Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles across 11 markets in Asia has confirmed: they are bringing the Forester e-BOXER to the Philippines. This move makes Subaru the first brand to offer a mainstream gasoline-electric hybrid SUV.

The Forester e-BOXER pairs a 145-horsepower, 196 Nm of torque 2.0-liter direct-injection engine with a 13.5-horsepower, 66 Nm of torque electric motor. With that, it’s highly efficient with a city/highway fuel consumption figure of 14.92 km/L (read more about the e-BOXER engine).

With electrification built into the design of the Subaru Global Platform, engineers were able to place the electric motor and the battery along the car’s central axis, keeping the handling characteristics of the Forester e-BOXER close to its conventionally-powered sibling. Furthermore, the compact-sized electric motor and lithium-ion battery keeps the luggage compartment at a generous 509 liters.

More than just increased efficiency, the e-BOXER system enhances the Forester’s performance, too. With a special X-MODE system, Motor Assist (gasoline engine + electric motor) activates from 0 km/h helping drivers tackle the trickiest of terrains.

According to Mr. Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Tan Chong International, the parent company of Motor Image, the Forester e-BOXER launches in the third quarter of 2020. Pricing and final specifications will be revealed closer to the launch date.