Subaru Forester to show off that special X-factor
Following its unveiling at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, the all-new, fifth generation Subaru Forester SUV will soon be heading to SA. Subaru Southern Africa have confirmed it will be launched nationally at the beginning of December.
The new premium Forester models will come standard with the manufacturer’s award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.
Named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for 12 years running (2007-2018) and achieving the highest rating of “Superior” for front crash prevention from IIHS when equipped with EyeSight, the 2019 Forester will build on its long history of award-winning safety with a stiffer and stronger chassis.
The addition of Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and LED low and high beam headlights make this the safest Forester since the vehicle first saw the light 22 years ago.
With all-new design and engineering, the 2019 model is designed around the Subaru Global Platform (SGP) and according to Subaru delivers major improvements in safety, ride, handling and occupant comfort.
All Forester trim levels come standard with seven airbags, including Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbags, front seat side pelvis-torso airbags, side curtain airbags and driver's knee airbag. Every Forester is equipped standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring and is powered by a new version of the 2.0-litre Subaru Boxer engine.
The new engine boasts 80% redesigned parts and direct injection for enhanced responsiveness. All models will be paired with Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission), producing 115kW and 196 Nm of torque.
Adding more flexibility for driving conditions is driver-selectable Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive).
SI-Drive allows the driver to tailor the vehicle's throttle characteristics by choosing between “Intelligent” and “Sport” modes. “Intelligent” mode helps smooth out accelerator inputs for fuel saving, while “Sport” tunes throttle response to emphasise performance.
The 2019 Subaru Forester will be the first model in the Subaru line-up to receive the new two-mode X-Mode system. X-Mode is a device that automatically adjusts the throttle power in off-road driving, leaving the driver to handle only the steering in difficult driving conditions.
The new X-Mode offers two modes – one for snow and deep mud and the second for sand and snow, and debuts on the premium model.
Other Forester models have the standard X-Mode single mode function. Both versions feature Subaru's Hill descent control. The new Forester has already garnered praise from international media and has been named a World Car of the Year 2019 candidate.
The Japan Design Promotion Organisation awarded it the 2018 Good Design Award, remarking that the Forester design has evolved from what was Subaru's weakness (interior quality) to a strong point in the new 2019 model year.
Grades and pricing will be announced by Subaru Southern Africa soon.