Subaru’s XV Crossover and new Forester e-Boxer will be the first two electrified models from the brand for Europe, writes Trish Whelan. Both were unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.
Both models feature custom-built horizontally-opposed powertrains combining motor-assist with Boxer technology and Symmetrical All Wheel Drive.
The e-Boxer is the brand’s new generation power unit system which combines Motor Assist with a Boxer engine and Symmetrical AWD. The system adjusts the power-split ratio between the 2.0 direct-injection engine and the electric motor. Three driving modes are offered: Engine driving, EV driving, and Motor Assist driving.
Forester:
The fifth-generation Forester, now with a more rugged style, is safer than ever, is the most technologically-advanced Subaru in the current European line-up and is equipped with new Advanced Safety technologies. It is also the roomiest and most capable Forester yet.
Built on the Subaru Global Platform it offers superior handling and stability, improved hazard avoidance performance, more responsive steering, ‘exceptionally’ low vibrations and driving comfort. The new model is wider overall by 20mm to provide more front seat comfort; the wheelbase has been stretched so allow more rear seat legroom.
From standstill, or at low speed, the electric motor alone powers the vehicle. It can drive on EV-Mode for distances ranging up to about 1.6km, and reach speeds up to 40km/h. Subaru say it offers improved fuel consumption in urban, stop-and-go traffic; fuel consumption, depending on the driver’s driving style, can be reduced by up to 11pc compared to the outgoing 2.0 petrol version.
It is available as standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, and adds the Driver Monitoring System, a new facial recognition technology that alerts the driver of fatigue or distraction while on the road as well as automatically adjusting driver settings for seat position, door mirror angles, and air conditioning preferences. The new model introduces the Reverse Automatic Braking to help avoid collisions when reversing. Overall width is increased by 20mm for more front seat comfort while the wheelbase has been stretched to allow more rear leg room.
With 220mm of ground clearance, new Forester is well suited for off-road adventures. The X-Mode is now available with dual functions suited for a variety of weather and road conditions. Towing capacity is 1,870kg.
XV Crossover:
Subaru’s XV Crossover was the most sold Subaru in Europe last year. The company say it is a key model that embodies their safe, fun and tough core pillars.
It is built on the brand’s new Global Platform to achieve world-class collision safety and superior hazard avoidance, as well as increased advances in driver-responsive handling and ride comfort.
The new model is powered by a 2.0 four-cylinder engine, featuring 80pc new components, and paired with an electric motor within the Lineartronic transmission. The electric motor assist and the battery pack are aligned longitudinally. The heavy motor is placed near the car’s centre of gravity while the battery is above the rear axle.
Three driving modes are: Engine driving, EV driving, and Motor Assist driving.
Ground clearance is 220mm, underpinned by the Symmetrical AWD System.
