippery surfaces and steep hills, by centralising control of the engine, All-Wheel Drive, brakes and other critical components to help ensure safe driving even on poor surfaces.

Hill Descent Control helps maintain a constant speed when the vehicle is travelling down hill.

All Subaru hybrids purchased by private buyers for private use offer a five year unlimited kilometre warranty, plus an eight-year 160,000 km lithium ion battery warranty.

2020 Subaru Forester and XV Hybrid e-Boxer AWD specification

XV Hybrid AWD adds to XV 2.0i (petrol variant) specification:

Compared to the Forester 2.5i-L (petrol variant), Forester Hybrid L AWD adds:

Forester Hybrid S AWD adds (to Forester 2.5i-S petrol variant specification):

2020 Subaru Forester and XV Hybrid e-Boxer AWD pricing (excluding on-road costs)

XV Hybrid AWD$35,580
Forester Hybrid L AWD$39,990
Forester Hybrid S AWD$45,990