Subaru Owners Club

In times like these when many of us are in quarantine and cities are in lock-down, you would think that our vehicles are naturally not on top of our minds. CTEK a leading global brand in the care and maintenance of vehicle batteries, is however reporting an unprecedented number of enquires from people all over the world, asking for advice on how best to look after their battery when their vehicle is parked up for a long period of time Tony Zeal, Global Training Manager at CTEK said “We have taken so many questions from people wanting to make sure that they protect against a flat battery – a hassle they could do without – so that when they are able to use their vehicle again the battery is charged and the vehicle is ready to go.” Tony shares the following information and tips on what you need to consider and how best to look after your vehicle battery when your vehicle is parked up and not being used: • A CTEK study has identified that as many as 51% of vehicles on the road today has a battery that requires attention – by that we mean it needs charging or replacing • Modern vehicles have lots of on-board computers and security systems such as alarms, immobilisers and trackers which means the battery can quickly become flat – by simply sitting on a shelf, a standard 12 V lead-acid battery will be unable to start a battery after just 6 months*, so imagine how much more quickly this will happen with all of those additional vehicle electronics! • Reports from airport carparks indicate that the number of people returning to their vehicle after a one or two week vacation, to find a flat battery has increased. This situation would significantly worsen if vehicles were left for months rather than weeks • Proactive battery care is needed, so that when you want to use your vehicle, the battery is charged and ready to go – and you won’t need to risk jump-starting the vehicle, something that can damage sensitive vehicle electronics. • If your vehicle is parked next to a power supply, connect a smart battery charger such as the CTEK MXS 5.0 to your battery for peace of mind charging. • If you are unable to attach a charger permanently, try to charge your vehicle battery once a month – if you are still using your vehicle for essential journeys consider sitting with the engine running for a little while before driving it to deliver additional charge to the battery. CTEK chargers can be attached to the vehicle for long periods of time, so it’s perfect for long-term maintenance of vehicle batteries, where the vehicle will be parked up in long-term storage. Regularly using a smart battery charger will extend battery life and maximize battery performance. Click here for more information about looking after your battery in storage * If a standard lead-acid vehicle battery was sat out of a vehicle it would lose around 0.1V per month – so for example if the vehicle was parked in March, battery health would start to decline from June, and by September you may be unable to start a vehicle.

