Forester front and centre for Subaru
The new SUV is set to overtake the Outback as Subaru New Zealand’s topseller. By David Linklater.
The all-new fifth-generation version of Subaru’s Forester SUV, unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, is expected to take over from the Outback as the brand’s most successful model in New Zealand.
Currently, the Outback is Subaru’s star performer: last year, it accounted for nearly half of the brand’s Kiwi sales.
But Subaru NZ managing director Wallis Dumper reckons Outback might have to move over for the newcomer when Forester is launched later this year: ‘‘Globally, the Forester is Subaru’s bestseller and this new generation model will certainly continue that trend.
‘‘At first glance, it retains its distinctive Forester DNA but then you step inside and are presented with the truly fantastic technology advancements that we believe will set new benchmarks in the SUV segment.
‘‘Along with continuing to offer comprehensive off-road capabilities through its all-wheel drive system, the new Forester now has the Driver Monitoring System (DMS), which is actually beyond what even the high-end European brands are offering.
‘‘We believe that the extensive upgrades to the Forester in terms of safety, technology, comfort, space, style and driving enjoyment will boost Forester sales in New Zealand to new levels. Even simple things like seat height entry and exit ergonomics have been built on.’’
Forester is based on the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP), as used for Impreza and XV.
Every Forester will be powered by a redesigned version of the brand’s direct-injection 2.5-litre horizontally opposed, normally aspirated, four-cylinder Boxer engine (136kW/239Nm), combined with the Subaru Lineartronic continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive.
Minimum ground clearance is 220mm and the model is fitted with X-Mode, which optimises engine and transmission performance for off-tarmac driving.
All models have protective side cladding.
The DMS makes its debut in the Forester.
It alerts the driver to signs of drowsiness or distraction on the road, as well as automatically adjusting driver settings for seat position, door mirror angles, and air-conditioning preferences.
The EyeSight active safety and driver-assistance system is standard.
Reverse Automatic Braking helps to avoid collisions when reversing.
Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection detects vehicles approaching from the rear.
Steering Responsive Headlights and high-beam assist also feature.
A total of seven airbags (driver’s seat and front passenger seat, knee airbag in the driver’s seat, side airbags, and side curtain airbags) are standard in all models.
Forester has an eight-inch touch-screen navigation system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection.
Subaru says practicality has been enhanced with a wider reardoor opening angle and upright C-pillar shape, a maximum cargo area opening width of 1300mm and squarer cargo storage space than the previous model.
A drive unit for the powered rear cargo door is integrated with the ‘‘stay’’, creating more cargo storage space. It also provides faster opening and closing.
A new locking system, incorporated for the first time in a Subaru vehicle, automatically closes the rear gate and locks the vehicle with just a touch of a button.
If you’re currently driving a Forester XT, the highperformance turbocharged version of Subaru’s SUV, then you might want to keep it.
No such version has been announced for the latest model and there are no plans for a gofaster Forester in the short-term.
However, because it’s on SGP and Subaru’s most important model worldwide, Forester is a prime candidate for electrification.
Subaru Australia executives confirmed to media at the New York Show that a hybrid Forester was in the works for 2020.
There’s also a plug-in hybrid Subaru SUV on the way – but it’s not the Forester.
Subaru has not yet named the model, but the only other SUV using battery-friendly SGP technology at this time is the XV.
‘‘Globally, the Forester is Subaru’s bestseller and this new generation model will certainly continue that trend.’’
Subaru NZ managing director Wallis Dumper