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Last week, we reported on a CARB document providing some details about the upcoming Subaru Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid. The document said the model would return "an electric range at 25.650 miles based on the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule - replicates city driving conditions." This is similar to the Toyota Prius Prime which lends its hybrid system to the Crosstrek. But we found ourselves a bit skeptical considering the Crosstrek is heavier and uses an all-wheel drive system - things that reduce range. Hopefully, Subaru would provide some details on it when it arrived at the LA Auto Show next week. But Subaru has decided to surprise us by unveiling the Crosstrek Hybrid today. Let's get to that all important question, how far will the model travel on electric power alone? According to Subaru, it is 17 miles on a full charge. Slightly disappointing to say in the least since we were kind of hoping for at least 20. It does slightly better when it comes to fuel economy figures: 90 MPGe combined with the battery charged up and 35 MPG on the combined cycle with the gas engine only. The Crosstrek Hybrid's powertrain is comprised of a retuned version of the 2.0L boxer-four engine (137 horsepower and 134 pound-feet), two electric motors, and an 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Total output is rated at 148 horsepower and 149 pound-feet. One interesting tidbit is Subaru keeps the single multi-plate transfer clutch at the transmission output to keep power flowing to all wheels - no matter whether it is gas or electric. Recharging takes about two hours on a 240-Volt charger and five hours on a 120-Volt charger. Exterior changes for the Crosstrek Hybrid include a charging port on the opposite side of the gas filler, silver accents, and two-tone 18-inch wheels. Going hybrid on the Crosstrek is expensive. When it arrives at dealers towards the end of the year, the Crosstrek Hybrid will begin at $35,970 (includes a $975 destination charge). Gallery: 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Source: Subaru All-New Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid To Debut At Los Angeles Auto Show First-ever Subaru plug-in hybrid vehicle New Subaru StarDrive Technology Standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Up to 90 MPGe Full range of 480 miles when using both gas and electric power EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology standard November 19, 2018 , Los Angeles, CA - Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced its first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid. The highly anticipated SUV offers real all-wheel drive capability in a hybrid package. Arriving at Subaru retailers near the end of this year, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid will also feature unique exterior and interior styling and new in-vehicle technology. The new SUV also qualifies for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) permits in many states, including CA, MD and NY. The Crosstrek has become the brand’s third-best-selling model in America since its debut six years ago. Priced at $34,995 plus $975 for destination and delivery*, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid is the most powerful and most efficient version of the versatile compact SUV ever. The Hybrid features the new Subaru StarDrive Technology that uniquely integrates electric motors, a 2.0-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and a new Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Subaru StarDrive Technology employs two electric motors. One motor functions as an engine starter. Conversely, it can be powered by the engine to function as a generator for the hybrid battery. The second motor powers the vehicle for hybrid and electric driving modes. It also charges the hybrid battery during regenerative braking. The Crosstrek Hybrid is capable of speeds up to 65 mph when in full electric mode and is a full second faster from 0 to 60 mph than the standard Crosstrek. The new powertrain not only yields quicker acceleration, but up to 90 MPGe with a total range of 480 miles. The high-capacity lithium-ion battery, mounted beneath the cargo area, enables the Hybrid to achieve an EV range of 17 miles, which covers a variety of trips. An electronically controlled brake system has been developed. Braking control has been optimized to distribute braking force between the regenerative brakes and mechanical brakes, thereby maximizing the amount of power regeneration to improve fuel efficiency and extended battery life. Like the Crosstrek, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid is built around the Subaru Global Platform that was designed to accommodate hybrid and electric powertrains. The standard Linerartronic CVT features X-MODE and Hill Descent Control for enhanced performance in low-friction and off-road conditions. The Crosstrek Hybrid’s 8.7-inches of ground clearance and 1,000 lb. towing capacity provide versatility in both off-road and city driving. The 60/40-split fold-down rear seats offer up to 43.1 cu.ft of cargo space, enough space for camping gear or luggage. The standard SI-DRIVE is a powertrain performance management system that allows the driver to tailor the vehicle’s throttle characteristics by choosing between “Intelligent” and “Sport” modes. Standard Active Torque Vectoring, first introduced on the WRX model line, applies light brake pressure to the inside front wheel while cornering for improved control and handling. Exclusive to the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid is a striking new exterior color, Lagoon Blue Pearl, one of four available hues. The SUV is further distinguished by blue headlight projector rings and unique silver metallic finish on the front grille, lower front bumper and body cladding, and fog light accents. The low-profile roof rails and spoiler in black finish, along with unique 18-inch wheels in black with machine finish, accentuate this model’s sleek styling. A “Plug-In Hybrid” badge adorns the rear gate and fenders, and “Plug-In” text is imprinted in the charge port door. The Hybrid’s interior features exclusive new high-contrast Gray and Navy-Blue leather seats, door panels and armrests. The cabin is complemented with blue stitching and