Subaru News

Subaru has increased the price of its Crosstrek small SUV which has also gained a new crash safety rating.The Crosstrek, and its Impreza hatchback cousin, have been awarded a five-star ANCAP crash safety rating, on the back of a 2025 model year update that has introduced new tech and a cleaner powertrain for hybrid variants.The Crosstrek's price increase is relatively small at $500 per grade. The line-up now kicks off with the entry grade 2.0L at a list price of $35,990 before on-road costs. Subaru Australia confirmed with CarsGuide the reasons for the cost increase.“Continued increase in costs associated with production and logistics has resulted in a price adjustment for the MY25 Crosstrek range,“ the spokesperson said. “However, we are confident that the Crosstrek range continues to be exceptional value for Australian customers.”The price increase follows the addition of new safety tech, such as traffic sign recognition, and this has resulted in a five-star ANCAP rating for vehicles built from April 2025 and on sale from June 2025. The traffic sign recognition system can now identify No Entry, Give Way and Stop signs.“We are proud to confirm that the model-year 2025 Crosstrek has achieved a maximum five-star ANCAP rating,” Subaru's spokesperson told us. “The latest results highlight the strength of Subaru’s outstanding safety engineering, with the vehicle achieving high scores across key assessment categories. For Subaru, safety is not just part of the package, it’s the foundation. We are proud to see that commitment recognised by ANCAP, reaffirming our focus on offering smarter, safer vehicles for Australians.”Other changes to the Crosstrek’s range includes a petrol-particulate filter for hybrid models due to European emissions standards.“To meet the latest Euro 6e emissions standard, a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) has been introduced to Crosstrek Hybrid models,” the spokesperson said. “The GPF is the latest technology in reducing tailpipe emissions by capturing fine particulate matter from the exhaust. As a result of this update, there has been a minor adjustment to the hybrid variant’s power and torque outputs to ensure optimal performance and compliance.”The hybrid Crosstrek's outputs are now 100kW/182Nm down from 110kW/196Nm.The rest of the standard features list of Subaru Crosstrek remains unchanged with the entry-grade 2.0L coming with 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, LED headlights and daytime running lights, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker stereo, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an 11.6-inch media screen.The Crosstrek is the second-biggest seller in Subaru's model range, with  4452 sold so far this year. Rivals to the Crosstrek include Hyundai's Kona, Honda's HR-V and the Toyota Corolla Cross.

The next-gen Subaru Brumby ute is champing at the bit to make a return to Australian roads.

In Japan Subaru has reportedly detailed plans to unveil a new prototype at this year’s Japan Mobility Show in October.As reported by Japanese publication Best Car Web, it’s speculated this new prototype will preview a new-generation WRX sports car.Subaru even showed off a shadowy picture of what appears to be this new prototype, as reported by Best Car Web.It looks like a WRX with a bonnet scoop and pronounced front and rear spoilers.This new prototype will also reportedly receive a new horizontally opposed (Boxer or flat) engine.At this stage specifications have not been disclosed, although it will reportedly support E20 carbon-neutral fuel.Subaru also reportedly hinted this new Boxer engine will support electrification, either as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV).Additionally, it’ll come with an “evolved” version of its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that it has been using in the Super Taikyu Series in Japan.This new prototype will reportedly be used for next year’s Fuji 24 Hours race. Subaru has historically used racing as a testing ground for developing its future technologies and products, much like Toyota.“We want to value customers who choose Subaru,” said Subaru Chief Technology Officer Tetsuo Fujiniki to Best Car Web when translated from Japanese to English.“We will continue to make cars that will help them do so.”At this stage it’s unclear if this new Boxer powertrain will eventually lead to a new WRX STI.The current-generation Subaru WRX was unveiled in 2021 and launched locally during 2022. It’s the first generation to be available without an STI performance flagship.Subaru did however reveal the S210 prototype earlier this year, noting it as the “pinnacle of the STI complete cars”. It’s likely not going to be sold outside of Japan, however.

It’s EOFY time again!

Subaru locks in more hardcore off-road variants of its core SUV range.

