- New lineup split evenly between petrol and hybrid models.
- Hybrid electric motor increased from 12kW to 90kW.
- Range starts at $49,990.
Subaru of New Zealand has opened the order books for the 6th-generation Forester SUV, the model that project manager Katsuro Tadaki calls the "most significant evolution" in the history of the model. First Kiwi vehicle deliveries are expected in July.
The new Forester will be available in three conventional-petrol models and another three with Subaru's new "strong hybrid" system, the latter providing a massive jump in electric power compared to the outgoing version.
Pricing opens at $49,990 for the Forester AWD (up from the $44,990 entry price for the current model). The basic specification of Forester, Forester Sport and Forester Touring is repeated across both powertrains.
The standard 136kW/247Nm 2.5-litre is essentially carried over, with Subaru claiming reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and improved responsiveness. The continuously variable gearing has been altered for stronger takeoff.
The hybrid system combines a different version of the 2.5-litre boxer engine (running on a combined Atkinson/Miller cycle) with 121kW/212Nm, with a 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWh lithium battery: up on capacity from the previous 2.0-litre and its rather humble 12kW motor. Much of the new electrified hardware is sourced from Toyota (thank you, RAV4).
Subaru claims fuel consumption figures of 7.9l/100km for the petrol and 6.2l/100km for the hybrid, with a possible maximum range of 1000km for the electrified model. Are all based on Australian-sourced NEDC test cycles (NZ-specific 3P-WLTP figures are still to come).
The new model maintains 220mm ground clearance and comes with X-Mode as standard. The all-wheel drive is an "always on" system, with constant drive to both axles.
Key features across the range include an 11.6-inch high-definition infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging pad and 360-degree Surround View Monitor. Higher-end hybrids also get a 12.3-inch digital driver display.
The Forester, Sport and Touring models are $49,990, $54,990 and $56,990 respectively. There are different price-premiums ($3k-$6k) for the hybrid powertrain depending on specification: Forester hybrid $52,990, Sport hybrid $59,990 and Touring hybrid $60,900.
Forester will be on show at Fieldays from June 11-14.