accent panels throughout. The fun-to-drive Crosstrek Hybrid comes with an array of standard features including the 8.0-inch STARLINK Multimedia Plus system with Apple CarPlay™ and Android™ Auto; Keyless Access with Push-Button Start; Automatic Climate Control; Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire pressure display; power windows with auto-up/auto-down on both driver and passenger sides; power door locks and side mirrors; LED fog lights and dual rear USB ports. The standard All-Weather Package includes heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer and heated exterior mirrors. The leather-wrapped steering wheel includes audio, Bluetooth® and SI-Drive control switches. For easy recognition while driving, the high-grade instrument panel includes a 4.2-inch color LCD as well as a power meter for real-time power output and regeneration. The high-grade multifunction display located above the center stack adds exclusive hybrid functions including driving and charging screens. With safety as a top priority, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid comes standard with a suite of driver-assist and safety features. EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management; Adaptive Cruise Control; Lane Departure and Sway Warning; and Lane Keep Assist. For the first time in a Subaru vehicle, a Driver Assist Indicator has been installed at the top of the combination meter to increase visibility of EyeSight status or other warnings. Standard Steering Responsive Headlights illuminate curves as the vehicle steers into them. Reverse Automatic Braking can apply the vehicle’s brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing. LED High Beam Assist encourages the driver to maximize the use of high beams without worry of impairing oncoming traffic. Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Cross Traffic Alert is also standard. Further, the Hybrid features a Pedestrian Alert System that provides an audible warning to pedestrians within the proximity of the vehicle when it is traveling below 20 mph. Like all 2019 Crosstrek models, the Hybrid comes standard with seven airbags including driver and front passenger frontal airbags, side curtain airbags, side pelvis/torso airbags and a driver’s knee airbag. An option package priced at $2,500 offers a power moonroof, heated steering wheel and STARLINK 8.0-inch Multimedia Navigation system with voice activated navigation powered by TomTom. Also included with the package is a Harman Kardon 8-speaker system with 432-watt equivalent amplifier. SUBARU STARLINK In-Vehicle Technology provides hands-free connectivity and entertainment through the vehicle’s multimedia or navigation system. All STARLINK Multimedia systems offer a high-resolution touchscreen; smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Aha™, and Pandora®; Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo; and Rear Vision Camera as standard. The 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus includes a single-disc CD player and voice activated controls for phone and Near Field Communication to the list of features. The top-of-the-line 8.0-inch Multimedia with Navigation adds navigation powered by TomTom, voice activated navigation and over-the-air updates. New features for SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services, exclusive to Crosstrek Hybrid, include Remote Climate Control and Remote Battery Charging Timer. The vehicle’s climate control can function without starting the engine, so it can warm up or cool down even when garaged. The Remote Battery Charging Timer allows a user to manage the vehicle charging schedule and monitor its status. The Hybrid comes with a 10-year complimentary subscription to SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security Plus package, which includes Remote Climate Control and Remote Battery Charging Timer, SOS emergency assistance and automatic collision notification. It also features maintenance notifications, monthly vehicle health report and diagnostic alerts, stolen vehicle recovery service, vehicle security alarm notification, remote lock/unlock, remote horn and lights, and remote vehicle locator and parenting features including boundary, speed and curfew alerts. The STARLINK Concierge package is available and features in-vehicle assistance with restaurant and hotel reservations, purchasing tickets for sporting/theater events and scheduling service appointments. *Destination & Delivery is $975 and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI and VT. D&D is $1,125 for retailers in Alaska. View full article

Subaru's first plug-in hybrid is just around the corner. The 2019 Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid is expected to debut later this month at the LA Auto Show. As we reported back in February, Subaru would be using the electric powertrain from Toyota's Prius Prime, teamed with one of their boxer engines. We now have some new details on the Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid via a California Air Resources Board (CARB) filing. Autoblog obtained the document which reveals that the Crosstrek PHEV will utilize a 2.0L boxer-four engine (most likely the same engine found in standard Crosstrek). The document also lists an electric range at 25.650 miles based on the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule - replicates city driving conditions. That's very similar to the Toyota Prius Prime when it is put into EV mode. But this also prompts some questions. Is the Crosstrek PHEV using a larger battery than the Prius Prime? We would think the added weight of the all-wheel-drive system would bring the range down. Also, is the electric motor providing power to all four wheels or just to one of the axles? Hopefully, we'll some get answers in the near future. View full article

