Loyal Subaru fans will be pleased to know the more powerful and updated Forester is scheduled for local launch in March this year with four derivatives on offer.
It’ ha been 24 years since the first Subaru Forester was launched and the new 2021 line-up will extend this with the addition of two 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.
The 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. It delivers 136 kW of power, an additional 21 kW over the 2,0-litre engine. Maximum torque is 239 Nm derived from this higher capacity engine, an increase of 43 Nm over the 2,0-litre.
Despite the increase in power, the 2,5-litre is claimed to be as efficient as the 2,0-litre model, delivering fuel consumption figures of 7,6 l/100km on the combined cycle.
The Subaru Forester 2.5i-Sport is a fresh new model added to the line-up with its own signature aesthetics and features. Featuring five 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. The body colours that are available with the Sport modelsare: 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. 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.
Subaru’s 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 as 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.
The entire 2021 Subaru Forester line-up offers the 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 anti-lock braking, 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 optimise the car’s performance. 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 3-year/75 000 km Maintenance Plan as well as the 5-year/150 000 km Warranty.
