Subaru Forester e-BOXER, battery help
The first-generation Subaru Forester saw the light of days in 1997. In 2019, the -already- fifth generation of the Forester was presented by Subaru and an important change for this gen is the “E” before “BOXER.” Yes, Subaru has put a 12,3 kW electro engine (16,7 hp and 66 Nm) in the car. The battery package is tucked away just above the rear axle for optimal weight distribution.
e-Boxer
The e-Boxer is a welcome addition to the existing Forester. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 150 hp and 194 Nm torque and with the help of the electric engine the 100 km/h appears in a loud 11,8 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 192 km/h. If you need to blame something for that sluggish acceleration (also with the SI-drive in sport) don’t look further than that CVT-gearbox as it is the guilty one! Not the best choice to pick up speed as fast as possible, but good company if you just want to cruise around and enjoy a comfy ride. The CVT in combination with the e-BOXER gives an electric-like acceleration feeling. Minus speed, and with a strong hum.
Let’s be honest, a Subaru Forester wasn’t developed to be a fast sports car but as a comfortable, user-friendly, and potential family off-roader. And Subaru made it very clear we had to try that last thing. So we went in search of snow, but found sand and so we could try out the X-Mode rotary knob. Left: snow/dirt, right: deep snow/mud and push: normal, a choice of different power transfers onto the surface. Suddenly everything falls into place.: the engine works in perfect harmony with the electro engine, and even the CVT. Thanks to never noticing the gear changes, your acceleration paddle can be dosed perfectly and simple off-roading doesn’t look that challenging anymore. Bare in mind: we didn’t do this on a slippery hill climb somewhere in the Alps.
In the past, the Subaru’s we have tested weren’t the most fuel-efficient. Again something the e-BOXER had to solve and he did a pretty good job. The “electric help” makes it possible to drive on pure electricity at a very low speed and gives a boost when bulging. All of that adds up to the average usage of 8,5 liter per 100 kilometers in the week we could try the Subaru Forester. Yes, it ain’t the claimed 6,7l/100km, but we are pretty cheerful about the results. Especially with its constant four-wheel drive.
Robust
… the perfect way to explain the exterior of the Subaru Forester. Subaru, themselves, speaks of an appearance that makes you long for adventure. The “Jasper Green Metallic” helps with that “longing for adventure”. Subaru has a slightly willful styling and that’s probably one of the reasons why a Subaru-driver stays a Subaru-driver. They’re simply unique in terms of design.
At the front, the Forester looks like a big boy. A lot of chrome with the blue Subaru-logo in the middle, bumpers made of plastic at the bottom (there for off-roading), and Steering Responsive LED-headlights with typical Subaru-day running lights. Those plastic bumpers continue to the side of the car -and later on to the back- where a massive car is waiting for you. The second thing you notice is the use of more chrome and the decent ground clearance.
The rearview already reveals the major trunk hiding within. But as long you keep the tailgate closed, you get a look at the “small looking” taillights and the big rear window providing a great lookout of the car. Not enough? You have a rear-view camera. And that brings us to the inside of the car.
Interior
Subaru is being themselves on the interior and is sticking to their little information screen, which isn’t a bad thing. It displays anything from the angle of the car to consumption in the center of the dashboard. Love it or hate it, it’s how Subaru does it. Other Subaru-features, like a lot of buttons on the steering wheel, also found their way onto the new Subaru Forester. Yes, there are a lot of them but they are really easy to use and are attached to a nice steering wheel. The dials in front of you are clear just like the infotainment system with navigation, DAB, Bluetooth, and every other thing you would want on your modern car.
Safety is a pretty important thing for Subaru. That’s why the Forester is equipped with a dozen of safety features. Hill Descent Control, Side View Monitor and a rear-view camera. Reverse Automatic Braking is impressive as it prevents you from bumping into things while backing up, scary to test but it works. Do you think that’s all? Wrong! There’s also Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection, Auto Vehicle Hold, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and High Beam Assist. … All a bit too much to mention, but believe us: it’s a safe car.
If you are a family man -or woman- you will be happy to hear our Subaru Forester has a panoramic open roof -kids love it as a distraction which is a welcome feature for parents - and there’s a big booth of 509 liters with an electric tailgate. The Harman/Kardon audio system in combination with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto will also be enough to drown out the whining of the children.
Conclusion
In Belgium, you can pick up a new Subaru Forester e-BOXER upward of 35.295 euros. Go mad with specs and you will not hit 45.000 euros and that people is good value for money! Not being a premium brand means you can afford maintenance and it being a Subaru means the car could probably outlive you. This all translates into a lot of Subaru for your money that simply uses less fuel due to the hybrid tech.