The 2019 Subaru Forester which debuted yesterday at the New York Auto Show looks very familiar to the current Forester. Despite what the body looks like, there are major changes underneath the Forester's skin. It begins with the platform. The 2019 Forester becomes the latest Subaru model to move onto the company's new global platform. This allows for a 1.2-inch increase in overall wheelbase which Subaru has used to improve rear legroom. In fact, Subaru says the new Forester offers more head, shoulder, and legroom than the outgoing model. As for cargo space, the 2019 Forester boasts 76.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded - up 1.9 cubic feet. Subaru has increased the width of the tailgate opening 5.3-inches to make it easier to load items. The interior is the same as you'll find in the Impreza and Crosstrek, down to the Starlink infotainment system in a 6.5- or 8-inch touchscreen. Other interior improvements include more comfortable front seats, larger seat pockets, automatic climate control being standard on all trims, and the option of a Wi-Fi hotspot. There will only be one engine available for the 2019 Forester - a revamped 2.5L boxer-four producing 182 horsepower (up 12) and 176 pound-feet of torque (up 2). This will only come paired with a CVT and AWD. Touring and Sport models add a a manual mode and paddle shifters to mimic a seven-speed transmission. Subaru's X-Mode with Hill Descent Control allows to Forester to go slightly deeper into great outdoors is standard on every Forester except the base model. Being a Subaru, the Forester comes chock full of safety equipment. All Foresters come with the EyeSight suite of active safety features - adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The top-line Touring introduces Subaru's DriverFocus fatigue and distraction alert. Using cameras and facial recognition software, it monitors signs of fatigue or distraction on up to five different drivers. The system can also remember a driver's preset on the seat, climate control, and radio. The 2019 Subaru Forester arrives at dealers later this year. Source: Subaru Press Release is on Page 2 ALL-NEW 2019 SUBARU FORESTER® DEBUTS AT NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Roomiest, most capable Forester to date Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology Subaru Global Platform: quietness, stability, agility Available new segment-exclusive DriverFocus safety technology Updated 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine New Sport model with unique exterior and interior Standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Panoramic moonroof March 28, 2018 , NEW YORK - Subaru of America Inc., debuted today the all-new 2019 Forester at the New York International Auto Show. The fifth generation of the best-selling SUV introduces the roomiest, most capable and most versatile Forester ever made and also features groundbreaking new safety technology. The 2019 Forester is built on the Subaru Global Platform to deliver significantly higher levels of driving pleasure, agility, crash protection, ride comfort and quietness. Arriving at Subaru retailers later this year, the all-new Forester will be available in standard, Premium, Limited, Touring and new Sport trim levels. All are powered by an enhanced direct-injection, 182 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder BOXER engine featuring Auto Stop/Start and paired with a standard Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). Also standard on all trim levels is Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. For 2019, all Foresters come standard with the award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The top-of-line Touring debuts the segment-exclusive DriverFocus safety technology which offers yet another layer of safety and convenience for the driver. The system can alert the driver of fatigue or distraction while on the road as well as automatically adjust many driver settings at start-up. Segment First DriverFocus Safety Technology With DriverFocus, Subaru is taking on one of the biggest issues in the automotive industry; distracted driving. Each day in the United States, more than 1,000 people are injured in crashes reported to have involved a distracted driver. * As an industry leader in safety, Subaru has developed DriverFocus, a state-of-the-art system to help address distracted driving for both new and experienced drivers. DriverFocus is a driver monitoring system that uses facial recognition software to identify signs of driver fatigue or driver distraction. DriverFocus works with Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology to reduce the chance of an accident. And for added convenience, DriverFocus can also recognize up to five drivers and remember their presets for seat position, climate, multifunction display and more. The all-new Forester is the first in its segment, and among the first vehicles in the industry to incorporate technology that can address the important societal issue of distracted driving. The feature will be standard on Touring models. Added Power and Efficiency All Foresters are powered by a new version of the 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine, now with direct fuel injection and higher compression, along with active valve control system (AVCS) on the exhaust side. The new engine produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, versus 170 hp and 174 lb-ft in the previous Forester, for a boost in everyday performance and responsiveness. The 2019 Forester comes standard with Lineartronic CVT. The new powertrain not only yields quicker acceleration than the previous Forester, but also up to 33 mpg highway fuel economy (manufacturer’s estimate, pending EPA certification). On Sport and Touring variants, the CVT features a manual mode that simulates a seven-speed manual transmission, using steering wheel paddle shift control switches. Adding more flexibility for driving conditions, is a standard driver-selectable SI-DRIVE. SI-DRIVE is a powertrain performance management system that allows the driver to tailor the vehicle’s throttle characteristics by choosing between “Intelligent” and “Sport” modes (Sport Sharp on Forester Sport). “Intelligent” mode helps smooth out accelerator inputs for fuel saving, while “Sport” mode tunes the throttle to emphasize performance. Signature Subaru Design The 2019 Forester debuts a more rugged style that showcases Subaru’s new design language while retaining a strong family resemblance to the rest of the brand’s portfolio. The exterior has shoulder lines that follow around the pillars to emphasize height and strength. Prominent wheel arches emphasize the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system’s functionality. Front, side and rear underguards are standard on all models, with color finish according to trim line. New LED headlights are standard on all models