Tag Archives: SUV

AWD, Motoring, Subaru, SUV/4X4

Still going strong…with more to come

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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
Electric/hybrid, Lexus, Manufacturer, SUV

Smart all-new Lexus targets younger market

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Lexus LBX

By Bill McCarthy

Lexus has set out to introduce a compact premium SUV with stylish looks aimed at the younger European market that delivers brilliant economy and an engaging drive, and they appear to have cracked it with the LBX.

The new compact SUV along with others in the Lexus stable have buried the old ‘pipe and slippers image’ of being driven mostly by older drivers – given the models produced over the last few years have cutting edge design and high-end technology. 

The new model comes in seven versions with a starting price of £29,995.

Compact with a muscular profile, the familiar Lexus ‘spindle’ grille sitting below a slim  grille has been modified; the firm says it’s part of Lexus’s “Resolute Look” design heritage.

There is a new headlight design that integrates daytime running lights and turn indicators

The new face of the vehicle is to improve the drag coefficient, directing the flow of air from the front bumper down the sides of the vehicle.

The interior is, as you would expect from Lexus, high quality with leather style seats and a premium feel throughout.

It features plush soft touch finish with logical controls well positioned for optimum use.

Also new is a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, upholstered side knee pads, a padded centre arm rest and a lower storage box with 12V accessory socket and C-type USB port.

Central is a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen which controls major functions through Lexus Link multimedia which includes navigation, smartphone integration and a high-end Mark Levinson sound system on this model.

An optional digital key is compatible with both Apple and Android devices, and up to five individuals per car to use an app on their smartphone to unlock and start the vehicle.

A premium vehicle, it is packed with kit, including, on the entry model, automatic LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, all-round parking sensors and a rear-view camera and 17-inch alloys, while this upper mid-range model adds leather style upholstery, tinted rear windows, a wireless phone-charging pad, ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, and powered tailgate.

It clearly has a mainstream European look, a deliberate choice, and is powered by an efficient self-charging hybrid combination of three cylinder petrol engine and electric motor with a total system output of 134 bhp.

Hybrid engines, whatever the future holds, are more and more efficient matching and exceeding in many cases the most economical of diesel engines, and the LBX is no different.

 This combination delivers brisk performance hitting 60mph in just over nine seconds, while the WLTP combined figures shows fuel economy of up to a stunning 62.8 mpg and CO2 emissions from 102 g/km

On the road it offers fun as well as economy. It feels stable on corners while the suspension is firm enough for excellent handling, but not so firm as to make the ride uncomfortable.

It may be the smallest Lexus, but stowage space is decent with 402 litres, with space to carry two 75-litre suitcases beneath the rear boot cover.

Like all Lexus models it is packed with safety equipment including the latest Lexus Safety System+ active system which includes hazard detection capabilities and new braking, steering and drive force control functions to help avoid collisions

Facftile

  • Lexus LBX Premium Plus Design
  • Price: £35,595
  • Mechanical: 134bhp, 1,490cc, three-cyl petrol engine and 67kWelectric motor driving front wheels via automatic gearbox
  • Max speed: 106mph
  • 0-60mph: 9.2 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 62.8
  • Insurance group: tbc
  • CO2 emissions: 102g/km
  • BiK rating: 27%