The redesigned Subaru Forester has finally made its regional premiere at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show. Now that it’s in Southeast Asia, it’s only a matter of time before we get it over here.
Curiously, that market doesn’t get the hybrid version, at least for now. Still, at least we could get an idea of what the local non-hybrid version will be, but that’s if Subaru Philippines decides to offer it.
So, what’s the non-hybrid Subaru Forester packing? Gone is the 2.0-liter, replaced by a punchier 2.5-liter boxer unit that makes 182hp and 247Nm, the same as the North American version. It’s a welcome boost from the smaller engine’s 154hp and 196Nm output. Who knows, the extra power might be able to carry the car’s weight better and actually result in better fuel efficiency.
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That engine is then hooked up to Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, which is standard fare from any car that hails from Gunma these days. Of course, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard. The X-Mode terrain select system is also standard.
As this is a Subaru product, the all-new Forester comes with the latest version of EyeSight, the company’s advanced driver assist suite. It includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking for front, rear, and even cornering, lane key assist, and a clever autonomous emergency steering assist for when things get too dicey. Steering responsive headlights are part of the package.
In terms of features, we’re expecting the local-spec Forester to have similar equipment levels to the one now offered in Indonesia. That said, it’s still unknown if the Philippine market will get the 2.5-liter engine, but it’s certain that the local model will be offered with a hybrid powertrain.
It was confirmed previously by local Subaru distributor, Motor Image, earlier this year. With that in mind, the Forester e-Boxer uses a 2.5-liter boxer engine mated to a single electric motor. It makes 194hp with the engine alone putting out 209Nm of torque. All of the other mechanical goodies from the non-hybrid model are carried over for the electrified model, meaning Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode drive modes are standard.