As we go into lockdown in the face of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) threat many people are asking what help their insurance provider can give in these incredibly trying times Help from your insurer when it is needed The ABI (Association of British Insurers) is reassuring people that its motor and home insurance members are offering enhanced help and support to all their customers who may be affected by the impact of Coronavirus. The commitments include waiving any requirements to extend cover for key workers who may need to drive to different locations, people who want to help their communities by transporting medicines or groceries to support those affected by Coronavirus and office workers who need to work from home. These follow on from guidance already issued by the Financial Conduct Authority. Motor and home insurers have pledged to: Support those who need to make a claim Support those who are working from home Support those who cannot work from home Support those who use their cars to help communities Support our key workers Here, experts at Adrian Flux, one of the country’s largest independent specialist insurance brokers, answers your Coronavirus insurance questions. I have been told to work from home because of the Coronavirus, will that affect my home insurance policy? If your work is clerical in nature, working from home due to the need to self-isolate or because you have been ordered to do so by your employer because of the Coronavirus outbreak, you should be covered by standard home insurance policies. However, if you need to have visitors in the course of your work you should check with your insurer as there may be restrictions in the cover permitted. Because of my age I am advised to self-isolate for an extended period. Can I pause my car insurance? It is a legal requirement to have valid car insurance unless you register your vehicle as being off the road and apply for a SORN. In this case it may be appropriate for you to consider laid-up motor insurance cover. Even when unused and parked in a garage while you keep safe from the Coronavirus, cars can be damaged by accident or by fire and they can be targeted by thieves and criminals. With laid-up cover they remain protected but the policies are cheaper because, as they are not being driven, there is no third party or liability insurance needed. Adrian Flux laid-up insurance is available at two levels, fire and theft or fire and theft plus accidental damage, so they suit any budget and any need. I have been laid off because of COVID-19. I’m worried I may not be able to meet my insurance instalments. What should I do? One of the benefits of dealing with a specialist broker such as Adrian Flux is that we can be sensible and offer flexibility in times of uncertainty such as these. Adam Hollinger, Customer Service Floor Supervisor at Adrian Flux, explained: “We’ll do our best to arrange individual payment plans given the current climate. “Individual plans will be based on a client’s previous payment history. If the customer has a good payment record we will do whatever we can to help. But advise us in good time that you are having financial difficulties and we will help you get through it.” My car is booked for an MOT, do I still need to get it during the Coronavirus lockdown? Garages undertaking MOT tests have been deemed an “essential service” by the government, which means they’ll stay open despite the lockdown. That means your insurance could be invalidated if your vehicle doesn’t have a valid test certificate. This may change if the government decides to reclassify MOT test centres as “non essential”. If I have to self-isolate and need someone to drive my car to collect groceries or medicine, will they be insured? In these circumstances you should contact your broker and have them added to your policy as a named driver. If the new driver has car insurance that includes driving other cars and they drive yours with your permission they will only get third-party cover. If you are fully comprehensive and want to ensure damage to your own car is covered when someone else uses it, contact your broker to add the other person as a named driver to your policy. I have lost my job because of Coronavirus. What should I do and what are the financial implications on my motor insurance? Adam said: “Get on the phone to your broker and let them know what has happened and they will do their best to help you. “We’re not applying Additional Premiums for mid-term changes to unemployed customers and we won’t be issuing Road Traffic Act notices for unacceptable risks due to unemployment as a result of COVID-19. “We are doing what we can to accommodate this, please get in touch to talk to a member of the customer service team.” Will home insurance cover the cost of a deep clean to my property should it become contaminated by COVID-19? Most standard home insurance policies do not provide cover for the costs of cleaning a property, even deep cleaning in the event of Coronavirus. I have been quarantined and my home may be left unoccupied for more than the 30 day limit on my policy. Will I be covered? Insurers will be pragmatic when considering those who are quarantined and unable to return to their property within the timescales set out in their policy. However, individuals should contact their broker at their earliest convenience, Adam advised. I have volunteered to drive for those who can’t leave their homes because of COVID-19. Will my current insurance be valid? If you are using your own car for voluntary purposes to collect and deliver medicine or groceries to support people affected by COVID-19, your cover will not be affected and you will not need to notify your insurer. I’m stuck abroad in lockdown and concerned my foreign use motor insurance cover will run out. What should I do? The terms and conditions of your foreign use motor insurance policy will differ from person to person so you should get in touch to talk about your individual circumstances as soon as you can. I work for the NHS. What is Adrian Flux doing to help me? Adam said: “With immediate effect Adrian Flux has decided to waive all mid-term admin adjustment fees and insurer admin fees when NHS workers call to make changes to their policies. We think this is the least we can do to help our NHS workers during this extremely difficult time.” Need more help regards the Coronavirus and your insurance? Adrian Flux customer services can be contacted on 0344 381 6502 – lines will be very busy so please be patient. If you have questions about how Coronavirus may affect your insurance leave a comment below or email Customer Services. Last Updated on 25th March 2020 Original Article Source: https://www.adrianflux.co.uk/blog/2020/03/how-will-coronavirus-affect-my-insurance.html?utm_source=AudiOwnersClub&utm_medium=ForumLinks&utm_campaign=referrals Written by: Frazer Ansell

