Subaru Forester finally goes e-BOXER Hybrid

Subaru has officially introduced the sixth-generation Forester to the Philippine market, bringing with it the brand's first "strong hybrid" system and a clear push toward lower emissions without losing the all-weather capability that defines the nameplate.

- By JACOB OLIVA

The new Forester 2.5 i-S EyeSight e-BOXER Hybrid arrives with a starting price of P2,498,000 and goes on sale immediately through local Subaru dealers.

At the heart of the update is a self-charging hybrid setup pairing Subaru's 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with an integrated electric motor and a 63-liter fuel tank. Subaru claims a combined driving range of more than 1,000 kilometers per fill. Unlike plugin hybrids, the e-BOXER doesn't need to be charged externally; it automatically switches between electric drive, engine power, or a blend of both depending on conditions.

(PHOTOS BY JACOB OLIVA)