All-new Subaru Forester e-Boxer previewed at 2019 Singapore Motor Show

KUALA LUMPUR: Subaru’s Malaysian distributor, Motor Image previewed the 2019 Forester e-Boxer. It is the hybrid version of the fifth-gen SUV and shares similar design cues with the standard model.

Under the hood, there is a Boxer engine like most of its models. It is powered with a 2.0-litre, FB20, direct-injected, naturally-aspirated, flat-four petrol engine, which is capable of delivering a maximum of 145 PS power, coming at 6,000 rpm, and the peak torque is 188 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

There is also an electric motor that can make up to an additional 13.6 PS of power, along with 65 Nm of peak torque. It is coupled with 4.8Ah Li-ion battery that is placed perfectly under the cargo floor at the rear. The battery can be refilled by the engine itself or by the regenerative braking. The power is sent to the wheels via a Lineartronic CVT.

The vehicle uses the manufacturer’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with two modes - SI-Drive and X-mode. The SUV can also run on pure electric motor for a very limited distance and at a low speed.

The Subaru Forester e-Boxer looks similar to the standard Forester and barring the addition of the ‘e-Boxer’ badges, all the exterior equipment are the same. Inside the car, there is a similar setup, though the upper dashboard display gets a new dedicated screen to view the status of the hybrid system.

The 2019 Forester e-Boxer gets a smaller cargo space (509 litres) than the other non-hybrid variants (520-litre). As a fair amount of space has been occupied to accommodate the battery.

There is a lot of other features included in the previewed Forester e-Boxer. The list includes - a powered sunroof, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control having rear vents, powered seats (with memory function only for the driver), leather upholstery, the EyeSight active safety suite of systems, and 18-inch wheels.