Subaru bolsters local range with all-new Forester
Posted: 14 Oct 2025
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Author: Reuben van Niekerk
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6min read
Today Subaru’s model range consists of four core models, with the all-new Forester joining the offering a few months ago.
Today Subaru’s model range consists of four core models, with the all-new Forester joining the offering a few months ago.
Subaru South Africa opened their doors in South Africa in 1992 and has remained a consistent and healthy part of the automotive landscape in the region since.
The first vehicles offered were the Subaru Legacy 2.2GX sedans which were soon joined by the Legacy Outback. The model range was then expanded to include a range of models that suited families and performance enthusiasts alike, all boasting signature Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Boxer engines. Some of those standout models include the Subaru SVX, Legacy Outback, WRX’s and STI’s, Forester and XV Crossover SUV.
Today Subaru’s model range consists of four core models, with the all-new Forester joining the offering a few months ago.
Forester
Subaru recently launched the sixth generation Forester, featuring a sharper design, advanced safety and even greater versatility.
A distinctive new design includes a bolder stance with stronger grille, compact LED headlights and Subaru’s latest star-cluster emblem.
Muscular wheelarches underline its rugged credentials and customers can choose between 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels, depending on the model grade. The entire Forester model line-up is powered by Subaru’s proven 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, boxer engine, producing 136kW and 247Nm and paired with a Lineartronic CVT that incorporates an eight-step manual mode, controlled via paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Subaru’s famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive ensures grip and composure across a wide variety of surfaces.
220mm of ground clearance and a carefully engineered 20.3-degree approach and 25.8-degree departure angles ensure that the Forester is capable on gravel tracks or smooth highways. X-Mode with Hill Descent Control is standard across the range.
The interior is designed for families and explorers with wide opening doors and enlarged window glass areas for the best in-class outward visibility. Boot space measures 496-litres with the seats up and 1 174-litres when folded flat, supported by a flat cargo floor, a wide-opening tailgate and one-touch folding 60/40 split rear seats.
Infotainment is taken care of by dual 7.0-inch touchscreens or a tablet style 11.6-inch display on Touring, Sport and Premium derivatives along with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth and voice control.
Safety remains a hallmark of the Forester and the latest EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard fitment. This system’s features include Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centring, Autonomous Emergency Steering, Lead Vehicle Start Alert and Pre-Collision Throttle Management.
The Forester has consistently delivered what South Africans want: safety, versatility and genuine all-road ability and the latest iteration is ready to raise the bar while offering even more refinement, technology and capability.
Crosstrek
Subaru competes in the compact crossover segment with the Crosstrek, a model that replaced the previously offered XV in the range.
The styling evokes a sense of playfulness and adventure. A new hexagonal 3D grille is flanked by sharper headlight clusters and bulging wheelarches that showcase its unmistakable versatility.
The Crosstrek features Subaru’s latest interior design and operation architecture including the latest driver multi-function display and steering wheel as well as a new 11.6-inch central display.
The Crosstrek has been conceptualised around the lifestyle for which it has become so popular as it prioritises capability but not at the expense of comfort or performance. The famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a standard feature across the range and has been improved with faster response times that enhance the vehicles agility and control across a variety of driving environments and surfaces.
Powering the Crosstrek is a 2.0 -litre, four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 115kW and 196Nm and which is coupled to a Lineartronic CVT that also includes paddle shifters for manual mode operation through eight pre-set ratios.
Subaru’s driver-selectable X-Mode off-road management system is available on both variants and assists with the off-road performance of the vehicle via pre-configured modes for Snow/Dort, Seep Snow and Mud Assist.
Outback
The Outback is the next step in the evolution of the SUV wagon that Subaru developed in 1994 and represents the brands commitment to offering vehicles that prioritise customer safety and peace of mind through engineering excellence. The Outback appears more rugged and adventurous than ever before, designed to stimulate the intellectual curiosity of new journeys and adventures.
The Outback leaves motorists in no doubt regarding its intentions, to competently tackle any roads on any adventure all the while within the safest and classiest cabins available.
The Subaru Outback Field and Touring versions are fitted with a 2.5-litre direct injection Boxer engine that offers 138kW and 245Nm and which is mated to a CVT transmission.
The Subaru Outback XT is fitted with a 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine that delivers 183kW and 350Nm and paired to a Lineartronic CVT driving all four wheels via Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. This engine is the same engine as fitted to the WRX, tuned to be better suited to the versatility of the Outback.
The Outback is equipped with X-Mode and Hill Descent Control. 213mm of ground clearance, a 19.7-degree approach angle and a 22.6-degree departure angle inspire confidence across any terrain.
The cabin architecture has been impeccably designed and immediately draws one’s eye to the large 11.6-inch portrait screen that is centrally located in the dashboard.
WRX
Subaru’s most renowned model is undoubtably the WRX, a nameplate that etched itself into motoring folklore thanks to success on the World Rally stage at the hands of legendary drivers such as Colin McCrae.
The latest iteration embodies that spirit as it represents the core values of the brand, meticulously built around the philosophy of the ultimate in driving performance along with greater safety.
The design combines an assertive and exhilarating stance with a refined approach to the fluidity of motion styling concept and cuts a striking silhouette thanks to Subaru’s Dynamic x Solid design philosophy that fortifies all angles of the exterior. A signature bonnet scoop and hexagonal grille take centre stage, while multi-functional LED Steering Responsive Headlights compliment the wider and more aggressive stance. The side profile is defined by sporty side garnishes that emphasise the low centre of gravity. The rear bumper houses an integrated diffuser.
Under the bonnet is a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged Boxer petrol engine that delivers 202kW at 5 600rpm and 350Nm from 2 000rpm. This engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed Subaru Performance Transmission.
Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive ensures that the driver is always in control and works in conjunction with Active Torque Vectoring, ABS, EBD and ESC to ensure optimum traction and handling across all driving conditions.
The interior is distinguished by a 11.6-inch infotainment system that serves as a hub for a wide range of entertainment and vehicle related functions.
Connecting the driver to the WRX is a small diameter, flat-bottomed steering wheel with multifunction controls.
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