and complement the brand’s signature hexagonal grille. High-gloss black or silver trim highlights the Forester’s premium appearance, accentuated by new colors such as Jasper Green Metallic, Horizon Blue Pearl and Crimson Red Pearl. Forester’s new design brings added function. The wheelbase is increased to 105.1 in. from 103.9 in., with the gain benefitting rear seat legroom, which is now 39.4-in., a 1.4-in. increase. Gains in headroom, hip and shoulder room further bolster passenger comfort and a feeling of spaciousness in the cabin. Wider rear door openings and a steep C-pillar angle make ingress/egress and installing a child seat easier. All Forester models feature lower body side cladding, which helps protect against mud, rocks and other road debris. The new Forester design maintains outstanding outward visibility, a hallmark of Subaru models. Strategically designed pillars and generous glass area ensure an excellent all-around view from inside, and all models feature a standard rear vision camera. The 2019 Forester design increases cargo space to 76.1 cu. ft. with the 60:40 split rear seatbacks lowered, a gain of 1.4 cu. ft. The load floor sits flatter, and the cargo area’s squared-off shape has been further optimized for ease of carrying large objects. Notably, the rear gate opening maximum width is now 51.2-in. wide, a 5.3-in. increase over the previous model and up to 8-in. wider than on some competitive SUVs. For example, with the 2019 Forester, it will be possible to load a full-size golf bag sideways without tilting it. A power rear gate is standard on Limited and Touring trim levels and available as an option for Premium and Sport. Roof rails, standard on all but the base model, allow for a number of Subaru Genuine Accessories for carrying items such as bicycles and kayaks. New tie-down hooks integrated into the rails, on Sport and Touring trims, allow ropes to be tied down more easily and securely. New Forester Sport Inspired by the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, the 2019 Forester Sport joins the line with unique appearance elements and specially enhanced standard equipment. A Sport grille with black gloss finish frame, black-finish 18-in. wheels and rear roof spoiler give Forester Sport a rugged look, while orange accents on the black underguards and roof rail mounts add a modern, youthful touch. The interior is a unique dark gray material with orange stitching and accents throughout that is exclusive to the Sport model. The Forester Sport exclusively employs a version of Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) with Intelligent and Sport Sharp modes and the Lineartronic CVT features a seven-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle-shift control switches. Building on the standard equipment of the Forester Premium trim, the Sport also features a high-grade instrument panel combination meter and multi-function display, LED fog lights, High Beam Assist, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, Keyless Access with Push-Button Start and PIN Code Access and the All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer). A standard cargo area tray helps protect the interior. For added convenience when loading or unloading equipment at night, the Sport features a cargo area LED light with auto-off and a rear gate LED flood light that illuminates the area around the rear gate when it is opened. Family comfort and quiet space The roomiest Forester cabin yet is also the quietest, thanks to the Subaru Global Platform’s inherent resistance to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Road noise is significantly reduced and Subaru has worked to tune out certain frequencies to make conversation or listening to music at highway speeds more comfortable. Forester’s interior has been designed for both greater passenger comfort and increased durability in everyday and recreational usage. New front seats, are constructed to enhance comfort on long drives. A new Electronic Parking Brake frees up console space by eliminating the traditional parking brake handle. All Forester models now feature standard automatic climate control (dual-zone on Limited and Touring models), and the available heated front seats feature three-stage control versus two-stage before. The Touring trim adds new heated rear seats for 2019. Keyless Access with Push Button Start is standard on Sport, Limited and Touring trims and optional for Premium. In conjunction with this feature, SUBARU STARLINK® Connected Services now offers available Remote Engine Start via the MySubaru smartphone app. Climate controls can also be set on the app when Remote Engine Start is activated. Many other connected services such as Wi-Fi and concierge services are newly available on Forester for 2019 model year. Numerous new details throughout the Forester reflect the Subaru brand’s meticulous study of real-world customer usage. The material used for the cargo area floor, sides and rear gate interior trim offer a textured surface to resist dirt. The robust material also resists scuffing, such as when carrying camping equipment or other outdoor gear, and is easily cleaned. PVC material used on the bottoms of the front seat backs likewise resists scuffing and the material is easily cleaned. Pockets on the front seatbacks are now divided to more easily organize items such as magazines and electronic devices. Legendary Subaru Value Gets Even Better The 2019 Forester is the best-equipped ever, with the standard model adding features such as EyeSight, LED headlights, Auto Start/Stop, SI-DRIVE Engine Performance management, Active Torque Vectoring, Automatic Climate Control, Electronic Parking Brake, Trailer Stability Assist and Welcome Lighting. A panoramic power moonroof is standard on Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring trims. Each trim level adds more features and amenities, while maintaining all the vehicle’s rugged capability. The 2019 Touring is the most luxurious Forester ever, with standard and exclusive features including 10-way power driver’s seat, new 8-way power front passenger seat, new heated rear seats and heated steering wheel. Also new for 2019, the exterior mirrors have a two-position memory function synchronized to the driver’s seat position memory and in addition tilt downward when reverse gear is engaged, to aid in parking maneuvers. A