Subaru is introducing its mild hybrid technology to
European customers at the Geneva Motor Show with the new Forester eBoxer, which
takes the place of the axed diesel variant of the previous generation. Subaru’s eBoxer mild hybrid
technology pairs the company’s 2.0-liter flat-four petrol engine with a small
electric motor mounted in the transmission, a reengineered version of Subaru’s
Lineartronic CVT unit. The petrol engine produces 148 hp and 194 Nm, with the electric motor adding an extra 16hp and 65 Nm of
torque.
Features like the permanent four-wheel drive system
remain unchanged. The new mild hybrid Subaru Forester can be driven under
electric power alone very briefly and at low speeds.
The battery pack is mounted on the rear axle, giving
the Forester eBoxer a lower center of gravity and better weight distribution
than its petrol counterpart. Subaru hasn’t announced yet any official fuel
economy figures, including CO2 emissions.
The new fifth-generation Forester is slightly and
wider than its predecessor, offering bigger interior space and a more practical
boot. The interior is made by better-quality materials and also claims to be
quieter too.
The new mild hybrid eBoxer powertrain is also going
to be offered in the XV (or Crosstrek, depending where you live). Subaru will
launch the new Forester eBoxer alongside the XV eBoxer in Europe by the fall of
this year.
