Photo: Subaru showed the new generation Forester crossover (subaru.co.jp) Author: Konstantin Shirokun
The sixth-generation Subaru Forester crossover debuted in some markets a year ago. But only now has the car made its debut in its native Japan. In general, it is the same car as in other markets, but new features have been prepared for Japanese buyers.
RBC-Ukraine reports this with reference to the company’s press service.
Yes, only in Japan does the Forester have a turbo engine. This is the same 1.8-liter four-cylinder boxer engine (177 hp, 300 Nm) that was installed on the previous generation crossovers. Paired with it is the Lineartronic variator.
However, only the Sport trim level cars have a turbo engine, while the rest of the crossovers for the Japanese market will have a new hybrid system, which recently debuted on the more compact Subaru Crosstrek model. The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine (160 hp, 209 Nm) operates on an economical cycle, and is assisted by a starter-generator and a traction electric motor (120 hp, 270 Nm).
The latter rotates the wheels most of the time, and the internal combustion engine can be connected to them via a clutch and a single-stage gearbox. The hybrid system can operate in both sequential and parallel modes. At the same time, the hybrid retains the traditional mechanical Subaru all-wheel drive system: there is a transfer case and an interaxle clutch, and a cardan shaft goes to the rear axle.
The second feature of the Forester for Japan is the external airbag. Subaru has been installing it on some cars for the domestic market since 2016, but it appeared on the crossover for the first time, and it is a new generation airbag of an increased size. It is installed in the center at the base of the windshield, and when deployed, it covers not only the rear line of the hood, but also the windshield pillars up to the roof.
Such an airbag is designed to save the lives of not only pedestrians, but also cyclists. According to Subaru, such collisions currently account for 70% of fatal accidents on Japanese roads, because even modern automatic braking systems in cars cannot quickly react to the appearance of a cyclist in front.
Read urgent and important news about Russia's war against Ukraine on the RBC-Ukraine channel in Telegram.