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SUBARU’S fifth-generation Forester, due in Australia around September, is set to have its eye on you. Well, more accurately, its cabin-mounted camera will.
The midsize SUV brings a tech-first to this segment in the form of a Driver Monitoring System (DMS) that comprises a camera mounted in the upper centre stack, integrated to driver recognition software. Its primary function is one of safety, monitoring the driver’s face for signs of drooping or distracted eyes and early indicators of fatigue. But the system also delivers a convenience benefit in terms of the facial recognition that allows automatic adjustment of a bunch of individual driver settings such as seat position, climate control, and exterior mirrors.
So it’s one powertrain spread across three, maybe four models. A performance flagship running the new-gen 2.4-litre turbo is not on the horizon, according to Subaru Australia managing director Colin Christie. “The XT/XT Premium models were only contributing around 70 sales per month, so we believe this new, rationalised line-up is the right one. It’s working well for Impreza and XV,” he told Wheels. Christie also confirmed a plug-in hybrid would join the range, but indicated it would be well into 2019.
In terms of safety, the 2018 Subaru Forester adds reversing AEB, as an improvement to the current Eyesight driver assist system (standard across all model) as well as seven airbags, and increased use of high-tensile steel for improved collision protection. Naturally multi-media and connectivity all moves forward a generation.
In real terms, pricing won’t move significantly upwards, but stripping out of the smaller-engined manual at the previous entry point is likely to make the new entry-level model around $34,000, running to the mid-$40s for the as-yet-unnamed top-spec Forester.
