Road test | Subaru Forester E-Boxer: When the hybrid sublimates the assets

Many manufacturers are overcomplexed by their products in times that run. This race for technology undermines the intuitiveness and reliability of many models. For its part, Subaru has chosen a more careful path to polish its natural assets. The new Forester, equipped for the first time in Canada with a hybrid engine, is a convincing demonstration.

Son design

Very clever those who manage to identify this hybrid forest. The only differentiating element holds in one hand, namely discreet “e-boxer” badges affixed to the top of the front doors and on the rear tailgate. Besides, it is essentially a pre -earned forest in the first sauce, the most expensive variant of all. This latest generation of the SUV obviously does not shake up anything in terms of design and that’s good. Its angular drawing and its matt plastic moldings which adorn the rocker panels as well as the wheel arches sit well to its role as hiker with reasonable ambitions. Its 220 mm ground clearance makes it possible to step over most of the obstacles and there is a large trunk opening to access the campsite equipment.

On board

The intuitivity and functionality of the object still guide the design of the Forester’s passenger compartment. The very ventilated aspect allowed by large glass surfaces covers the first observations. We then put the eyes on the dashboard composed of soft textured materials with a solid finish. The storage in the doors are well designed: they can host a good size gourd as much at the front as at the rear. The compartment under the central-crashes is also deep enough to complete a large glove compartment. The 779 L rear trunk does not, however, have the volume or the length of those of a Toyota Rav4 or a Honda CR-V. This Forester is also welcoming for its passengers thanks to comfortable furniture and space for the head and legs.

Under the hood

This E-Boxer variant introduces a new generation of hybrid motorization by Subaru. The basic material remains a 2.5 l flat-cylinder, but at Cycle Atkinson, for efficiency. He receives the contribution of an electric motor and a generator to produce 194 hp in all, a gain of 14 hp against the standard Forester. This set ensures impeccable refinement by means of a limpid dialogue between the various mechanical organs, without excess of vibrations or decibels. The accelerations are improved, especially at low and mid-regime, but if one cannot characterize the service as being lively, it is at the very least acceptable. The consumption of 6.5 l/100 km displayed is suitable, but does not make it a first of class. The gains are essentially tangible in urban driving.

Behind the steering wheel

Unlike Toyota and Mazda which operate a rear electric motor for the frugality of their compact hybrid SUVs, Subaru retains its full cog in constant socket. This technical orientation thus limits gains in terms of fuel consumption, but preserves the characteristics sought by the owners of Subaru. A monolithic impression thus emerges from this Forester during rejoice, even if we force the note from the middle of the curve. The management is precise and the stability control system ensures consistency. The suspense elements are constant in all the depreciation phases, ensuring good comfort that is uncomfortable. This makes it an excellent motorway vehicle, even if we would have liked a little more soundproofing above the cash belt.

Embedded technologies

Subaru preserves many physical keys for various features, which facilitates learning at first contact. The multimedia system, hosted in a large 11.6 -inch vertical screen, gives the impression of having a delay of almost a decade in the face of competition. The speed of refreshment of the image is of an obvious slowness and the processing of commands requires patience, especially when the vehicle starts. It is rather frustrating when trying to adjust the heating/air conditioning system. Wireless Carplay works, however, rather well and the digital instrumentation detonates with its obvious graphic qualities and the good construction of its menus. However, the steering wheel is slightly updating its readability due to its configuration in the box. Active safety assistance systems do a fairly good job, but seem hyperactive at times.

The verdict

Alas partitioned with the most expensive version of the Forester at $ 50,863, this new hybrid mechanics offers a very eloquent service. A little more flexible than the motorization of 2.5 l of series, it greatly raises its refinement thanks to the harmonious interventions of its electric motor. Admittedly, one cannot hope to reach the efficiency of a hybrid RAV4, especially on the highway, but the homogeneity of marriage with the best full cog of the segment makes it a talented vehicle in many scenarios. Its interior is also very well designed for daily use and the quality of finish is one of the best in the register. However, we must accept to live certain temporary technological frustrations in experience, but the practical aspect of this SUV and its sobriety counterbalance these gray areas.