The Subaru Forester spread for 2021 has grown with the addition of two 2,5-litre variants that add more muscle to the SUV.

Starting with the new Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport ES CVT, this is an entirely new derivative that brings a refreshing and sporty design to the model line-up. The range-topping 2.5i-S ES CVT represents the contemporary Forester SUV, exuding classic Subaru design that brings safety, practicality and adventure to the fore.

“The introduction of the 2.5-litre models and the Sport model 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. “These long-awaited models are what many of our customers have been asking for, models that suit a particular lifestyle.”

For the first time since the launch of this fifth generation Forester, Subaru Southern Africa introduces the new direct injection 2,5-litre Boxer Engine. The engine is mated to a lightweight Lineartronic CVT transmission with shift paddles behind the steering wheel for stepped / manual control. The 2,5-litre engine delivers 136 kW of power, an additional 21kW over the 2,0-litre engine. Maximum torque is 239 Nm, an increase of 43 Nm over the 2,0-litre.

The Forester features the Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) function that allows the driver to select a more efficient driving programme or something a little more sporty. The SI-Drive system will recalibrate the engine mapping to deliver the desired output. In Sport mode, the 2.5 Forester will accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in 9,3-seconds.

Despite the increase in power and performance, the 2,5-litre remains as efficient as the 2,0-litre model, delivering claimed fuel consumption figures of 7,6 l/100 km on the combined cycle. CO2 emissions are 193 g/km.

Part of the confident nature of the Forester is the Vehicle Dynamics Control system that makes  use of anti-lock braking, EBD, ESP and Torque Vectoring to ensure traction and control is maintained. 

The new Forester is fitted with X-Mode and Hill Descent Control as standard across the range. X Mode is a system that uses gear ratios and torque distribution to deliver power to specific wheels where the most grip is detected.

The Forester is an evolution of the previous generation. Now built upon the new Subaru Global platform, key highlights are the modern ‘Hawkeye’ LED headlamps, a large grille, fog lamps and an underguard treatment for added protection during off road excursions. The roof rails have also been redesigned, now featuring loopholes on the higher spec models, for easier use of ropes and straps when tying down cargo.

The base spec 2.0i-CVT sports 17-inch alloys while the 2.0i-S ES and 2.5i-S ES are shod with 18-inch alloys.  

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 orange accents that run along the lower half of the Forester Sport as well as on the corners of the roof rails. The 2021 Forester Sport version is also set apart from other derivatives with the use of 18-inch Dark Metallic alloy wheels.

Also exclusively available on the Sport model is the addition of new Water Repellent Seats.

Each Subaru Forester model is sold with a 3yr/75 000km Maintenance Plan as well as the 5yr/150 000 km Warranty.