Subaru might be more commonly known for its participation on rally tracks the world over, however the brand has a formidable SUV heritage as well. It’s been 24 years since the first Subaru Forester defined what the world now refers to as the modern day SUV. It was a defining moment in the brand’s illustrious history, opening up a chapter that would see the Forester become the best-selling model in the company’s line-up. There is a new one which has arrived and we have the details.
Subaru has added two new additions to the local line-up, starting with the new Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport ES CVT. This is an entirely new derivative that brings a refreshing and sporty design to the model line-up. Designed for those seeking a car with practicality and sporty aesthetics, the Forester Sport exudes power and athleticism. The range-topping 2.5i-S ES CVT represents the contemporary Forester SUV, exuding classic Subaru design that brings safety, practicality and adventure to the fore.
For the first time since the launch of this 5th generation Forester, Subaru Southern Africa introduces the new direct injection 2.5-litre Boxer Engine. The engine is mated to a lightweight Lineartronic CVT transmission with shift paddles behind the steering wheel for stepped / manual control. The 2.5-litre engine delivers 136kW of power, an additional 21kW over the 2.0-litre engine. Maximum torque is 239Nm, an increase of 43Nm over the 2.0-litre.
Subaru is a name synonymous with safety and agility, a reputation built across the extremes of rally in the past as well as through impeccable safety ratings achieved over decades of car-crash testing. As standard across the entire Subaru range in South Africa is the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that is engineered for improved safety, agility and control. Subaru is one of the only manufacturers within the segment that offers this as standard across all our models, including the base models.
The Forester is loved for its versatility. It is enjoyed by a range of customers from families to empty nesters and everything in between. Adventure and practicality are core principles in how the Forester has been designed and it is evident as you explore the cabin. The interior materials are of a high quality, yet with a solidity and strength that speaks of the reliability and robust nature of Subaru vehicles. At the same time, the designers have placed a high value on occupant comfort in the design of the seats as well as the cabin architecture and layout.
In similar fashion, the boot features a wide-opening lid and a low sill for ease of loading into the 520-litre, rubberised boot. The boot space can be increased to 1 770-litres by flipping the switches either from the side of the boot opening panel or on top of the seatbacks themselves. The motorised bootlid can also be raised and lowered in just over 3-seconds, one of the fastest and therefore most convenient in the segment.
The S and ES Forester derivatives are fitted with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes AUX, Bluetooth connectivity as well as the use of Apple CarPlay / Android Auto through the USB-A ports in the front. Also included in ES and Sport models there are electrically-adjustable front seats, automatic climate control, a sunroof and rain-sensing wipers to name just a few of the features. Forester is a full house vehicle.
2021 Line-Up
- Subaru Forester 2.0i-CVT R486 000
- Subaru Forester 2.0i-S ES CVT R564 000
- Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport ES CVT R599 000
- Subaru Forester 2.5i-S ES CVT R629 000
Each Subaru Forester model is sold with a 3yr/75 000km Maintenance Plan as well as a 5yr/150 000km Warranty.
