Subaru Forester E-Boxer - Should You Buy One?

BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A SUBARU FORESTER E-BOXER FROM OSV: https://bit.ly/2BpthB4

The fifth generation Subaru Forester gains a mild hybrid boost. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Market and Model

Pricing for this Forester e-Boxer is pitched at around £34,000 for the standard variant - or around £37,000 for the plush 'Premium'-spec version. Expect lots of equipment, even in the base variant. The kit list runs to full-LED headlights with auto activation and high beam assist, front fog lamps, heated power-folding mirrors, UV-protection glass that's privacy-tinted further back, rain-sensitive wipers, wiper de-icers, headlight washers and a Thatcham category 1 alarm/immobiliser. You get alloy wheels of course too. Inside, there's dual-zone air conditioning, a Keyless access system with a push-button starter, heated front seats and cruise control, plus leather for the gearstick and the multi-function steering wheel.

Also standard is the Subaru infotainment and audio system with its colour touchscreen, the portal via which you access the DAB stereo system and use the Bluetooth 'phone functionality. The package includes 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring, voice recognition, a CD player, dual USB ports and an aux-in jack. Safety provision is taken care of by Subaru's impressively complete package of 'EyeSight' driver assist technology. The set-up uses two stereo cameras - one mounted either side of the rear view mirror - to monitor the road for up to 110 metres ahead as you drive. As a result, this car can offer 'Adaptive Cruise Control', 'Lane Keep Assist', 'Lane Sway and Departure Warning, 'Lead Vehicle Start Alert', 'Pre-Collision Throttle Management', a 'Rear Vehicle Detection System' package, 'Blind Spot Detection', 'Lane Change Assist' and 'Rear Cross Traffic Alert'. It's all very reassuring.

Cost of Ownership

Normally, a more capable car is a more expensive one to run. You'd certainly expect that the permanent Symmetical 4WD system of this Forester would exact more of a fuel and emissions penalty than would be found on most other rivals, cars that trundle around in two wheel drive most of the time, with all-wheel traction only being introduced when needed. Thanks to the mild hybrid technology, you might be pleasantly surprised on that score, but don't get your hopes up too high; Subaru is only claiming an improvement of around 11% over the city economy figures of the previous generation 2.0-litre petrol model here. Expect 34.7mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, with CO2 emissions at 154g/km (NEDC).

What else? Well there's the peace of mind of a five year / 100,000 mile warranty that embarrasses the three year / 60,000 mile package most rivals offer. You also get a three year recovery and roadside assistance programme you'll almost certainly never need.

Summary

If you've always found yourself attracted by the tough utility of a Subaru Forester but were put off by the prospect of below-par running costs, then this fifth generation e-Boxer model might be exactly what you're looking for. Most hybrid SUVs are in some way compromised when it comes to things like towing and off roading; this one isn't. True, it doesn't have the kind of electric capability you'd get from a pricier, less capable plug-in rival. But you may not need that - and if you don't, then this MK5 Forester's mix of old-school toughness and new generation technology might just be right up your street.

Crucially, this is now an SUV you could consider as a realistic alternative to more compromised competitors. This Forester is fashionable without being trendy. And built to last while never feeling utilitarian. In short, it's the kind of car it really ought to be, a vehicle in which four wheel drive is fundamental, rather than simply an optional extra and as a result, one of the best cars in its class to buy if you really plan on using it to its full potential.

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