After years of waiting, Subaru fans are in for a treat as the brand is finally bringing its first full hybrid vehicle to the country, meet the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid.
The Subaru e-Boxer Hybrid is the sixth generation of the now-iconic Forester line. What sets this new generation of Forester apart is that it is the first Subaru to use a full hybrid setup, or what they call a Strong Hybrid System (SHEV).
The SHEV works by having two electric motors, one dedicated to energy regeneration and drive power, and another purely for powering the engine. Because the two electric motors are located under the gearbox and not separately, Subaru was able to maintain its iconic Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system.
Powering the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid is a 2.5-liter Boxer engine; of course, it would not be a Subaru if it didn’t have a boxer engine. According to Subaru, the engine has a max power output of 12kW and a max torque of 209 NM. Add to that the electric motors’ max power of 90kW and max torque of 276Nm.
Our brief initial drive of the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid was a joy. Subaru sticking to a full-fledged mechanical AWD system makes the car more stable and smoother than most Hybrids I’ve driven. Since the electric motor is within the gearbox, power delivery is almost instantaneous.
As for the exterior, the all-new Forester gets a boxy front grille, which also houses one of the cameras for its EyeSight 4.0 ADAS. It also gets new headlights, nice-looking C-shaped DRLs, and some new, powerful fog lamps. You’ll also see the included roof rails, ready for your next adventure. At the back, you get the new rear light and a motorized rear door with a kick-to-open function.
One thing I’ve noticed about the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid is how big it is. While it is an icon in the crossover segment since it first rolled out of the production line, the new generation is definitely the largest it has ever been, and is on the borderline of SUV-size territory. With the bigger size, you also get a bigger space for both passengers and cargo. Second row passengers get plenty of leg room and headroom. At the back, you get 484 liters of cargo space, one of the biggest in its class. In case you need more, you can fold the second row for a total of 1655 liters.
Going inside the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid, you’ll be greeted with the panoramic sunroof. Next, you’ll immediately notice the 11.6-inch infotainment display, which, by the way, has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Another thing to note is the seats. According to Subaru, they’ve partnered with a Japanese medical center to create a more ergonomic interior that maximizes comfort even on long drives.
What really impresses with Subaru ever since is their EyeSight ADAS. Subaru’s EyeSight technology has been one of the best in the industry, with the Forester e-Boxer Hybrid having the latest EyeSight 4.0 built in. EyeSight 4.0 includes the usual lane keep, rear vehicle collision, 360 monitor, and many more.
The Forester e-Boxer Hybrid is also the first car to include Subaru’s Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS), a special safety feature that allows the car to slowly stop in case the driver becomes incapacitated. Trying the EDSS out was a really unique experience, fighting the urge to control the car and letting it decide what to do on its own is something surreal.
The Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid starts at PHP2,498,000. If you want to see the car for yourself, you can visit your nearest Subaru dealership and book a test drive now.