Aussie favourite takes on Toyota hybrid
This family-minded machine delivers 1000km range to make people think twice about conventional cars.
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Subaru’s sixth-generation Forester loots set to drive for 1000km between fuel stops, thanks to a new hybrid system in the family-friendly SUV.
The new Forester line-up enters one of the most competitive segments on the road, where it will take on the likes of Toyota’s RAV4, the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V.
Prices and detailed specifications remain under wraps, but Subaru has teased some key highlights ahead of its official debut.
MORE: Petrolheads lose it over EV clip
Subaru executives describe the new Forester SUV as “stronger, smarter and more capable than ever”.
There will be two powertrain options available across seven variants: a 2.5-litre Boxer petrol engine and a four-cylinder hybrid, both mated to CVT automatic transmissions.
The hybrid combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Boxer petrol engine with an 88kW electric motor and a 1.1kWh battery system expected to offer 1000km of range from a single tank.
MORE: Original Subaru Forester Hybrid driven
As standard – and a key Subaru selling point – all variants will feature all-wheel-drive traction.
Standard safety equipment across all models includes a driver attention monitoring system with an emergency driver stop system, a 360-Degree View Monitor, and a new wide-angle front camera.
MORE: Subaru’s electric Solterra
The new emergency stop system automatically brings the vehicle to a halt if the driver remains unresponsive after multiple warnings. The system issues short, sharp alerts on the display screens before lightly jerking the vehicle to regain driver attention.
If unsuccessful, the hazard lights will activate, and the vehicle will come to a complete stop.
Other standard features include an 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and a wireless phone charger.
There will be four petrol variants available, with the Sport and Touring models positioned at the top of the range.
This will be the first time the Touring variant has been introduced to the Forester line-up – having previously been exclusive to the Outback range.
The petrol Sport receives green accents throughout, including upholstery stitching, badging and grille inserts, while the Touring model adds gloss black exterior highlights.
Additional features to the Touring include a Harman Kardon sound system, ventilated front seats, lower-profile roof rails and a choice of black or brown leather upholstery.
The remaining three variants are hybrid-only and mirror the AWD, Sport and Touring trims with slight specification differences.
Originally published as Aussie favourite takes on Toyota hybrid
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