The sixth-generation Forester, which had its world premiere at the 2023 Los Angeles Show and is now being pre-sold in North America, has been announced in Japan. The price including tax ranges from 4,048,000 to 4,598,000 yen, and monthly sales of 2,400 units are planned.
The new Forester, which follows the SGP (Subaru Global Platform), adopts a full inner frame structure in which the body framework is first assembled and then the exterior panels are welded together.
Two types of powertrains are available: a 2.5-liter strong hybrid (“HEV”) and a 1.8-liter direct-injection turbocharged engine.
The HEV’s engine output is 160ps/209Nm, and it is equipped with two motors, one for driving and the other for power generation. The HEV’s mechanical AWD system, which Subaru continues to focus on, is also employed, and its WLTC mode fuel economy is 18.4-18.8km/L, a 30% improvement over the 14.0km/L of the previous-generation e-BOXER.
The turbo model is equipped with a 177ps/300Nm unit. The WLTC mode fuel economy of this model is 13.6km/L, unchanged from the previous generation.
On the safety front, a third wide-angle monocular camera and front side radar have been added to the EyeSight system.
Also available is EyeSight-X, which includes hands-off assist in traffic jams, lane change assist, and speed control before curves. EyeSight-X also includes a driver error response system that slows and stops the vehicle when the driver does not respond, and notifies others by flashing hazard lights and honking the horn. In the Forester, a function that alerts the driver to look aside or doze off by vibrating the pulse brake has been added.
In addition, the world’s first pedestrian airbag for cyclists that deploys to the rear of the A-pillar is adopted.
The front mask has a continuous shape from the radiator grille to the headlamps, emphasizing a sense of width.
On the sides, the overhanging fenders are emphasized, expressing a sense of strength that runs from the front to the rear of the vehicle. In addition, air outlets, which Subaru has incorporated into all its vehicles, have been newly installed behind the front fenders. This improves the air flow in the wheelhouse and enhances high-speed stability and steering response.
A total of 11 exterior body colors are available, including the new River Rock, and a new two-tone color with a black roof is also available. While there has been a trend to consolidate body color choices to the best-selling colors, the 11 color choices are user-friendly.
The cockpit features an 11.6-inch infotainment screen including navigation system, 12.3-inch full LCD meters, and ETC2.0 on-board equipment as standard equipment.
Subaru Starlink, a connect service that connects to a 24/7 call center, is also available.
The cargo area maintains its excellent usability with a large opening and inherited split-folding seats. The electric hatchgate also includes a hands-free function that can be operated by simply placing a foot under the bumper.
https://www.subaru.jp/forester
