Subaru SA to introduce more powerful 2021 Forester line-up 11.01.2021: • More powerful 2.5-litre Boxer® engine added • New Sport trim adds distinctive styling Slated for local launch in March 2021, Subaru Southern Africa will introduce the MY2021 Subaru Forester with more power as well as more tech and safety sys

•    More powerful 2.5-litre Boxer® engine added

•    New Sport trim adds distinctive styling




Slated for local launch in March 2021, Subaru Southern Africa will introduce the MY2021 Subaru Forester with more power as well as more tech and safety systems.



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.



The new 2021 line-up will extend this with the addition of 2 new variants from which to choose. The headlining act will be the new Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport ES model which 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 introduction of the 2.5-litre and the Sport models to the line-up is so important for us as a brand, because it gives our customers more options and a more personalised experience,” says Nteo Nkoli, Marketing Lead for Subaru SA.





The Power of Freedom: 2.5-litre Boxer® Engine introduced in South Africa


2021 Subaru Forester models will be offered with a new 2.5-litre direct injection SUBARU BOXER® engine with Lineartronic® CVT and a Start/Stop system. The 2.5-litre delivers 136kW of power, an additional 21kW over the 2.0-litre engine. Maximum torque is 239Nm derived from this higher capacity engine, an increase of 43Nm over the 2.0-litre.



Despite the increase in power, the 2.5-litre remains as efficient as the 2.0-litre model, delivering impressive fuel consumption figures of 7.6l/100km on the combined cycle.



Athletic Forester Sport added to the line-up


The Subaru Forester 2.5i-Sport is a fresh new model added to the line-up with its own signature aesthetics and features.  Featuring 5 exclusive colour combinations, the Sport contrasts the body colour with distinctive orange and black trim pieces. The grille and bumper elements are finished in black as are the side sills, wheel arch surrounds, rear bumpers and the top section of the boot lid.



All of these elements are energised by vibrant orange accents that run along the lower half of the Forester Sport as well as on the corners of the roof rails. There are 5 body colours that are available with the Sport models: Crystal White Pearl; Dark Blue Pearl; Magnetite Grey Metallic; Ice Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Silica.


The use of orange accentuates the interior elements too, strongly featured in the cabin surrounding the air vents, gear shifter and X-Mode switch as well as on the stitching throughout the car.



Also exclusively available on the Sport model is the addition of new Water Repellent Seats. These seats suit the adventurous lifestyles that Subaru owners enjoy. From wet swimming trunks and towels to soggy paws from our furry friends, the Water Repellent cloth seats are offered for the first time in South Africa.


Nkoli says, “the Forester Sport is a reflection of the adventurous ethos at Subaru and it certainly enhances the line-up with its sporty character.”



The 2021 Forester 2.5i-S ES version is set apart from the 2.0-litre model with revised 18-inch alloy wheels.






Class-Leading Safety and Convenience with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology



Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist System is also fitted on the updated Subaru Forester 2.5i-Sport ES and the 2.5i-S ES models. The system makes use of camera-based detection technology and integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning and Lane Keep Assist.



Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are all standard features on the ES models as well as a smart High Beam Assist which automatically switches the headlights between the high and low beams when needed. This technology is coupled with Steering Responsive Headlights that turn in conjunction with the steering angle for increased vision when navigating around bends at night.



Reverse Automatic Braking is also included on EyeSight-equipped models. When reversing, the RAB system uses sensors to detect objects and can automatically stop the vehicle if the driver does not take action in time.




Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-Mode


The entire 2021 Subaru Forester line-up offers our signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive™ system that continuously powers all four wheels for maximum traction and control. This is managed through a continuously variable transfer clutch that can transfer more torque to individual wheels where necessary, reading grip and slip levels and then feeding the torque where it is required.



Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) is also on hand for safer all-weather, all surface stability and traction bringing technology such as ABS, EBD, ESP and Torque Vectoring into play when needed.



For the more challenging terrain, the Subaru Forester line-up is equipped with the driver-selectable X-Mode system. X-Mode enhances the Forester’s off-road capability by managing the engine, transmission, AWD system as well as the braking and VDC system to optimize the car’s performance on challenging terrain be it slippery mud, gravel or rocky terrain. The system also incorporates Hill Descent Control.



The new Subaru Forester is the class-defining SUV for all seasons and now with more power and trim options, it’s more exciting than ever before. The Forester is the perfect depiction of Subaru’s innovative engineering, unmatched safety and legendary reliability.



Local introduction of the new Forester is scheduled for March 2021 and pricing will be confirmed nearer that time.




2021 Line-Up
•    Subaru Forester 2.0i-CVT
•    Subaru Forester 2.0i-S ES CVT
•    Subaru Forester 2.5i-S ES CVT
•    Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport ES CVT
Each Subaru Forester model is sold with a 3yr/75 000km Maintenance Plan as well as the 5yr/150 000km Warranty.



 
Nteo Nkoli  photo Subaru