Motor Image has officially previewed the new Subaru
Forester e-Boxer, which is the hybrid version of the fifth-generation (SK) SUV
model. As with most Subaru models, a boxer engine is the primary source of
motivation. In this case, it is a FB20 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated,
direct-injected flat-four petrol unit with 145 PS at 6,000 rpm and 188 Nm of
torque at 4,000 rpm.
The mill makes slightly less power compared to
latest XV (156 PS/196 Nm) but this is remedied by a 13.6 PS/65 Nm electric
motor. The motor is placed within the Lineartronic CVT, and draws power from a
4.8 Ah lithium-ion battery under the rear cargo floor, which is recharged via
regenerative braking or the engine.
Completing the powertrain is Subaru’s full-time
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with X-Mode and SI Drive modes. In terms of
operation, the hybrid SUV is capable of running purely on electricity at low
speeds for a limited distance like when setting off from a stop.
At medium speeds, the engine and electric motor work
together for better efficiency, while at high speeds, only the engine is used
to propel the car whilst keeping charging the battery. There are no dedicated
modes for the powertrain to run on a specific power source – the system decides
which is best.
Visually, the car doesn’t differ significantly from
a standard Forester, with the addition of ‘e-Boxer’ badges being one of the
ways to spot one. The same is true of the interior, with the only change being
the upper dashboard display, which now has a dedicated screen to view the
hybrid system’s status.
Open the boot, and you’ll also notice a slight
change to accommodate the battery – the Forester e-Boxer has a slightly smaller
cargo space of 509 litres compared to the non-hybrid variants’ 520 litres. The equipment list for the
Singapore preview car includes dual-zone automatic climate control with rear
vents, a powered sunroof, leather upholstery, powered seats (with memory
function for the driver), an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system,
18-inch wheels and the EyeSight active safety suite of systems.
