Subaru Forester e-BOXER Mild Hybrid

I've driven the Forester 2.5L Hybrid for about two months now, covering roughly 2,000 km. As someone who previously owned the SK-generation Forester, the difference is noticeable. The hybrid setup makes the car feel smoother and more relaxed in daily traffic. It isn't as zippy as the older model, but it excels in day-to-day drivability — especially around town, where the electric assist makes creeping in traffic feel more effortless. In terms of fuel economy, I averaged around 710 km over three tanks. This is quite far from the "1,000 km per tank" figure that's often mentioned, so that was disappointing. In real Singapore conditions, with mixed city and expressway driving, 700+ km seems more realistic. Inside, the car feels familiar but more refined. The seats are comfortable on long drives, visibility is still one of the Forester's strongest points, and the cabin has a solid, functional feel. The infotainment system is responsive enough, and the air-con handles our weather without breaking a sweat. As an audiophile, the sound system surprised me — it's genuinely better than what most mainstream SUVs offer, even without aftermarket upgrades. Parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces is where the car shines. Despite being an SUV, it's easy to judge, and parallel parking is straightforward. There are a lot of electronic settings and driver-assistance features, which can feel overwhelming at the start, but once everything is set to your preference, you don't really think about them anymore. Overall, the hybrid Forester still carries the same "confidence in all conditions" personality that Subaru is known for — just without the stronger punch of the older petrol-only versions.... Read More

Decided to write this review only after owning and driving my new Forester (non-STI) for slightly more than 3 months since May.... Read More