Australian Subaru could have answered prayers by introducing turbo power for its greater remote areasbut don’t expect to see a revival of XT jungler anytime soon.
Although there is a turbocharged Forester available overseas with right-hand drive, Subaru’s local boss says auto expert it’s not on the card for Australia.
“While we are certainly interested in a turbocharged Forester, there are no immediate plans to launch in the Australian market,” said Blair Read, chief executive officer of Subaru Australia.
In Japan, the Forester is supplied with a 1.8 liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine named ‘DIT’ for ‘supercharged direct fuel injection’. According to Japanese specifications, it develops 130kW (5200-5600Nm) and 300Nm (1600-3600rpm) and drive all 4 wheels through a CVT continuously variable automatic transmission.
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Forester STI Sport (Japan)
For comparison, the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre Boxer petrol standard in Australia and markets like the US produces slightly more power at 136kW (5800rpm), but 61Nm less torque at 239Nm (4400rpm). ).
The 1.8T is offered in the Forester’s Sport and STI Sport grades in its home market, while the 2.0-litre e-Boxer Hybrid is now standard powertrain for a wider range.
Subaru also offers a 1.8-liter engine in remote areas And Levorg (WRX sports car) In Japan.
Surely this news will come as a shock to fans of the old Forester XT, which has a 177kW/350Nm version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged Boxer engine from the WRX compact sports car.
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Forester STI Sport (Japan)
While not quite as powerful as its predecessor, the Forester 1.8L DIT matches the likes of Hyundai Tucson And Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi (132kW/265Nm), Peugeot 3008 1.6T (133kW/250Nm) and Volkswagen Tiguan 132TSI (132kW/320Nm).
Despite a slight reduction in power compared to the 2.5i AWD drivetrain currently available in Australia, more torque available earlier in the rev range should make acceleration easier and will certainly improve ability fuel economy.
According to Japan’s WLTC economy test cycle, the Forester 1.8L DIT is rated to consume 13.6km / L (7.35L / 100km), compared to 7.4L / 100km of the 2.5i AWD version for with the combined ADR cycle.
That said, the Forester e-Boxer Hybrid quotes 14.0km/L (7.14L/100km) in WLTC mode, though the 6.7L/100km quote is more economical than the local ADR standard.
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Forester 2.5i Sport (AUS)
The Forester is currently Subaru’s best-selling model in Australia, having registered 10,637 registrations for calendar year 2022 despite ongoing supply issues and growing 45.3% in the January-April period. 2023 with 5840 registered units.
Despite being a popular model in Australia’s leading new car segment, the Forester has not been able to match its arch-rivals in the segment. TOYOTA RAV4 (8049 YTD units), Mazda CX-5 (7949 YTD units) and Mitsubishi Outlander (7838 YTD units).
Both the 2.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre e-Boxer Hybrid petrol versions are offered in Australia with prices ranging from $37,890 to $49,340 plus on-road costs.
According to Mr. Read, high local demand for hybrid versions saw wait times increase to six to eight months for Forester e-Boxer, although the local branch is working to secure more allocations and reduce wait times.
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