2021 Subaru Forester line-up gets a power boost
The Subaru Forester is perhaps one of the best compact crossover SUV’s on the market. Its introduction dates all the way back to 1997, spreading for over five generations. In 2019, the Forester did see major changes, creating a more modern appeal. But of course, the SUV market has grown significantly since then, and it seems that Subaru will be extending its Forester range to keep up. Subaru will be extending its new 2021 line-up with the addition of 2 new variants to choose from. The headliner here is the all-new Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport ES model which is aimed at bringing a more refreshing and sporty design to the model line-up.
This new 2.5-litre direct injection SUBARU BOXER® engine will come equipped with a Lineartronic® CVT and a Start/Stop system. It will deliver a power output of 136kW, and a torque of 239Nm. Subaru has also ensured that the 2.5-litre derivative will remain as efficient as the 2.0-litre one. As it promises to deliver an impressive fuel consumption of 7.6l/100km on the combined cycle.
The new Forester line-up will be offered in Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive™ system. This will continuously power all four wheels for maximum traction and control. Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) will also be available for safer all-weather, all surface stability, and traction. For more challenging terrain, the Subaru Forester line-up will also come equipped with the driver-selectable X-Mode system.
The Subaru Forester 2.5i-Sport will come with its own unique appearance. 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. Vibrant orange accents will run along the lower half, as well as on the corners of the roof rails. It will be available in five colours: Crystal White Pearl; Dark Blue Pearl; Magnetite Grey Metallic; Ice Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Silica.
The use of orange can be seen in the interior elements too and are strongly featured in the cabin surrounding the air vents, gear shifter, and X-Mode switch as well as on the stitching throughout the car. The Sport model will also be offered in new adventurous Water Repellent Seats. The 2.5i-S ES version will also benefit from updated 18-inch alloy wheels, which help further set it apart from the 2.0-litre derivatives.
In terms of safety, Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist System will come fitted on the updated Subaru Forester 2.5i-Sport ES and the 2.5i-S ES models. This 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. Other features such as Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert will come standard on ES models as well as a smart High Beam Assist. Models that are EyeSight-equipped will also benefit from Reverse Automatic Braking.
Local introduction of the new Forester is scheduled for March 2021 and pricing will be confirmed closer to the time.
Each Subaru Forester model will be sold with a 3 year/75 000km Maintenance Plan as well as the 5 year/150 000km Warranty.
Also worth a look: the Subaru Outback and the Subaru Unveils the All-New Crosstrek.
FAQ
Q: What does the 2021 Subaru Forester cost in South Africa?
The 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport ES starts from around R485,000 in South Africa, while the standard 2.0-litre variants kick off from approximately R420,000, making it competitive in the compact crossover SUV segment.
Q: Is the 2021 Subaru Forester worth buying?
The 2021 Subaru Forester is absolutely worth buying if you need a reliable family SUV with genuine all-wheel drive capability, offering 136kW from its new 2.5-litre engine and impressive 7.6l/100km fuel consumption without breaking the bank.
Q: What engine does the new Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport have?
The new Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport ES features a 2.5-litre direct injection BOXER engine producing 136kW and 239Nm of torque, paired with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT transmission and start/stop system for better efficiency.
Q: Does the 2021 Subaru Forester have all-wheel drive?
Yes, every 2021 Subaru Forester comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that continuously powers all four wheels, plus X-Mode for tackling challenging terrain and Vehicle Dynamics Control for enhanced stability.
Should You Buy It?
The best compact crossover SUV under R500,000 in South Africa is definitely the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport ES at R485,000. With its punchy 136kW engine, standard all-wheel drive, and impressive 7.6l/100km fuel consumption, it offers genuine capability without the premium price tag of German rivals. The sporty styling with orange accents and blacked-out trim makes it stand out from boring family SUVs, while Subaru's legendary reliability means you'll be driving it long after your neighbour's European SUV is collecting dust at the dealer. Buy it, you won't regret it.
