The Subaru Forester is updated with a more adventurous image, an optimized EcoHybrid system and an enviable compendium of safety and driving assistance systems to celebrate its 25th anniversary. We have already driven it, do not miss our analysis.
In 2022 it will be 25 years since the birth of the Subaru Forester, one of the most popular models of the Japanese manufacturer worldwide. During this ephemeris also comes the restyling of the fifth generation of the SUV for European markets, a renewal that I have already been able to see first-hand at its presentation.
This model is one of the most popular in history for the Ebisu manufacturer. from birth 4.5 million units of the Forester have been sold worldwide, 350,000 of them in the Old Continent. The new Forester MY22 is expected to sell about 500 units per year in our country.
To begin with, the Forester update proposes some aesthetic changes with the intention of providing a much stronger image. The front hexagonal grille has been redesigned and has grown in size. Also vary the shapes of the led headlightswhich continue to maintain the traditional C-shaped light signature, but reduce their volume.
The bumpers show a new design both front and rear that add 15 mm to the total length of the car, thus reaching the 4.64m long. The bumpers include metal-tone plastic lower protections to ensure an offroad aesthetic, protections that also carry over to the side skirts.
The manufacturer also shows new designs of alloy wheels up to 18 inches, fleeing from the fashion of gigantic diameter rims proposed by some competitors. The customization options for the exterior of the Japanese model have also been increased by adding three new shades to the color palette that can dress your bodywork. The colors Autumn Green Metallic and Brilliant Bronze Metallic are new in this model and the Cascade Green Silica It’s brand new to Subaru.
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Family approach and very versatile
Behind closed doors the changes are more subtle. To the good quality of construction and materials with a pleasant touch, a new LED lighting system is added to make the cabin a more welcoming place and an anti-glare interior mirror is incorporated. Subaru proposes new combinations of interiors with metallic details, where the upholstery can be black cloth, black nappa leather or a beautiful nappa leather interior that combines black and brown.
In standard equipment it is very wide. Even from the access version, Full Led headlights, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a Multimedia system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay that uses an 8-inch screenadaptive cruise control and heated front seats with electrical adjustments.
Higher versions include a navigation system, the keyless entry and start system, or a opening panoramic sunroof. You can not mount, even as an option, front parking sensors, digital instrumentation or a head-up display.
One of the most peculiar novelties of the Forester 2022 is the inclusion of a automatic climate control with gesture control: raising your hand with an open palm increases the temperature and with a closed fist it decreases. At the moment this is the only function that can be performed with gestures. Out of curiosity, as with all gesture control systems from all manufacturers, there doesn’t seem to be any real advantage to operating the system this way rather than operating directly on the physical controls.
The cargo volume does not change with respect to the previous model. The new Forester maintains a 509 liter trunk but it does add a few items in the cargo compartment like two handy tie-down hooks at the top of the cargo space. Under the floor there is a small compartmentalized area to store small and flat objects and by folding down the backrests of the rear seats the capacity can be increased to 1,779 liters.
Comfortable on any terrain
Regarding the range of engines available for the Spanish market, the Subaru Forester will be offered exclusively in hybrid version. It is not surprising since the electrified mechanics continue to take center stage and even the Japanese brand will bet this year on a 100% electric SUV in its range represented by the Subaru Solterra. The EU emissions regulations discourage bringing other propellants that are present in countries.
Under the hood of the Forester 2022 there is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine in boxer layout, which is associated with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 13.5 kWh. This arrangement allows you to show off the DGT Eco environmental badge. The e-Boxer drive delivers 150 horsepower to which the 16.7 CV developed by the electric motor can be added on time.
Although on paper the cavalry should be enough to move the mass of this SUV with joy, the truth is that the Lineartronic automatic gearbox, CVT type, suppresses any attempt to waste energy. Stomping on the accelerator increases engine revs and with it some of the noise that penetrates the cabin but without the reward of outstanding acceleration: stopwatch in hand, the Forester hybrid goes from 0 to 100 km / h in 11.8 seconds , a very modest number.
The truth is that in practice I have not missed more power but a more energetic response in some situations. The e-Boxer doesn’t have much character because it always tries to be extremely progressive and smooth. During the dynamic test it seemed to me that the operation of this mechanic it’s nice practicing relaxed driving but it will not fall in love with those who prefer to practice a more cheerful driving.
The previous model did not stand out especially for fuel consumption despite its hybrid mechanics and the Japanese brand has been working on improving the efficiency of the block that animates this mid-cycle update of the current generation. Being a presentation event, I have not had the opportunity to travel long enough and varied enough to accurately assess the consumption that can be achieved with the Forester 2022, but apparently it still does not stand out in this regard, giving me the impression that will usually exceed 8 l/100 km.
My impression is that the reason why outstanding consumption records are not achieved is that it can circulate in 100% electric mode for a short time. The electric motor has a hard time pushing the mass of the Forester Hybrid by itself. It delivers only 12.3 kW (16.7 hp) and 66 Nm of torque and therefore as soon as the accelerator is pressed, the gasoline engine immediately acts to move the car.
In restyling, Subaru’s hybrid SUV has received tweaks to the steering and a new suspension tuning. This second point represents a clear improvement as it makes the car remarkably comfortable when overcoming uneven surfaces, without showing excessive body roll.
Subaru’s popular SUV proves that one of its strengths is when it’s off the tarmac. How could it be otherwise, the Forester is equipped with the traditional Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system from the Japanese manufacturer. It is a very effective system that, together with the great free height to the ground available, allows you to move with solvency in complicated terrain.
Of course it is one of the compact SUVs with better off-road abilities of the market, thus becoming a very versatile model. With the new bumpers has improved its offroad dimensions. Specifically, it has improved its angle of attack by 1.3º, which is now 21.4º. The ventral angle is 25.8º and the departure angle is 21.0º, quite good data for an SUV. In addition, the ground clearance is 220 mm which helps to overcome obstacles.
The brand from the country of the Rising Sun has also made some changes to the X mode system. This offroad system maintains Snow/Dirt (snow and gravel) and Deep Snow/Mud (deep snow and mud) driving modes that adjust the operation of the vehicle to maximize traction. Where is the improvement? Before they were deactivated when reaching 40 km/h and the driver had to activate it again if he needed them. Now, when that speed is exceeded, the selected program remains in standby mode to automatically reactivate when the speed drops below 35 km/h.
As well hill descent control has been optimized. In the previous model, the system was deactivated when pressing the accelerator with a certain intensity. Now, the brake is activated again immediately after releasing the accelerator pressure, making it easier to control the vehicle.
The 2022 Forester is one of the most outstanding models in safety and Subaru has always focused its efforts on this area. For this reason, the Japanese brand has increased the available systems. the brand new eye sight security system introduces a wide angle stereo camera and improved image recognition software.
With it, Eyesight increases the area of operation of pre-collision braking, especially at intersectionsincludes an autonomous emergency steering system to avoid impacts, adds a lane centering function with steering wheel control and improves the performance of adaptive cruise control.
The 2022 range maintains the three lines of finishes known so far, that is, Sport Plus, Executive and Executive Plus. The new Subaru Forester EcoHybrid 2022 is already on sale from 36,650 euros which can be reduced to 35,400 euros with the brand’s current campaigns. It is an interesting price for this aesthetic and technological update considering the extensive equipment available, especially in safety, and that it comes standard with automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive system.