Subaru XV and Forester hybrids priced

Pricing for the Subaru XV Hybrid and Subaru Forester Hybrid AWD has been announced ahead of their release in March, but the Japanese brand says both new mild-hybrid e-Boxer models have already clocked up 500 sales to fleet buyers.

Subaru Australia managing director Colin Christie admits the brand’s first electrified vehicles will be "niche" models to begin with, but said interest is growing fast.

"We’ve already got significant interest from fleet customers and also Subaru fans who have long indicated pent-up demand for new technology engine options," he said.

Offering an alternative to hybrid rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which is priced from $35,490 and has attracted more demand than Toyota Australia expected, Subaru’s e-Boxer models add between $3000 and $4000 to the price (spec adjusted, compared with MY19 prices).

The Subaru XV Hybrid starts at $35,580 plus on-road costs, making it the second most expensive variant in the XV model range, while the Subaru Forester Hybrid will cost $39,990 for the L and $45,990 in top-shelf S form.

Like all other Subaru models in Australia (but not the RAV4 Hybrid, which is also available in 2WD), both new Subaru hybrids are all-wheel drive and come standard with an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Both models get the same 'self-charging' e-Boxer hybrid system, comprising a small electric motor (12kW/66Nm) and a 2.0-litre flat four-cylinder petrol engine (110kW/196Nm).

Subaru uses a lithium-ion battery to deliver electric-only locomotion (Motor Assist EV driving) at speeds of up to 40km/h, depending on its charge level.

The system has two other modes: Motor Assist electric + petrol engine driving, which combines both petrol and electric power at middling speeds, and Petrol engine driving, which employs only combustion power at freeway speeds.

Subaru says the mild-hybrid system works best in stop-start urban traffic and, unlike a pure EV, it doesn't have an 'unnatural braking feel'.

The lithium-ion battery pack is located under the boot floor, along with the rest of the hybrid hardware, (drive motor inverter, DC/DC converter).

There is no plug-in option, so the hybrid system recharges the battery via regenerative braking or while coasting with your foot off the accelerator.

In practice, Subaru says the XV hybrid delivers a seven per cent reduction in fuel consumption, the Forester Hybrid a nine per cent reduction.

Like all Subaru models, the new hybrids will be covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, while the battery pack has an eight-year, 160,000km warranty.

Subaru Australia says it expects both models to attain a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

All hybrid models get an updated energy flow display that shows whether the vehicle in question is using/replenishing electricity, using petrol or a combo of both.

Forester Hybrid models get minor equipment level enhancements, such as LED fog lights, matt-silver wing mirrors and premium black cloth trim (Forester Hybrid L), plus a faux leather instrument panel cover and black rear garnish (Forester Hybrid S).

The Subaru XV Hybrid shares some equipment from the entry-level model-grade, such as 17-inch alloy wheels, but adds the EyeSight driver assistance package from mid-grade models, bringing adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, high-beam assist and other safety features.

The XV Hybrid also adds front LED fog lights, automatic headlights, power folding wing mirrors, black roof rails, rain-sensing wipers and premium cloth trim.

How much does the 2020 Subaru XV Hybrid cost?
Hybrid: $35,580

How much does the 2020 Subaru Forester Hybrid cost?
Forester Hybrid L: $39,990
Forester Hybrid S: $45,990

* Prices exclude on-road costs