new power rear lock button is available on the rear liftgate that will close and lock the gate and all doors on the vehicle. Adventurous Spirit and Function The 2019 Forester continues the model’s tradition of offering the optimal blend of SUV capability with car-like ride and handling with legendary Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This key technology provides stable, secure driving for young families and all-around capability for outdoors enthusiasts. Subaru’s all-wheel drive system actively monitors acceleration, deceleration, cornering and traction to transfer power to the wheels with the best grip. Active Torque Vectoring, first introduced on the brand’s iconic WRX ® and WRX STI® performance models, is also standard on all 2019 Foresters. The Forester base model features standard 17-in. steel wheels, while the Premium gets standard 17-in. alloy wheels. Sport, Limited and Touring models ride on 18-in. wheels with each trim featuring its own wheel design. Forester offers a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is more than most competitors and allows for confident off-pavement driving. Yet, the 2019 Forester maintains an easy step-in height. For handling difficult driving conditions such as snow or mud, Forester Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring come standard with driver-selectable X-Mode® with Hill Descent Control. When engaged, X-Mode optimizes control of the engine, transmission shift pattern, Active AWD front/rear clutch force, brakes and the Vehicle Dynamics Control system to optimize wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines. New for 2019, the Sport, Limited and Touring models come standard with a dual-mode version of X-Mode that offers Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes for even more capability to go virtually wherever necessary. Subaru Safety Throughout The Forester’s new platform integrates the latest version of the Subaru ring-shaped reinforcement frame design, proven over nearly two decades to provide excellent occupant collision protection. All versions of the 2019 Forester come standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that includes Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision Throttle Management and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. Other available driver-assist technologies include Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Reverse Automatic Braking can apply the vehicle’s brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing. Forester Sport, Limited and Touring include High Beam Assist, and Limited and Touring also add Steering Responsive Headlights. New for the 2019 Forester, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) now displays pressure for individual tires. New standard Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) utilizes yaw sensors to monitor trailer sway and then can brake individual wheels to stabilize the vehicle and trailer. A power locking fuel door is integrated into the new automatic power door lock/unlock system as standard. The system locks all doors, the rear gate and fuel door once the vehicle is driven over 13 mph, and the owner can set locking/unlocking preferences. Inside, the Forester fills out its safety roster with the Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, standard front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage. SUBARU STARLINK™ In-Vehicle Technology The 2019 Forester offers the latest touchscreen SUBARU STARLINK multimedia systems with standard features including Apple CarPlay™, Android™ Auto and SiriusXM® services (subscription required) with Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming. Music, news, podcasts and much more can be enjoyed with standard Aha™, Pandora® and STARLINK app integration. A built-in, voice-activated navigation system powered by TomTom with an 8” high resolution touchscreen is also available. The standard Forester comes with the 6.5” Multimedia system, while higher trim levels feature the 8.0” Multimedia Plus and 8.0” Multimedia Navigation systems. SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services now offers remote engine start (on models equipped with Keyless Access and Push-Button Start); concierge service; anti-theft vehicle immobilizer with flashing vehicle security lights; young driver safety functions including geofencing, speed alert and curfew; and firmware updates over the air. Also available, the Safety Plus package offers SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, maintenance notifications, monthly vehicle health report, and diagnostic alerts. The Safety Plus & Security Plus upgrade package adds stolen vehicle recovery service, vehicle security alarm notification, remote lock/unlock, remote horn and lights and remote vehicle locator. View full article

While the Trump administration is still deciding whether or not to put tariffs on imported vehicles, certain automakers are bracing for the worst. During a briefing in Tokyo, Subaru is predicting a "big impact" if the U.S. does put tariffs into place. “It’s a fact that there would be a big impact from a U.S. tariff increase. We’re studying what the impact might be but there are too many unknowns at this point, so we want to refrain from giving a specific figure,” said Toshiaki Okada, Subaru's Chief Financial Officer. Of the 670,900 vehicles it sold in the U.S. through the year that ended in March, about half were imported, including the Forester. The rest of the vehicles - Legacy, Outback, and Ascent - are built in Indiana. According to data gathered by Bloomberg, Subaru would be the hardest hit by tariffs as over 67 percent of their revenues from North America. This is more than Honda (52.5 percent), Nissan (48.9 percent), and Toyota (35.2 percent). Source: Bloomberg View full article

