The current, fourth-generation Subaru Forester
arrived in 2012 and is nearing the end of its lifecycle. Subaru is now working
on the fifth generation Subaru Forester, which was recently spied testing in
Japan.
Subaru is initially testing the next-gen Subaru
Forester in the current model’s body, and so, the exterior design changes in
the works remain a mystery. The interior does look new, though, possibly
bearing the same layout as that of the new generation Subaru Impreza. The fifth-gen
Subaru Forester was previewed by the Subaru Viziv Future Concept at the 2015
Tokyo Motor Show.
The all-new Subaru Forester will likely ride on the
Subaru Global Platform that currently underpins the Subaru Impreza. Subaru says
that the new platform increases rigidity throughout the body and chassis,
reduces noise and vibration and increases the comfort level of the vehicle due
to better absorption of the suspension. Moreover, it’s adaptable to
electrification.
Subaru has said that it will start offering new
downsized turbocharged engines in 2019, and the next-gen Forester could get one
of these new units. To comply with US zero emission vehicle (ZEV) regulations,
the company plans to launch a plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2018, possibly a
variant of the Forester or the Outback.
