Check out Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid’s strengths, weaknesses

Hybrids are fast becoming the go-to option for many car buyers in the global scene, as well as the local market. The aforementioned is apparent from the sheer number of electrified nameplates from brands such as Toyota, BYD, Chery, Honda, BAIC, Hyundai, Suzuki, and more recently, Subaru. 

Specifically, Subaru’s local distributor, Motor Image Pilipinas, has brought in the Forester e-Boxer Hybrid with a suggested retail price of P2.498 million. For the local market, it is the brand’s sole offering in the new energy vehicle (NEV) arena, as such, a lot of hopes are resting on the said crossover’s shoulders. 

Would-be buyers and fans of the Japanese car brand, of course, are paying close attention to the new nameplate - with some undoubtedly exploring the idea of purchasing the ride. But, does it have any weaknesses? Also, what are its specific strengths? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Advanced powertrain

While it isn’t a sports car by any means, the all-new Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid sports a highly capable powertrain consisting of a 2.5-liter boxer-four gasoline engine, a 1.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, and an electric motor. 

The combustion component of the electrified Forester on its own can generate up to 162 horsepower (hp) and 209 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. The aforementioned is supported by its electric motor, which produces 121 hp and 276 Nm of torque. 

As expected, the Forester e-Boxer Hybrid retains Subaru’s signature Symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Its output, meanwhile, is managed by a continuously variable transmission that comes equipped with a six-speed paddle-shift manual mode. 

The brand didn’t share its electric range, but the all-new Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid can run exclusively on electric power, provided it has enough charge. It also has regenerative braking and a top speed of 182 kilometers per hour. 

Ensuring stability and ride comfort for the vehicle is a front MacPherson strut suspension and a rear double wishbone suspension system. 

Further ensuring the vehicle’s capability off the beaten path is a ground clearance of 220 millimeters, the X-Mode AWD setting, and its Active Torque Split AWD feature. 

As the brand explains, the Active Torque Split AWD feature allows its drivetrain to balance torque delivery between the front and rear wheels actively as needed. The aforementioned is said to be capable of responding in real-time to varying traction conditions. 

The X-Mode, on the other hand, is touted to enable the Forester e-Boxer Hybrid to provide smooth driving on rough terrain and inclined surfaces. 

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Rich in amenities

Apart from its notably advanced powertrain, the all-new Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid is also rich in creature comforts and driving amenities. 

Starting with its exterior, it has full LED lighting, roof rails, a roof-mounted rear spoiler, a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, and plenty of protective black plastic claddings all around. Completing the look of the vehicle is a set of 19-inch wheels.

The interior of the vehicle, meanwhile, welcomes its occupants with leather and Ultrasuede-clad seats, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, front and rear center armrests, and numerous storage cubby holes throughout the cabin. 

The vehicle’s driver also has access to the following: 

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Paddle shifters
• Analog and digital instrument cluster
• Push-to-start button
• Electronic parking brake
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
• 60:40 split-folding rear seats

Handling on-board entertainment and navigation for the all-new Subaru nameplate is an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said screen is paired with a Harman Kardon surround sound system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and several USB ports. 

With the rear seats in use, the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid’s trunk can accommodate up to 484 liters of cargo. With the rear seats folded down, it can swallow up to 1,655 liters of cargo. 

Brimming with safety equipment

Another strength of the all-new Subaru Forester is its comprehensive safety kit. For starters, its lineup of active and passive safety gear includes anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist with brake override, auto vehicle hold, reverse automatic parking, auto-retracting pedals, dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, and a shock-absorbing front bumper. 

The aforementioned are reinforced by an array of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), which include: 

• Subaru emergency driving stop system
• Lane centering 
• Lane departure prevention
• Lane departure warning
• Lane sway warning
• Autonomous emergency steering
• Pre-collision throttle management
• Lead vehicle start alert
• Pre-collision braking
• Adaptive cruise control

Cons

Lots of shiny piano black plastic trims inside

One element of the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid that some buyers wouldn’t like is probably the abundance of piano black plastics on its center console and around its central touchscreen. 

The aforementioned sections of the dash are “high traffic areas” that see a lot of usage during daily driving. And with black plastic trims being smudge magnets, one can imagine that those parts of the car can get dirty in no time. 

Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid: Specifications

Model	Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,665 x1,830 x 1,730
Wheelbase (mm)	2,670
Ground clearance (mm)	220
Wheel size	19-inch wheels
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather and Ultrasuede
Amenities	Leather-wrapped steering wheel Paddle shifters Analog and digital instrument cluster Push-to-start button Electronic parking brake Power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support 60:40 split-folding rear seats Power tailgate Roof rails Harman Kardon sound system Wireless smartphone charging pad USB ports Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning
Infotainment system	11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	2.5-liter boxer-four
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	CVT
Hybrid component	Electric motor, lithium-ion battery
Horsepower (ICE)	162
Torque (ICE)	209 Nm
Horsepower (Electric motor)	121
Torque (Electric motor)	276 Nm
Technology
Safety	Anti-lock braking Electronic brake-force distribution Brake assist with brake override Auto vehicle hold Reverse automatic parking Auto-retracting pedals Dual front airbags Side airbags Curtain airbags Shock-absorbing front bumper
ADAS	Subaru emergency driving stop system Lane centering  Lane departure prevention Lane departure warning Lane sway warning Autonomous emergency steering Pre-collision throttle management Lead vehicle start alert Pre-collision braking Adaptive cruise control
Price	P2.498 million

Final thoughts

Overall, the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid has enough chops to put up a fight against many other hybrid crossovers in the market. It makes decent power, has lots of creature comforts, and plenty of safety gear as well. 

Additionally, it is one of the few in its segment designed to handle outdoor situations. The aforementioned is due mainly to its AWD system and generous ground clearance. 

People liking what they see in the all-new Subaru nameplate, however, should give it a test drive first. Doing so, after all, will make for a better car-buying experience in the end. 

Also read:

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