The 2018 Subaru Legacy finds itself in a difficult spot. Like other midsize sedans, the Legacy has been seeing its sales fall down as more buyers are trending towards trucks and utility vehicles. But Subaru is trying to stop the bleeding somewhat by introducing an updated Legacy with various improvements to the exterior and mechanical bits. Is it enough? Compared to the last Legacy I drove in 2015, the 2018 model has some minor changes. The front now comes with a wider grille, updated design for the headlights, and a new bumper. The 2.5i Sport adds blacked-out trim, fog lights, and a set of 18-inch wheels with painted inserts. This helps makes the very plain design stand-out slightly more. Subaru’s safe approach to design continues inside. There are only a couple of changes like a new steering wheel and updated controls for the climate system. While it lacks in overall excitement, the Legacy’s earns top marks in overall usability as controls are easy to find and reach. Material quality sees an improvement as Subaru has added more soft-touch plastics throughout. The Legacy’s interior feels quite spacious thanks in part to a large glass area and thin roof pillars. Those sitting in the front will find the seats to be a little too firm, but they do provide an excellent amount of support for any trip. The back seat has more than enough legroom for tall passengers. The same cannot be said for headroom as those over six-feet will find their heads touching the liner. Open up the trunk to find 15 cubic feet of space, slightly smaller than the Hyundai Sonata I reviewed a few weeks back. My Sport tester came with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system. The system gains an upgraded processor to address complaints of Starlink being somewhat slow. It makes a big difference as the system starts up much faster and is more responsive when going to different functions. The system also earns points for being easy to use with large touchscreen tiles and shortcut buttons on either side. I did have an issue of Starlink not recognizing my iPhone 7 Plus. The system saw something was plugged into the USB port, but couldn’t figure out what it was. It took a reset of my phone and restarting the vehicle before it would work. After this, Starlink had no issues finding my phone and bringing up the CarPlay interface. Under the hood is a 2.5L boxer-four producing 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT and Symmetrical all-wheel drive. Around town, the engine is very responsive and gets up to speed a decent clip. On the highway, the 2.5 struggles to get up to speed at a decent clip. A lot of the slowness can be attributed to the Legacy’s weight. My 2.5i Sport tips the scales at 3,538 pounds. This is 143 pounds heavier than a 2018 Toyota Camry XSE four-cylinder that I recently drove. The CVT Subaru uses is one of the best in the business. It doesn’t have the rubber-band issue - engine RPMs rise at a quick rate before falling during acceleration - and has been calibrated to have ‘steps’ to mimic a regular six-speed automatic. EPA fuel economy figures for the Legacy 2.5i are 25 City/34 Highway/29 Combined. I saw an average of 28.2 mpg on a 50/50 mix of city and highway driving. Despite this model being badged as a ‘Sport’, the Legacy doesn’t fully live up to this. There is a fair amount body lean when cornering and the steering is a bit too light in terms of weight. At least the AWD system provides tenacious grip to keep you on the road. You would be forgiven if you thought the Legacy was a luxury sedan due to its ride quality. Most bumps and imperfections are soaked up by the suspension. This comes down to a new set of dampers being fitted for 2018. Another improvement comes in the form of noise isolation. Subaru has added more sound-insulating material and acoustic glass for the 2018 model. The end result is barely any tire of wind noise coming inside. Some engine whine does come inside during hard acceleration. Subaru still leads the pack when it comes to active safety. The optional EyeSight driver-assist suite uses stereo cameras to see the road ahead and feed that data to the adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking systems. The adaptive cruise control system is one of the best as the system is able to adjust the speed and distance in a very smooth manner whenever the system detects a vehicle in front. The 2.5i Sport begins at $26,345. My tester came equipped with an option package that included the EyeSight suite, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Active Braking, and Navigation for $2,095. That brings the as-tested price to $29,300. Taking into consideration the long list of standard equipment and the sporty touches, the Sport offers a lot of value. Subaru’s changes to the 2018 Legacy help improve what we would consider being a competent midsize sedan. There lies the problem with the Legacy. Unlike other manufacturers that have stepped their efforts in terms of design, features, and other elements to try and draw people back to midsize sedans, Subaru just did the basics and didn’t bring forth something compelling. Previously, you could argue that all-wheel drive was the Legacy’s trump card. But considering how many crossovers have that as an option, it just doesn’t work anymore. Subaru better have something special for the next-generation model due out in 2020 or we might have another casualty. Disclaimer: Subaru Provided the Legacy, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2018 Make: Subaru Model: Legacy Trim: 2.5i Sport Engine: 2.5L DOHC Boxer-Four Driveline: CVT, All-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 175 @ 5,800 Torque @ RPM: 174 @ 4,000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 25/34/29 Curb Weight: 3,538 lbs Location of Manufacture: Lafayette, Indiana Base Price: $26,345 As Tested Price: $29,300 (Includes $860.00 Destination Charge) Options: EyeSight + Blind Spot Monitoring + Reverse Automatic Braking + High Beam Assist + Navigation - $2,095 View full article

