Subaru Forester e-Boxer
By Bill McCarthy
When discussing the many pros, and yes a couple of cons of Subaru models, the word Sport rarely comes into the equation. With the exception, of course, of the firecracker rally star the Impreza WRX.
‘Sport’ is a regular description in the lexicon of motor manufacturers, and usually suggests an upgrade in performance, which is not the case on Subaru’s versatile, go virtually anywhere SUV.
The Forester, due to be upgraded in a couple of months, offers superb off-road capability, excellent practicality and bulletproof reliability.
A car much favoured in the rural community it is built on the firm’s Global Platform and features the two litre eBoxer self-charging hybrid power unit.
Its boxy and robust styling remains, although the rougher edges have been smoothed out and this Sport version offers various cosmetic changes.
Including splashes of colour, aluminium pedals, sport upholstery with coloured stitching and flashes, smart 18-inch alloy wheels, and body-colour folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals.
It features red (some say orange, but it looks red to me) flashes, contrasting with the blue colour on this model, below the doors, roof bars, grille and to the rear and yes, it does give it a more sporty profile.
The theme continues inside with red trim to the steering wheel and transmission selector, while the sports seats add the red (or orange) stitching.
Sport also features steering wheel paddle shifters, and there are upgraded LED lights.
The driver’s seat is electrically operated and provides a commanding view through spacious glass areas, creating a comfortable atmosphere.
So cosmetic changes really and yes an aesthetic improvement, but the Forester is more about practicality, its off-road capability and offering something more traditional.
The interior remains functional, slightly dated, but for many, including me, that works. Fancy Dan touch screens with haptic buttons and sometimes distracting graphics deliver a hi-tech feel, but the solid, non-nonsense rotary dials and stalks are still favoured by Subaru drivers.
But there are still enough hi-tech gizmos, with a central eight inch display controlling major functions like infotainment, navigation and smartphone connectivity, plus a 6.3-inch real time driver display.
There’s a wealth of standard features, including the usual electrical aids a high-quality sound system, a reversing camera, and a standard full-length sunroof.
The large, very large, stowage area, accessible via a powered tailgate, and becomes cavernous The 60/40-split folding seats can be laid flat.
Its off-road capability has few peers and while it’s not always put to the test in extreme conditions, it is well-suited for tasks like towing a horse box through muddy fields or working on a farm or giving extra grip and stability in poor weather conditions
The e-Boxer hybrid setup has improved, (slightly) fuel efficiency although it is still quite thirsty for hybrid. This system pairs a compact electric motor with a two-litre e-Boxer petrol engine, functioning like a conventional hybrid with automatic assistance from the electric motor when needed.
Sport does not apply to performance, with the vehicle offers a decent driving experience, but a relatively sedate 0-60 mph time of just under 12 seconds. However, once reaching speed, it provides a comfortable ride, offering decent stability for its type, with only minimal body roll during corners.
Loaded with safety features, it includes the firm’s Eyesight technology, which, as the name suggests, acts as an additional set of ‘eyes’—or cameras—that monitor the road ahead for potential hazards, including other cars, motorbikes, bicycles, or pedestrians. While it may not be the most sophisticated vehicle available, this simplicity might be its main appeal to loyal customers. Coupled with a five-year/100,000-mile warranty, it presents a compelling package.
Factfile
Subaru Forester e-Boxer 2.0i Sport AWD
- Price: £40,195
- Mechanical: 147bhp, 1,998cc, four cylinder petrol engine and electric motor driving all wheels via CVT gearbox.
- Max speed: 118mph
- 0-62mph: 11.8 seconds
- Combined mpg: 34.7
- Insurance group: 23E
- CO2 emissions: 185g/km
- BIK rating: 37%
- Warranty: 5yrs/100,000 miles
On the road 