SUBARU Australia just lately debuted its sixth-generation Forester to a market eager for a refresh of a stalwart favorite.
Mainly among the many mannequin’s intensive checklist of design, know-how, security, and mechanical upgrades was Subaru’s petrol-electric ‘Sturdy Hybrid’ system combining a bigger displacement 2.5-litre Boxer engine with a Toyota-sourced electrical motor and battery.
The mix is claimed to supply gasoline consumption reductions within the neighborhood of 20 per cent compared with Subaru’s present 2.0-litre gentle hybrid driveline, and a driving vary of as much as 1000km from a single tank.
Importantly for Subaru Australia, the know-how comes as hybrid driveline adoption amongst native patrons is steadily rising. 12 months-to-date gross sales of hybrid-powered automobiles now prime 47,000 items, up 34.8 per cent on the identical time final 12 months – a statistic not misplaced on Subaru Australia basic supervisor Scott Lawrence.
Talking with GoAuto this week, Mr Lawrence stated the inclusion of a real hybrid providing inside the Forester vary will assist to broaden the mannequin’s attraction, whereas persevering with to supply the virtues which have drawn Australian patrons to the vary for over 30 years.
“Our method with the next-generation Forester continues to be grounded in what makes Subaru, Subaru – automobiles which might be constructed for real-world adventures, with security, functionality and reliability at their core,” he defined.
“The brand new era Forester is a real evolution of our primary mannequin and its bolder, smarter and extra succesful platform will attraction to our loyal and new homeowners alike. Our advertising technique will proceed to mix the perfect of Subaru with sharing the model’s product evolution with a wider viewers.
“We’re specializing in advertising channels and partnerships that replicate how Australians wish to stay – exploring extra, getting outdoor, and selecting a automobile that may sustain with regardless of the day brings.
“It’s nonetheless very a lot Subaru, simply with a recent perspective powered by a brand new drivetrain.”
That new drivetrain will see Subaru dealerships adapt to supply gross sales and repair of a mannequin vary that has bordered on conventional for much longer than a lot of its rivals.
A real petrol-electric hybrid driveline will create challenges at a showroom stage to which Subaru gross sales and servicing employees might want to adapt, Mr Lawrence assuring Australian patrons that in-depth coaching is already underway to assist easy that transition.
“As with each new Subaru launch, the arrival of the all-new Forester is supported by a complete nationwide coaching program for our retailer community, service groups, and companions,” he affirmed.
“We’re dedicated to making sure our groups throughout the nation are absolutely geared up with the information and instruments they should confidently assist prospects, each within the showroom and within the service bay.
“From technical coaching to buyer expertise, it’s all about delivering a seamless, knowledgeable and reassuring possession expertise from day one.”
The modifications come at an essential time for Subaru Australia. Gross sales of the vary are down significantly, the ageing Forester particularly down 10.5 per cent towards a phase common up 7.0 per cent.
Gross sales of the Subaru Forester totalled simply 3208 items throughout the primary quarter of 2025, considerably behind these of the all-hybrid phase chief and conventional rival, the Toyota RAV4, with 13,802 items gross sales in the identical interval.
Mr Lawrence stated it’s his perception the brand new Forester will re-energise curiosity amongst Subaru loyalists, with the introduction of a cutting-edge hybrid driveline to draw each new and return prospects alike.
“We’re at all times grateful for the belief our prospects place in us and it’s one thing we by no means take without any consideration,” he stated.
“Subaru homeowners are very passionate concerning the model and likewise admire the belief that has been constructed over a long time of delivering automobiles that Australians can depend on, and now, as we introduce our next-generation hybrid know-how, we’re centered on bringing our prospects on that journey with us.”
Past the newly launched Forester – and with particulars of an all-new Outback just lately dropped at mild – Mr Lawrence stated the inclusion of hybrid know-how will proceed to play an essential half within the development of the Subaru vary shifting ahead.
Whereas reluctant to invest the gross sales share hybrid-powered fashions will maintain shifting ahead, he stated work is underway to make sure the success of hybrid know-how within the Subaru line-up each right here and abroad.
“Whereas we’re not fairly able to raise the curtain simply but, there’s positively extra within the pipeline,” he acknowledged.
“The all-new Forester with stronger hybrid energy marks just the start of an thrilling new chapter for Subaru in Australia. We’re engaged on some thrilling issues behind the scenes and may’t wait to share what’s subsequent when the time comes.”
