By Khulekani Dumisa

The Subaru range may not always be the first to come to mind but it offers some strong alternatives to the mainstream choices. These include the robust Forester whose range is said to expand in March this year with the addition of 2 new variants.

The headlining act will be the new Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport ES model. “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.

2.5-litre Boxer Engine in South Africa

2021 Subaru Forester models will be offered with a new 2.5-litre direct injection engine with 136kW of power, an additional 21kW over the 2.0-litre engine, and maximum torque of 239Nm which is an increase of 43Nm over the 2.0-litre. The engine will be paired with a CVT and offer a Start/Stop system.

Despite the increase in power, Subaru says, 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.

A sporty statement

The Subaru Forester 2.5i-Sport will set itself apart with grille and bumper elements that are finished in black. This treatment will extend to the side sills, wheel arch surrounds, rear bumpers and the top section of the boot lid. Additionally, vibrant orange accents 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.

Interior

The use of orange is carried into the interior and can be seen on 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 are said to 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.

Enhanced safety

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. Other active safety features include Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic, High Beam Assist and Reverse Automatic Braking.

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-Mode

The entire 2021 Subaru Forester line-up offers Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. For the more challenging terrain, the Subaru Forester line-up is equipped with the driver-selectable X-Mode system. The system also incorporates Hill Descent Control.

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.