Subaru Ireland’s new e-Boxer hybrid models are set to arrive in Ireland this November, writes Trish Whelan.
The XV Crossover and all new Forester are the first two models to feature the e-Boxer, Subaru’s new-generation power unit system which combines electric motor assist with a Boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive.
The e-Boxer comes with a customised lineartronic transmission that integrates an electric motor, DC/DC converter and electric motor inverter.
This e-Boxer announcement follows news that Toyota and Subaru will jointly develop a BEV-dedicated platform as early as next year marking the next stage of the Subaru electrification strategy. The two companies will apply Subaru’s AWD and Toyota’s vehicle electrification technologies to jointly develop a C-segment SUV.
The Subaru e-Boxer system adjusts the power-split ratio between the dedicated 2.0 direct-injection engine and the electric motor to match the driving condition offering three driving modes; Engine driving, EV driving, and Motor Assist driving. From standstill, or at low speed, the electric motor alone powers the vehicle for a quiet and zero-emission driving.
Depending on the driver’s driving style, fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 11pc compared to the outgoing 2.0 petrol version.
The new Forester is the most technological advanced Subaru yet, equipped with a host of new Advanced Safety technologies. 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. The new model also has Reverse Automatic Braking to help avoid collisions when reversing and reduces the damage in case of collision.
The new Forester’s width is increased by 20mm over the previous model providing more front seat comfort; the wheelbase was stretched 30mm allowing for more interior space. With 220mm of ground clearance, along with the widest possible approach and departure angles, the 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. Forester’s towing capacity is 1870kg.
The XV Crossover was the most sold Subaru in Europe last year. It is built on the new Subaru Global Platform to achieve ‘world-class’ collision safety and superior hazard avoidance as well as increased advances in driver-responsive handling and ride comfort. Like the Forester, it is powered by a 2.0 horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine and paired with an electric motor within the customised lineartronic transmission. It also gets the EyeSight driver assist and Rear Vehicle Detection. Ground clearance is 220mm, underpinned by Subaru’s original Symmetrical AWD System, Active Torque Vectoring and an improved X-Mode system for true SUV capabilities.
The new Forester is priced at €44,495 for the SE model and comes generously equipped. Towing capacity is up to 1,800kg as standard. The SE Premium edition comes in at €48,195.
The XV Crossover is priced at €38,495 for the SE model while the SE Premium version is priced at €41,495.
Order books are now open for both models.
