FOLLOWING the arrival of its new-generation Crosstrek small SUV in mid-to-late March, Subaru Australia will give attention to the mid-year launch of its first EV – the Solterra – and the sixth-generation Impreza hatch, due earlier than Christmas, in addition to an up to date MY24 BRZ, a spread of fiftyth Anniversary particular editions, and a number of other new mannequin variants.
Subaru Australia has additionally dropped a heavy trace that the next-generation Forester medium SUV will break cowl earlier than the 12 months is out, forward of market introduction in 2024.
The primary launch of 2023 is the turbocharged Outback XT, which formally debuts alongside the MY23 Outback vary this month, adopted by the Crosstrek that can start to look in showrooms in April.
In contrast to the hybrid-only Japanese Crosstrek and petrol-only North American Crosstrek, the Australian line-up will encompass each 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol and a pair of.0-litre petrol-hybrid variations, although GoAuto understands {that a} newer-generation hybrid drivetrain will exchange the present set-up “within the quick time period”, which means a probable debut in 2024.
Talking to GoAuto on the Outback XT launch, Subaru Australia managing director Blair Learn confirmed that Subaru Australia would launch with a carry-over hybrid drivetrain within the Crosstrek “however you will notice change in that product over its lifecycle” – alluding to forthcoming developments with Subaru’s hybrid system, in addition to the opportunity of a 2.5-litre Crosstrek variant making it to Australia.
Very like the WRX’s shock look on the new-generation BRZ launch final January, the Crosstrek made a static media debut on the Outback XT launch, which Mr Learn mentioned is a method Subaru Australia will preserve going ahead.
Whereas he refused to disclose what the shock visitor – or company – shall be at subsequent month’s Crosstrek launch, the hole between Crosstrek and the electrical Solterra’s “mid-year to second half” arrival leaves a window for Subaru Australia to begin introducing its 50th Anniversary particular editions.
At an end-of-year media occasion, Mr Learn mentioned the Japanese model has “some fairly thrilling plans round some particular editions (to mark 50 years of Subaru in Australia as an official importer) which we predict shall be actually, actually interesting to the Australian public, in addition to some totally different variations on present merchandise”.
The “variations on present merchandise” factors to the upcoming ‘Wilderness’ variations of Forester, Outback and Crosstrek, which shall be manufactured for Australia at Subaru’s Japanese manufacturing supply.
But Subaru is remaining tight-lipped about what these particular editions would possibly entail, regardless that a number of new additions to the Japanese Subaru line-up could present sturdy hints.
The primary of these is the Forester XT-Version, which was unveiled simply earlier than Christmas to commemorate 50 years of all-wheel drive Subarus (the unique Leone 1400 4WD wagon appeared domestically in 1972).
An intriguing variation on the present Forester Sport, the XT-Version options swathes of black-out paint therapy (together with grille, garnishes, mirrors and roof rails), metallic-black 18-inch alloys and a blacked-out inside therapy, in addition to an LED cargo mild and tailgate lamp.
Its new Geyser Blue paint color, which is the signature hue from the US-market Forester/Outback Wilderness, factors to the longer term Japanese sourcing of fashions on this beforehand North America-only color.
The function that won’t make it to Australia is the Japanese XT-Version’s 130kW/300Nm 1.8-litre turbo-petrol engine, which it shares with the JDM Forester Sport.
Variations on this division will contain the almost-certain inclusion of the present Forester’s 136kW/239Nm 2.5-litre petrol flat-four, or the skin risk of the Outback XT’s 183kW/350Nm 2.4-litre turbo-petrol flat 4 lastly making its manner beneath the Forester’s bonnet.
If and when the latter occurs, it’s possible Subaru Australia would as an alternative work across the JDM Forester STI Sport grade that was revealed final August as a particular range-topper for the Forester vary, constructed round each beauty, inside and suspension upgrades.
The place the XT-Version favours matte black for its physique therapy, the STI Sport blends each matte- and gloss-black finishes (however no Geyser Blue paint choice – simply white, silver, gray or black) and wears a pink ‘STI’ badge on each the entrance grille and tailgate.
Its wheel measurement stays 18 inches, clad with 225/55R18 tyres, however their five-spoke design is exclusive, and so is the ‘shadow-chrome’ super-black end. The STI Sport’s suspension has been upgraded with STI-tuned Hitachi Astemo SFRD dampers up entrance, and STI-tuned rear dampers.
Inside, the STI Sport positive aspects Nappa leather-based upholstery in black/Bordeaux crimson with crimson stitching, with the same trim therapy permeating the cabin, mixed with the identical combination of matte- and gloss-black as the outside, and darkish headlining. There’s additionally an STI brand on the tachometer.
Subaru has already confirmed that the Solterra EV will solely be supplied in Australia in all-wheel drive kind, with pricing anticipated to be introduced in direction of the center of the 12 months.
Even so, Subaru Australia says the extent of curiosity in its first electrical automobile has “exceeded expectations”.
The latter half of the 12 months will see a model-year replace for the BRZ – involving yet-to-be-announced adjustments for MY24 – and 2023 shall be rounded out by the sixth-generation Impreza, due earlier than Christmas.
Subaru remains to be six months away from saying an in depth Australian Impreza line-up however it’s going to positively be hatchback solely and CVT automated solely. The 115kW/196Nm 2.0-litre direct-injection flat-four can also be a particular, however Subaru Australia has not dominated out a possible hybrid model, or a belated return of the much-loved 2.5-litre Impreza RS.
When requested particularly about reviving the Impreza RS, Mr Learn implied that it could be a pure development for the Australian Subaru line-up to incorporate an Impreza RS mannequin.
“I believe you’ve seen from what we’ve executed with XT, WRX has bought an RS and a GT, (so) we’re followers of these iconic nameplates, and I believe prospects are too,” he mentioned, with out confirming something about an Impreza RS’s potential powertrain.
Subaru Japan launched the home market model of its newest Impreza hatch on the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon in January, showcased by an STI-parts-equipped model painted within the new Impreza hero color – Sunblaze Pearl (a deep metallic orange). It’s a subtly sporty and sinister look that will completely complement a variant resembling a 2.5-litre Impreza RS.
Past this 12 months, nonetheless, the most important information for Subaru issues the next-generation Forester. Based on Mr Learn, Subaru has invested closely on this essential sixth-generation model of its best-selling mannequin, and a preview of its all-new design is more likely to emerge earlier than 2023 wraps up.
“All I can say is that when we see new-gen Impreza in direction of the top of this 12 months, it’s Forester’s time. Being the primary vendor by quantity (for Subaru each globally and in Australia), you’ll be able to most likely put two and two collectively and work out that it’s going to deliver its A-game,” he mentioned.
Certainly, regardless of being pushed laborious by Outback, the Forester was as soon as once more Subaru Australia’s best-selling mannequin in 2022 – closing out the 12 months with 10,637 gross sales (and a powerful 1586 models in December).
Subaru itself completed the 12 months in eighth place with 36,036 gross sales, beating Isuzu Ute and Volkswagen. However in December 2022, Subaru Australia achieved 4.6 p.c market share and was simply 363 gross sales shy of Hyundai.
What’s coming from Subaru in 2023:
Outback XT | February |
Crosstrek | March |
Anniversary editions | Mid-year |
Solterra | Q3 |
Impreza | This autumn |
MY24 BRZ | Q3/This autumn |
Forester reveal | This autumn |