Subaru Australia will have a richer hybrid line-up with its new, sixth-generation Forester and it expects its electrified variants will outsell the petrol variants.Subaru Australia General Manager, Scott Lawrence, said it expects the hybrid sales split to widen as time goes on.“Ultimately, customers will decide, and we have got a really firm view that we need to give customers options,” said Mr Lawrence.“That’s why we have petrol range as well as a hybrid range.“What will be interesting to see how that changes over time.“We see good demand for both, maybe slightly stronger in hybrid, but as time goes on, we do see that customer demand changing towards hybrid.”In 2024, Subaru sold a total of 13,445 examples of the Forester. Only 1718 examples were equipped with a hybrid powertrain, equalling only 12.8 per cent.It’s expected this year’s figure will rise with the introduction of the new Forester. First deliveries are set to take place in early July.Compared to the outgoing Forester Hybrid, this new-generation model is considerably more electrified. It features Subaru’s new Strong Hybrid technology rather than mild-hybrid technology.Using a 2.5-litre flat-four petrol engine as a base (up from the 2.0-litre in the outgoing model), it’s paired with a 90kW/276Nm electric motor and a 1.1kWh battery pack.Total system output is 145kW, which is 9kW more than the standard 2.5-litre flat-four petrol engine the Forester receives.Subaru claims combined fuel consumption for the Forester Hybrid is 6.2L/100km, which is 27.4 per cent better than what the regular Forester claims (7.9L/100km).It doesn't compare to favourably to its main rival, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD, which produces more power (163kW) and drinks less fuel (4.8L/100km).The new Forester Hybrid is claimed to be able to travel over 1000km on a tank of petrol. It has a 63L fuel tank.At launch Subaru is offering the Forester Hybrid in three trim levels – AWD Hybrid, AWD Hybrid Sport, and AWD Hybrid Touring.Pricing for the hybrid models starts at $46,490 before on-roads, and extends to $55,990 before on-roads.Compared to the equivalent petrol variants, the hybrids are between $3000 and $6500 more expensive. It’s worth noting, however, that some trim levels have differing standard equipment.As examples, the Forester AWD Hybrid Sport and AWD Hybrid Touring gain larger 19-inch alloy wheels and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. These don’t feature on the equivalent petrol variants.Another difference is the Forester Hybrid doesn’t come with a spare wheel as standard. Instead it has a tyre repair kit.Subaru Australia however is offering the Forester Hybrid with an optional tow ball-mounted spare wheel accessory. At this stage it hasn’t detailed how much this costs.

Subaru Australia has announced the prices for the new, sixth-generation Forester mid-size SUV ahead of deliveries commencing in early July.

Subaru has debuted its seventh-generation Outback at the New York Motor Show overnight and the popular family favorite looks more like an SUV than ever.

Subaru has unveiled a trio of new models at the 2025 New York International Auto Show, one of which being a new model for the brand’s line-up in the form of an electric off-roader.

The Subaru Solterra is one of three new models unveiled by the Japanese carmaker at the New York motor show overnight, and it's promising significant improvements on driving range, power and tech.For the 2026 model year, the Toyota bZ4X-based Solterra sports a new design, including a smoother front grille, an illuminated black-and-white Subaru badge, fresh LED headlight signatures and S-U-B-A-R-U letter branding at the rear.Subaru has also dropped the black plastic wheel arches in favour of more uniform body-coloured panelling, while also adding newly designed 18 and 20-inch alloy wheels.Under the bonnet, the Solterra’s previously 71.1kWh lithium-ion battery has been traded for a slightly larger 74kWh unit, which the brand says will deliver a 25 per cent improvement in range.Currently, Subaru claims the Solterra will cover up to 414km under the WLTP cycle, with this latest announcement suggesting that figure will grow closer to 517km.Power is up too, with punchier dual electric motors delivering a maximum total output of 248kW, up from 160kW. Torque figures remain unconfirmed, but Subaru said the changes will see the car dash from 0-97km/h in under five seconds on the new top-spec XT grade.Inside, the central multimedia screen has increased from 12.3 to 14.0-inches. It is now also flanked by two 15W wireless charging pads.As before, the Solterra will offer Subaru’s trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive with X-mode configurable driving modes that include snow/dirt and deep snow/mud. Ground clearance is still rated at a welcome 212mm.Pricing is yet to be confirmed, nor is an official launch for the Australian market, although it is expected to attract a premium over the current two-variant line-up, which starts at $69,990 before on road-costs for the base AWD, if it lands here.Subaru has sold 43 Solterras in the first three months of this year, a decline of 70.3 per cent compared to the same period last year.