increase font size
E-boxer, the revamped version of Subaru Forester.
Given that we already know already the Subaru Forester is a great SUV – after all it won the 2018 New Zealand Car of the Year Award – we were keen to get to grips with the latest e-Boxer Hybrid.
Best described as a mild hybrid, it mates a flat-four, 2-litre petrol engine making 110kW and 196Nm torque, with a 12.3kW/66Nm electric motor. Combined power and torque is slightly less than the conventional 2.5 litre petrol that produces 136kW/239Nm. The key difference claimed by the manufacturer is, of course, lower emissions and a drop in fuel consumption of up to 19%.
Like the petrol-only Forester, the Premium spec hybrid has the same DNA, including CVT transmission and Symmetrical All Wheel Drive, meaning Subaru diehards can stop feeling faint and read on. Add in the excellent Eyesight package that delivers the likes of adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, lane keep assist and pre-collision braking and the Forester is right up there with the latest tech. It also has a clever driver monitoring package that uses internal cameras to “watch” the driver for signs of drowsiness and distraction, while also using facial recognition for automated seat, preferred displays and rear-view mirror settings.
So how does it look, accommodate and drive? Certainly, first impressions are positive, with a proper grown up boxy SUV look, with chrome accents around the headlights, front grille, lower valance and under the door sills.
Wide opening doors offer easy access to plush leather upholstered seats that are yielding, yet supportive, with plenty of adjustment for drivers of all sizes. In the centre of the cabin, a 6.3-inch centre display covers all key operational aspects such as cameras (reverse, side view and front facing) navigation and the vehicle’s eco credentials.
Where the car really comes into its own is handling and grip, offering faultless road holding on the black stuff and unlimited grip on loose or slippery terrain. Having taken the vehicle throughout the Waikato on surfaces ranging from loose gravel to farm tracks and even muddy paddocks, we never felt as if we would have to divert from the plotted course and it never felt like getting stuck. This Forester also benefits from Dual X-mode that allows separate additional settings for snow/dirt or deep snow/mud.
Given the Forester offers plenty of space for occupants and cargo, while delivering industry leading smarts and great capability, it looks like Subaru has followed the mantra, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. So the only real question to ask is whether the hybrid is worth the $5,000 for a little electric shove. If you want to feel good, while reducing emissions and saving around a fifth on fuel, or if you spend time in urban traffic, go for it. If that doesn’t light your fuse, stick with the 2.5 litre petrol.
While the LDV brand has been available in New Zealand for a number of years, it’s typically been recognised as a second tier offering. That has started to change after distribution passed to the Inchcape Group in 2023, who are on a trajectory to improve that public perspective, and in due course, push sales upwards.
While the New Zealand ute market is dominated by three main players, “disruptors” are never too far away.
Since its launch in the late 1960s, nearly 3.5 million Suzuki Jimnys have been sold worldwide, picking up numerous awards along the way.
KGM New Zealand, is part of the London headquartered Inchcape Group, who increased its NZ presence in August 2023 with the acquisition of SsangYong distribution and five retail outlets.
Fifty years ago, Suzuki was a pioneer in developing a small Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with fourwheel drive capability and low fuel consumption. Suzuki Development of the original Jimny in 1968 and the LJ10 Jimny arrived in 1970 it was the first mass production 4WD in the Japanese domestic mini-car category.
Farmlands says that improved half-year results show that the co-op’s tight focus on supporting New Zealand’s farmers and growers is working.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says that discovery of a male Oriental fruit fly on Auckland’s North Shore is a cause for concern for growers.
Fonterra says its earnings for the 2025 financial year are anticipated to be in the upper half of its previously forecast earnings range of 40-60 cents per share.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is having another crack at increasing the fees of its chair and board members.
Livestock management tech company Nedap has launched Nedap New Zealand.
An innovative dairy effluent management system is being designed to help farmers improve on-farm effluent practices and reduce environmental impact.
OPINION: Australian dairy is bracing for the retirement of an iconic dairy brand.
OPINION: Another sign that the plant-based dairy fallacy is unravelling and that nothing beats dairy-based products.