Subaru has been on a roll in the U.S. with 79 months of steady month-over-month growth. But Subaru wants to spread that success to other markets and has a new five-year to try an achieve this. Today in Tokyo, Newly appointed Subaru President Tomomi Nakamura unveiled the plan known as STEP - speed, trust, engagement, and peace of mind. "The automotive industry is now in a tumultuous time. Subaru’s fast growth in recent years has come to highlight our challenges. The question is how we, as a small-scale company, will be able to survive in this big-changing area," said Nakamura. Subaru wants to increase global sales from the 1.1 million vehicles it expects to sell in the current fiscal year to 1.3 million vehicles in the fiscal year on March 31, 2026. To do this, Subaru is planning to launch a number of new products including a hybrid and a "global strategic SUV" in the early 2020s. Furthermore, Subaru will evolving their "Dynamic X Solid design language into a "bolder" expression" and "enhancing sporty models." On the technology front, Subaru is planning to offer Level 2 autonomous capability (i.e. Cadillac Super Cruise and Tesla's Autopilot) around 2020 and higher levels by 2024. It is also planning to offer some sort of connectivity in "80 percent of new vehicles in major markets" by 2022. STEP will also be focusing on regaining trust in Subaru's home market. Last year, Subaru admitted that it had uncertified workers carrying out tests on new cars for Japan for decades. Early this year, the scandal got worse as Subaru revealed that inspectors falsified fuel economy and emission data. It led Japan's transportation ministry to reprimand Subaru and 417,288 vehicles to be recalled in the country. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Subaru Of America, Inc. Reports Record May Sales Best May ever – monthly sales increase 7.2 percent over May 2017 78 consecutive months of yearly month-over-month growth Best May ever for Crosstrek and Outback Best month ever for Crosstrek 51 consecutive months of more than 10,000 Outbacks sold 58 consecutive months of more than 10,000 Foresters sold June 1, 2018 , CAMDEN, NJ - Subaru of America, Inc. today reported 60,146 vehicle sales for May 2018, a 7.2 percent increase over May 2017, and the best May in the history of the company. The company also reported year-to-date sales of 263,019 vehicles, a 4.1 percent gain over the same period in 2017. May marked the 51st consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales for the company. Crosstrek and Outback sales were notably strong as each model achieved its best May ever. Crosstrek sales for May 2018 increased 74.4 percent over the same month in 2017 and marked the best month ever for the carline. Outback posted a nearly 10 percent increase, while WRX/STI posted 2.1 percent increase in May. “For the first time ever our sales for the month of May exceeded 60,000 vehicles and it is a tribute to our retailers who continue to establish monthly sales records despite the extreme competitiveness of the market,” said Thomas J. Doll, President and CEO of Subaru of America, Inc. “With positive press and consumer reaction to the all-new 3-row Ascent SUV, we expect even stronger demand as we enter the summer months.” “Sales of our all-new 2018 Crosstrek were up an impressive 74.4 percent in May and it enjoyed its best month ever, helping Subaru of America achieve its 78th consecutive month of sales gains,” said Jeff Walters, Senior Vice President of Sales. “2019 model year vehicles will start arriving in June and we expect that momentum to continue.” Carline May-18 May-17 % Chg May-18 May-17 % Chg MTD MTD MTD YTD YTD YTD Forester 14,530 16,280 -10.8% 65,313 72,517 -9.9% Impreza 7,843 8,546 -8.2% 30,130 35,168 -14.3% WRX/STI 2,859 2,801 2.1% 12,713 13,530 -6.0% Legacy 3,461 4,628 -25.2% 18,191 21,730 -16.3% Outback 16,702 15,193 9.9% 74,907 72,234 3.7% BRZ 364 437 -16.7% 1,650 1,868 -11.7% Crosstrek 14,387 8,250 74.4% 60,115 35,706 68.4% TOTAL 60,146 56,135 7.2% 263,019 252,753 4.1%

Ford's announcement of dropping most of their lineup of traditional cars likely caused a number of automakers to consider doing something similar. One automaker that will not be doing this is Subaru. Dominick Infante, Subaru’s national manager of product communications told Motor Trend one of the key reasons they keeping traditional cars is increasing gas prices. “Gas prices are starting to come up now. So a good hedge for better economy is having a sedan,” said Infante. “So we still make the Impreza and the Impreza hatchback. They do get better gas mileage than say a comparable CUV like the Crosstrek so we do sell those so if the market does change that’ll help sales of sedans.” Subaru's entry-level Impreza helps bring first-buyers in and performance models like the WRX/STI and BRZ draw in customers in their late 20s and early 30s. Still, Subaru's car lineup is taking it on the chin. Here are the sales numbers through April, Impreza: 22,287 (Down 16.3% YTD) Legacy: 14,730 (Down 13.9% YTD) WRX/STI: 9,854 (Down 8.2% YTD) BRZ: 1,286 (Down 10.1% YTD) Their crossover lineup is doing slightly better. Again, here are the sales numbers through April, Crosstrek: 45,728 (Up 66.6% YTD) Outback: 58,205 (Up 2% YTD) Forester: 50,783 (Down 9.7% YTD) Source: Motor Trend View full article

When the next-generation Subaru WRX STI arrives sometime in 2020 or so, it will not have the turbocharged 2.5L boxer-four engine. Speaking with Dutch automotive site AutoRAI, Subaru Europe's General Manager of sales and marketing manager David Dello Stritto said the current engine would not be able to meet upcoming emission standards. "CO2 emissions are becoming increasingly important and the current 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo boxer engine simply can not continue to be used in the future. We do not say goodbye to the WRX STI, the car belongs to Subaru, but there will be a period where we will temporarily not run WRX STI," explained Dello Stritto. We've previously heard that Subaru is considering using a hybrid power for the next WRX and WRX STI. When asked by AutoRAI about this, Dello Stritto said it was "something we have to investigate." "Subaru is awaiting what the market developments are, and sets the concept for that." Source: AutoRAI View full article

Subaru trademarks "Evoltis" for First Hybrid Subarus has filed with the US Patent and Trademark office for the auto name Evoltis. This will be their first Hybrid based on the Toyota Prius powertrain. Many are hoping that unlike Toyota, Subaru will do their due diligence to build it as an AWD auto. Autoblog story

