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Fifth-gen Subaru Forester gets e-Boxer hybrid powertrain

Subaru is introducing hybrid e-Boxer power and new ADAS features to the fifth-generation Forester SUV.

Subaru Forester e-Boxer

Although it’s new from the ground up – it’s the third model to be built on the carmaker’s Global Platform – and features a longer wheelbase, design revisions are subtle; the biggest change is a new powertrain that combines Subaru’s 2.0-litre horizontally opposed petrol engine with an electric motor.

A lithium-ion battery unit is mounted within the boot floor and brings an electric-only range of just one mile, driving at speeds of up to 25mph; the carmaker says in urban conditions this brings a 10% improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing petrol engine.

Priced from £33,995 OTR, the new Forester also gets an updated Lineartronic transmission, 220mm of ground clearance and a towing capacity of 1,870 kg, and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive capability along with an X-Mode that offers two modes: Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud plus a dial to switch between the two.

New standard ADAS features include the brand-new Driver Monitoring System, which uses Subaru’s first-ever driver facial recognition technology to detect if the driver’s gaze has wandered or if the driver is dozing off and alerts occupants accordingly. Also standard are Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection, Reverse Automatic Braking  and the EyeSight driver assist technology package, which delivers Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

Two trims are offered: XE and XE Premium. Standard equipment includes alloy-wheels, Keyless Entry and Push Button Start System, LED headlights, equipped with high beam assist, and LED front fog lights. The interior features an eight-inch multifunction colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity.

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.