Publications
Partners
Subaru has expanded its popular Forester SUV range with a range of new engines.
Although the external revisions for 2011 are slight (a new grille and collection of restyled alloy wheels), Forester gains Subaru's new FB-series horizontally opposed fours, replacing the EJ-series - which has faithfully served Subaru customers for two decades.
These new engines are designed to be more efficient and feature slightly altered internal cylinder block architecture, with slightly longer stroke than bore ratios.
Three engines power the 2011 Forester, a naturally aspirated and turbocharged 2.5-litre and 2-litre diesel. All engines are configured in Subaru's signature horizontally opposed Boxer format - the latter a completely new introduction.
Entry level is the new 2.5-litre producing 126kW and 235Nm – an improvement of 6Nm over the old EJ 2.5 engine. This petrol engine drives all four wheels via either a five-speed manual or Subaru’s slightly antiquated four-speed automatic transmission.
There is good news too for Forester fans that have always yearned for turbodiesel power. The company has (finally) added a turbodiesel engine in the form of its new 2-litre Boxer diesel.
The first diesel Forester drives through a six-speed manual transmission and is powered along by 110kW and 350Nm of torque. Subaru claims an average fuel consumption figure of only 6.4l/100km.
Headlining the local Subaru range is the company’s new forced-induction petrol – Forester S-Edition, first seen at the Sydney auto show during 2010.
Powered by Subaru’s Impreza WRX engine, the 2.5-litre mill is good for 193kW and 347Nm, making the S-Edition badged SUV a street sleeper of note.
Unquestionably the quickest compact SUV available in South Africa, Subaru S-Edition is good for a benchmark 0-100km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds, before powering on to a top speed of 228km/h.
The S-Edition's automatic transmission has an extra gear (featuring five cogs as oppose to Subaru’s traditional automatic's four) and steering column mounted paddle-shifters for drivers who prefer to take control.
Although the S-Edition’s drivetrain is lifted straight from the current Impreza WRX STI auto, its engine output differs slightly, producing 2kW less power (193kW versus 195 kW) but fractionally more torque (347Nm versus 345 Nm).
Beyond the new engines, Subaru’s modified the suspension bushes to ensure its Forester range provides better steering feedback too – a crucial upgrade, considering the level of performance on offer by the S-Edition.
Although Subaru’s mechanical engineers are responsible for the bulk of the 2011 model year upgrades, the company’s cabin designers and products specialists have added dual zone climate control, improved infotainment capability (now featuring Bluetooth and iPod connectivity) and more thumb friendly steering wheel satellite controls to the interior.
There is even a reversing camera standard on the Premium models.
Best of both worlds
One of the few compact SUV still available with a low-range transfer case (on the 2.5-litre five-speed derivates), the Forester’s improved efficiency (especially in turbodiesel form) is sure to appeal to its very loyal (outdoorsy) customer base.
For those buyers seeking something with true hot hatch humbling performance and (a touch of) weekend off-road ability, the S-Edition is a very compelling alternative.
A further boon pertaining to the new range is Subaru’s maintenance plan, which tallies three years or 75 000km (60 000km for diesel engines) of practically worry free motoring.
Pricing:
2.5X Dual Range R295 000
2.5X SportShift R305 000
2.5XS Dual Range R318 000
2.5XS SportShift R328 000
2.5XS Premium SportShift R369 000
2.0D R349 000
2.0D Premium R399 000
2.5 S-Edition Turbo SportShift R439 000
Although the external revisions for 2011 are slight (a new grille and collection of restyled alloy wheels), Forester gains Subaru's new FB-series horizontally opposed fours, replacing the EJ-series - which has faithfully served Subaru customers for two decades.
These new engines are designed to be more efficient and feature slightly altered internal cylinder block architecture, with slightly longer stroke than bore ratios.
Three engines power the 2011 Forester, a naturally aspirated and turbocharged 2.5-litre and 2-litre diesel. All engines are configured in Subaru's signature horizontally opposed Boxer format - the latter a completely new introduction.
Entry level is the new 2.5-litre producing 126kW and 235Nm – an improvement of 6Nm over the old EJ 2.5 engine. This petrol engine drives all four wheels via either a five-speed manual or Subaru’s slightly antiquated four-speed automatic transmission.
There is good news too for Forester fans that have always yearned for turbodiesel power. The company has (finally) added a turbodiesel engine in the form of its new 2-litre Boxer diesel.
The first diesel Forester drives through a six-speed manual transmission and is powered along by 110kW and 350Nm of torque. Subaru claims an average fuel consumption figure of only 6.4l/100km.
FUEL SAVER: Featuring a perfectly square bore and stroke ratio of 86mm and characteristic smoothness inherent to its boxer engines, Subaru’s first flat-four diesel is pleasingly refined and uncannily fuel efficient…
Powered by Subaru’s Impreza WRX engine, the 2.5-litre mill is good for 193kW and 347Nm, making the S-Edition badged SUV a street sleeper of note.
Unquestionably the quickest compact SUV available in South Africa, Subaru S-Edition is good for a benchmark 0-100km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds, before powering on to a top speed of 228km/h.
The S-Edition's automatic transmission has an extra gear (featuring five cogs as oppose to Subaru’s traditional automatic's four) and steering column mounted paddle-shifters for drivers who prefer to take control.
Although the S-Edition’s drivetrain is lifted straight from the current Impreza WRX STI auto, its engine output differs slightly, producing 2kW less power (193kW versus 195 kW) but fractionally more torque (347Nm versus 345 Nm).
Beyond the new engines, Subaru’s modified the suspension bushes to ensure its Forester range provides better steering feedback too – a crucial upgrade, considering the level of performance on offer by the S-Edition.
Although Subaru’s mechanical engineers are responsible for the bulk of the 2011 model year upgrades, the company’s cabin designers and products specialists have added dual zone climate control, improved infotainment capability (now featuring Bluetooth and iPod connectivity) and more thumb friendly steering wheel satellite controls to the interior.
There is even a reversing camera standard on the Premium models.
Best of both worlds
One of the few compact SUV still available with a low-range transfer case (on the 2.5-litre five-speed derivates), the Forester’s improved efficiency (especially in turbodiesel form) is sure to appeal to its very loyal (outdoorsy) customer base.
For those buyers seeking something with true hot hatch humbling performance and (a touch of) weekend off-road ability, the S-Edition is a very compelling alternative.
A further boon pertaining to the new range is Subaru’s maintenance plan, which tallies three years or 75 000km (60 000km for diesel engines) of practically worry free motoring.
Pricing:
2.5X Dual Range R295 000
2.5X SportShift R305 000
2.5XS Dual Range R318 000
2.5XS SportShift R328 000
2.5XS Premium SportShift R369 000
2.0D R349 000
2.0D Premium R399 000
2.5 S-Edition Turbo SportShift R439 000