Subaru of America, Inc. Closes Out Best First Quarter Ever With Record March Sales CHERRY HILL, N.J., April 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Best March ever – monthly sales increase 5.9 percent over March 2017 76 consecutive months of yearly month-over-month growth Best March ever for Crosstrek and Outback Best month ever for Crosstrek 49 consecutive months of more than 10,000 Outbacks sold 56 consecutive months of more than 10,000 Foresters sold Subaru of America, Inc. today reported 58,097 vehicle sales for March 2018, a 5.9 percent increase over March 2017, and the best March in the history of the company. The automaker also reported year-to-date sales of 149,703 vehicles, a 3.8 percent gain over the same period in 2017. March marked the 49th consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales for the automaker. Crosstrek and Outback sales were notably strong as each model achieved its best March ever. Outback sales for March 2018 increased 5.7 percent over the same month in 2017. Crosstrek sales for March 2018 increased 88.2 percent over the same month in 2017 and marked the first time that Crosstrek has topped 13,000 units in a month. Also in March, Subaru earned the ‘Most Trusted Brand’ for the fourth consecutive year in the 2018 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards. The awards recognize automakers' impressive achievements in creating and maintaining brand attributes that capture the attention of the new-vehicle buying public and winners are chosen based on new car buyer perception data. “March and the first quarter of 2018 were both sales records for the Subaru franchise,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief executive officer of Subaru of America, Inc. “Our continuing record results are directly attributable to the passionate efforts of our retailers in delivering the best purchase, service and ownership experience possible to our valued customers.” “March marked another sales record, as well as the global debut of the all-new 2019 Forester at the New York International Auto Show,” said Jeff Walters, senior vice president of sales for Subaru of America. “Crosstrek set an all-time record in March while Outback set another monthly record. With the arrival of the all-new three-row Ascent later this summer Subaru’s SUV portfolio will continue to lead our success in a competitive industry. Carline Mar-18 Mar-17 % Chg Mar-18 Mar-17 % Chg MTD MTD MTD YTD YTD YTD Forester 14,616 15,803 -7.5% 37,104 41,476 -10.5% Impreza 5,973 7,653 -22.0% 16,454 18,584 -11.5% WRX/STI 3,028 3,050 -0.7% 7,191 7,690 -6.5% Legacy 3,889 4,897 -20.6% 10,496 12,703 -17.4% Outback 16,822 15,909 5.7% 44,122 42,572 3.6% BRZ 369 439 -16.0% 874 987 -11.5% Crosstrek 13,400 7,120 88.2% 33,462 20,238 65.3% TOTAL 58,097 54,871 5.9% 149,703 144,250 3.8%

The upcoming New York Auto Show looks to be all about the crossovers. We've already been teased with the 2019 Toyota RAV4, now Subaru is teasing the 2019 Forester. We can't tell much aside from the taillights looking similar to the larger Ascent crossover. It would come as no surprise if the Forester takes many of the design elements of the Ascent. The 2019 Forester will be the next Subaru vehicle to transition to the modular Subaru Global platform. We expect to have more details including what engines will power the new Forester and a release timeframe in a couple of weeks. Source: Subaru View full article

The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ coupes have earned a lot of praise agile and nimble handling. But many agree that they could use more power. The 2.0L boxer-four only produces 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Rumors have been swirling about possibly turbocharging the engine. But the chief engineer on the 86 and BRZ said that turbocharging is not in the cards for this generation. “When we launched 86, I got literally millions of questions from around the world of ‘when would you be launching the turbo version? I believe that often times I answered that there won’t be a turbo version, and there were some articles in the media that Mr Tada doesn’t like a turbo," said Tetsuya Tada, the chief engineer for the two coupes to CarAdvice. “That’s not really true. I do like turbos, however if we come up with a turbo version of the 86 and boost up the power that would result in the necessity of changing the basic configuration completely, to come up with a car that I would be satisfied with.” Emphasis ours. Tada said the current car's weight distribution was designed the 2.0L boxer-four in mind. “One characteristic of the 86 is that in terms of the front balance its slightly front loaded so it makes the handling more fast and agile. So if we were to come up with a turbo version, we would have to go change the weight balance between the front and the rear. That means we have to come up with a completely new platform, so it’s not about just changing or slight modification in the engine parts,” said Tada. But considering how much demand there is for a turbocharged model, it might cause Toyota and Subaru to look at it for the next-generation models, whenever that may be. In the meantime, there a number of aftermarket suppliers who are willing to add a bit of turbo for your current GT86 or BRZ. Source: CarAdvice View full article

Some recent comments made by Subaru UK's managing director, Chris Graham has some wondering if manual transmissions will become an endangered species for the company. According to Auto Express, Subaru has been putting more focus on their EyeSight driver-assist technology - comprised of stereo cameras on the windshield to provide adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. Subaru doesn't offer this on any model equipped with manual transmission and there doesn't appear to be any plans to engineer EyeSight for manuals. ”I’m not sure if it’s compatible at all with a manual gearbox. There are certainly no rumours we’ve heard that manual will continue, or Eyesight will be [offered] with manual," said Graham. “My gut tells me it will be Eyesight with Lineartronic ongoing and long term. They want to steal the mantle of the safest car in the world. I think if they do that, then they say ‘here’s a manual without Eyesight’, they’ll just ruin that [message]." This decision could affect the next-generation STI. Graham said he would like to see the manual stay, but Subaru has the final say. "For me an STI has to be a manual in the guise it is today, however if you look at [auto-only] M-series BMWs, I don’t think this is the end and I’d be very excited if they had a hybrid petrol STI. That would be phenomenal in terms of its acceleration,” said Graham. Before you start getting out the pitchforks and torches, let us take a few steps back. The comments made by Graham could only be for European market vehicles. As an example, the Crosstrek in the UK is only offered with a CVT. In the U.S., Subaru offers both a CVT and manual transmission. Source: Auto Express View full article