The launch of the Subaru Forester e-Boxer is just around the corner. It’s about time, we say, as Subaru Philippines once had plans to bring in an electrified Forester as early as 2019. Sure, they’re a little late to the party, but it’ll bring in something that the competition doesn’t: All-wheel drive.
Now, it seems that there will be a second hybrid model that could join the range. It might come as no surprise, but the Subaru Crosstrek might be the next candidate to get a hybrid powertrain in the country.
Why are we saying this? A peek at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) list of approved hybrid vehicles, the Crosstrek e-Boxer has approval from the agency. If so, it’ll be a welcome addition to the range should Subaru Philippines push through with it.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
More specs of the upcoming Toyota Ativ have been revealed
You’re looking at the next-generation Nissan Sentra as the Sylphy
Per the DOE’s paperwork, the Crosstrek e-Boxer will use a 2.0-liter boxer engine mated to a single motor and a 0.57kWh battery. That means it’s not the new 2.5-liter Strong Hybrid system that the Forester gets in most parts of the world. It’s worth pointing out that the 2.5-liter is an option for the Crosstrek, but it could likely overshadow the Forester in the Philippines.
There are other interesting figures from the DOE worth mentioning. Power from the engine is rated at 148hp, while the electric motor produces 17hp. Looking at the official spec sheet from Japan, the combined output is listed at 148hp. For reference, the non-hybrid version also makes amount of power.
What the file doesn’t mention is its configuration. Based on information from the Japanese market model, the motor is mounted at the back but doesn’t power the rear wheels. There’s still a traditional driveshaft, mainly to accommodate the company’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
So far, Subaru Philippines hasn’t given any hints about the Subaru Crosstrek e-Boxer. But given that its competitors, namely Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross, have taken the electrified route, the possibility of the hybrid Crosstrek landing here soon is a strong one.
