Subaru goes hybrid in NZ
Thursday, 16 January 2020
Subarus are about to get more efficient and more capable in rough conditions, thanks to two new updates due in New Zealand shortly.
The XV and Forester SUVs are about ot be the company's first models to update to a hybrid drivetrain that will fulfil Subaru's electric ambition until the availability of a plug-in hybrid car.
Meanwhile, a limited-edition of the Outback, called the 'X', will debut the a 'dual-function' X-Mode, which adds additional off road capability and is expected to gradually introduce across the SUV family.
The eBoxer drivetrain utilises an electric motor and lithium-ion battery - from Toyota, which has shareholding in Subaru and is a technology partner in its electric drive programme - working together with a Subaru 2.0-litre boxer petrol engine.
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The engine produces 110kW of power and 196Nm of torque, paired with a 12kW/66Nm electric motor drawing energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. The combined outputs have not been revealed.
As in Toyota hybrids, the aim is to enhance emissions and economy rather than allow any particular electric-only urge. The system will enable pure electric driving, but only at under 40kmh and range is limited to several kilometres.
Australia has also taken the models and it is logical New Zealand's selection will come from their choice of a single XV and a pair of Foresters and perhaps also a pricing strategy that adds a model premium.
Our neighbour claims the XV Hybrid has potential to deliver a 14 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency over the equivalent petrol model on the urban cycle and a seven percent improvement on the combined cycle. The Forester Hybrid will offer improvements of 19 and nine per cent respectively compared to 2.5-litre petrol variants.
Three driving modes are available, comprising Motor Assist EV, Motor Assist electric plus petrol engine and petrol engine only. The system has capability of swapping between configurations depending on driving conditions.
As per the non-hybrid editions, the new models are all-wheel-drive and have a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Wallis Dumper, Subaru NZ's managing director, says the dealer network is already taking inquiries, but adds that full details won't be announced for several weeks.
'The eBoxer Hybrids will enable Kiwis to tread a little lighter on their adventures in New Zealand and we are excited about offering them as an additional option in our current model line-up'.
Apart from the obvious increases in fuel efficiency, Subaru says the Motor Assist setup also improves the XV and Forester's X-Mode off-road capability through better low speed torque control.
Mr Dumper is also suggesting the Outback X will enhance Subaru's already solid off-road credibility.
The dual function version of X-Mode still has the basic functionality of the original system, which works by altering throttle mapping, transmission mapping, centre clutch torque distribution and brakes, but adds specific settings for snow, dirt, and mud, accessed via a second controller.
Without getting too technical, Subaru alters the engine revs to give more power in slippery situations. Dual-mode also works in closer concert with the CVT, keeping the transmission in a lower 'gear' for more wheel torque, is more predictive at distributing power between the front and rear axles and changes the brakes by locking up one wheel if it senses it spinning.
The sum total of its benefits are best felt when getting into deep snow and mud and steep inclines.
In addition to these models, Subaru NZ is also about to launch an Impreza update, delivering mainly aesthetic changes.
The extra metal is timely, as Subaru NZ's SUV sales saw a 2.8 per cent year-on-year gain in total volume, on the back of a big gain for Forester – registrations up 73 per cent – and despite a 288 per cent drop on Outback count. XV count rose slightly. Subaru's road-bound products – WRX, Levorg, Legacy and Impreza – made little impact.