Subaru e-Boxer: Forester and XV, Hybrid Technology Brings More Grunt

3 October 2019 Redazione News, Tested

Words by Alessandro Marrone

We flew to Riga – Latvia – and we did it to see up close and try firsthand the new Subaru hybrid units, the ones that will start equipping the XV and the new generation Forester. The house of the Pleiades has decided to think big and allow us to test the multiple capabilities of these two models, on the road, on the track and obviously in off-road conditions, but I never expected them to be able to so many things so well. We will see in detail the two hybrids, called e-Boxer, once they’ll arrive at our office for a complete test review, but the opportunity to put the crossover and the SUV in harsh conditions has given way to understand the infinite possibilities of use of both models.

If the XV is based on the model we’ve tested recently, the Forester is completely new and by the way it reaches its fifth generation. It grows in size, but above all it matures in the look, finally acquiring that image that the market likes so much and that is enriched by a softer and more relaxed ride than before. In terms of engines, after all we are here for this, Subaru has decided that it was time to enter the world of hybrid and so ranks these 2.0 petrol boxer and put a 13.5kW electric motor in the Lineartronic (CVT) gearbox. The lithium ion batteries are located under the trunk floor, but do not reduce the actual size of the luggage compartment. Lower consumption then, but also a greater driving flexibility, with a character that without being distorted makes the two 4X4s even more versatile.

If the help of the electric unit is perceived on the road also thanks to the possibility of moving the car exploiting zero emissions on small runs, extra help can be seen while off-roading because of the immediate power supply of the electric engine. Maximum care also for safety features, with the brand that strongly believes in its EyeSight system, a driving aid increasingly requested by its customers. There will be 3 different variants per model, with prices between € 33,000 and € 37,000 for the XV e-Boxer and between € 35,000 and € 44,000 for the Forester e-Boxer.