2020 Subaru Forester eBoxer

So, here we have the 2020 Subaru Forester eBoxer for Australia and it is Subaru’s gentle step forward to electrification of its popular line-up of cars.  This new Forester is labelled with the letter ‘e’ and hence comes with a mild-hybrid powertrain.  As this will be the only powertrain offered in the incoming new Forester range, we had better get more acquainted with what’s on offer.

2020 Subaru Foreser eBoxer Platform

Exterior-wise, the new Subaru Forester eBoxer range comes with a similar look to the outgoing model; however the front end has a tweaked design print that looks edgier, while the grille is a bit bolder and more upright in its stance.  Bigger windows not only give the new Forester more presence but they let more light into the cabin for better ambience.  The new 2020 Forester’s taillights have been heavily redesigned with a contrasting black trim introduced to the area above the number plate.

The new e-Boxer Forester has been constructed upon the same platform used by the Impreza hatchback, making this an all-new machine for Subaru.  The 2020 model is longer and wider than before, giving better interior space.  You’ll find that the knee and shoulder room for all passengers has improved markedly.  Head out the back to where the boot space is, and the tailgate boasts an electronic lift mechanism that is nice and fast in its action (Limited and Touring).  Some of the estate cars on the market offer slow electronic tailgates these days and can be a bit laborious, particularly when you’re trying to get shopping into the boot while it’s raining.  Another good thing is that the new Forester e-Boxer range has plenty of luggage space even with the rear seats in place, which is also plenty practical.  The boxy cargo space swallows plenty of luggage with ease, and it will extend to 1779 litres when the rear seats are folded down flat.  The rear gate opening has grown 13.5 cm in width making it even wider than on much larger SUVs.

2020 Subaru Forester eBoxer Interior

Forester safety items make up a long list of safety features, and all versions of the new Subaru Forester eBoxer come standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that includes Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision Throttle Management and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.  Other driver-assistance technologies include Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.  The Reverse Automatic Braking system can apply the vehicle’s brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing – very handy.

Higher-end models like the: Forester Sport, Limited and Touring include features like High Beam Assist.  The Limited and Touring models also add Steering Responsive Headlights.  New for the 2020 Forester are things like a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) system that employs yaw sensors to monitor trailer sway.  If the trailer swaying gets beyond certain limits then individual wheels can be braked to stabilize the vehicle and trailer.  This is awesome safety, particularly as the Forester has always been a bit more utilitarian and towing friendly than other models in the line-up.

For the first time, new Subaru Foresters include a Rear Seat Reminder system, designed to help prevent child and/or pet entrapment.

The all-new 2020 Subaru Forester e-Boxer delivers all-wheel drive – surprise, surprise, and Subaru refers to the mild hybrid system as a ‘self-charging’ system.  The car’s electric range is extremely limited, and there’s no ‘EV mode’ button for zero-emissions driving.  Instead, the e-Boxer’s electric motor runs in conjunction with the engine to improve acceleration and make the Forester more fuel efficient.  The ‘e’ side of the equation features a fairly small electric drive motor with only 12 kW and 65 Nm of torque, and also a small lithium-ion drive battery.  The hybrid system works seamlessly without any detection.  So, it’s no true EV vehicle yet, but the eBoxer Forester has better fuel consumption than its predecessor with a combined cycle of around 7 litres/100 km possible.  The new Forester also boasts a lower CO₂ emissions of 150g/km.

When you’re out on-the-go the Forester e-Boxer is a commendably quiet wagon, and the new compact SUV station wagon has much lower levels of noise and vibration entering the cabin.  Good, solid AWD handling is what you’ll enjoy with much tighter handling with less body lean through the corners.  At low speeds the CVT gearbox works smoothly and if you’re a relaxed driver it remains nice as the speed climbs.  Driving enthusiasts might prefer to operate the paddles on the steering wheel to get the best out of the new car’s engine set-up.

If you’re going to get yourself a new Forester eBoxer because you know how well Subaru Foresters perform off-road, then you won’t be disappointed.  It’s great off-road, with good ground clearance making it proficient in tough working conditions.  Forester Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring models come standard with a driver-selectable X-Mode feature with Hill Descent Control for even better traction. When engaged, the X-Mode optimizes control of the engine, transmission shift pattern, Active AWD front/rear clutch force, brakes and the Vehicle Dynamics Control system to optimize wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines.

A superb hill decent control system makes going down slopes a cakewalk.  So, get yourself one of these new eBoxer Foresters and you’re away laughing as soon as the tarmac ends and the off-roading begins.

All Forester models offer smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and each model comes standard with automatic climate control, EyeSight, LED headlights, Auto Start/Stop, SI-DRIVE engine performance management, Active Torque Vectoring, an electronic parking brake, trailer stability assist and welcome home lighting.  A panoramic power moonroof is standard on Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring trims.

Want the sportiest ride? Then the new Subaru Forester eBoxer Sport exclusively employs a version of Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) with Intelligent and Sport Sharp modes.  It also comes with the Lineartronic CVT that features a seven-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle-shift control switches.  Building on the standard equipment of the Forester Premium trim, the Sport also features a high-grade instrument panel combination meter and multi-function display, LED fog lights, High Beam Assist, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, Keyless Access with Push-Button Start and PIN Code Access and the All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer).

If what you’re after is a roomy wagon/SUV for family duties, or you need the towing and four-wheel drive capability, then the new Subaru Forester eBoxer ought to be high on your shopping list.  It is a definite rival to the Mitsubishi Outlander and Honda CRV.

2020 Subaru Forester eBoxer

Exact 2020 Forester models to arrive in Australia are yet to be confirmed, but one thing is for sure: they will be powered by the new eBoxer powertrain.  The 2020 Subaru Forester models includes the:

• Forester eBoxer CVT

For any more information on the 2020 Subaru Forester or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Subaru dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!