With domestic hygiene high on the agenda right now, it’s important to remember it’s not just your house that needs scrupulous cleaning, as your car is one of the most tactile items you’ll own, with multiple surfaces that need special attention too Although this article has been published by Toyota GB and features Toyota vehicles, the principles of keeping any car germ free are the similar and can be applied across a wide range of vehicles. During an average trip the driver and passengers are likely to be touching many surfaces that can attract dirt and germs, from opening the door to changing gear, or from adjusting the heating fan to switching the lights on. Ben Murphy, Toyota’s professional car detailer is responsible for keeping Toyota GB’s fleet of press vehicles cleaned and professionally maintained. On average, Ben cleans about 30 cars per week but in busy times this number can rise to 46. As well as ensuring high standards of vehicle hygiene, Ben has to bear in mind that meticulous car reviewers expect every vehicle they assess to look and feel as good as new. In a new short film from Toyota (Toyota tips on keeping the car germ free) Ben demonstrates 40 potential touch points around the car that need specific cleaning attention, using a RAV4 as an example. “I try to be as efficient as possible,” Ben explains. “Our cars return to our press fleet garage from all over the country and I have to think – ‘where have people touched?’. For example, a driver will probably approach the car with the key in their hand and pull on the door handle. Then there’s the steering wheel and horn, the gearstick and surprisingly the rear-view mirror, because most people adjust the rear-view mirror when they get in the car. The interior of the driver’s door is a common touch point, especially on our press fleet cars which are driven by many different people. Think about all the people who get in the car and use the controls to put the window down a bit.” Ben also has to think about other points that might get touched less frequently, such as the dust caps, the bonnet and then things like the head rests. He has a check sheet which he goes through on every vehicle to make sure he hasn’t missed any part of the vehicle before it leaves the press fleet garage. The seatbelt is a key area. Everyone has to wear one when they get into the car, and the number of times you adjust that seatbelt depends on the size of the person in the car, so there could be two to three touch points just on the seatbelt itself. Also, the belt sits across you, so if you were to cough or sneeze there’s a very good chance germs get on the seatbelt or the steering wheel. Keep your car germ free: which products to use Although Ben uses commercial products made specifically to clean cars without damaging leather or interior materials, bleach-free antibacterial wipes are the next best thing. Ben says: “They’re inexpensive and kill 99.9% of germs, so they’re as safe and inexpensive as you can get without going out and buying a really strong cleaner. With a pack of wipes, a pair of gloves and a dry microfibre cloth, you can give most of the touch points a clean. Don’t just give each area a quick wipe; make sure you wipe it at least twice in a forwards and backwards motion so you’ve cleaned it completely.’ Now wash your hands! “Every time I remove my gloves I always give my hands a good wash,” says Ben. “I wear gloves during my working day and advise people to wear gloves if they are in a vehicle such as a rental car or a taxi. You don’t know which areas of the car the previous occupants have touched and germs can stay on a spot for 72 hours. If kids are travel in your car then there’s every chance they’ve been wiping their hands on windows – we’ve all done it as children, drawing faces on the window!” 40 areas of the car to clean Toyota has put together the following list of 40 areas of the car that should be cleaned. For simplicity the seatbelts are counted as one item and if you carry others in your car, you might have to spend a little longer ensuring each of your passengers can enjoy a factory-fresh ride next time they get into your car. 1 Exterior door handles 2 Frame of door and roof 3 Interior door release 4 Window switches 5 Interior door handle 6 Door pocket 7 Seatbelts 8 Seatbelt clips 9 Seat adjust buttons 10 Steering wheel 11 Horn 12 Control stalks 13 Driver air vents 14 Dashboard 15 Power button 16 Gear shift 17 Multimedia screen 18 Central air vents 19 Heating controls 20 Glovebox 21 Log book 22 Central storage compartment 23 Cupholders 24 Rear-view mirror 25 Interior lights 26 Grab handle 27 Key 28 Head rests 29 Seat pockets 30 Rear central tab 31 Fuel cap 32 Wheel valves 33 Boot lid 34 Parcel shelf 35 Boot floor tab 36 Boot close button 37 Bonnet lid 38 Washer cap 39 Dipstick 40 Oil cap Original article source: Toyota Media https://media.toyota.co.uk/2020/03/toyota-tips-on-how-to-keep-your-car-germ-free/ (25/03/20)

MOTs for cars, vans & motorcycles due from 30 March 2020 From 30 March 2020, MOT due dates for cars, motorcycles and light vans will be extended by 6 months. This is being done to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. There’s separate guidance about what to do if your MOT due date is up to and including 29 March 2020. There are different temporary rules for MOT tests for lorries, buses and trailers. What you need to do You do not need to do anything to extend your vehicle’s MOT expiry date if it’s on or after 30 March 2020. However, you must keep your vehicle safe to drive. Your vehicle will be automatically given a 6-month MOT exemption. This will extend your current MOT expiry date by 6 months. Example Your vehicle’s MOT was due to expire on 3 April 2020. This will automatically be extended to 3 October 2020. You will need to get your MOT by this date. You can check your MOT history to see when you have been issued an exemption. It will not be updated straight away, so keep checking back if your new due date MOT is not yet showing. You will not get a paper exemption certificate. If your vehicle tax is due, you can tax your vehicle as soon as your MOT due date has been updated. If your vehicle’s first MOT is due Your vehicle will be automatically given a 6-month MOT exemption from the date its first MOT was due. If your first MOT was due before 30 March 2020 and your vehicle did not pass Your vehicle will not get an extension to its MOT due date. Your vehicle will need to pass an MOT before you can drive it again. The government is allowing MOT centres and garages to remain open. So you can still get an MOT if you need your vehicle: to shop for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible for any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person to travel to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home Read the full guidance on staying at home and away from others. Keep your vehicle safe to drive You must make sure your vehicle is safe to drive (‘roadworthy’). It can be unsafe even if your MOT expiry date has been extended. Find out how to check your vehicle is safe and read the rules about vehicle maintenance, safety and security. You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition. Original article source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-mots-for-cars-vans-and-motorcycles-due-from-30-march-2020 Published by gov.uk (25/03/20)

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Subaru’s popular compact crossover XV now comes with a new powertrain, the e-BOXER, which combines an electric motor with two of Subaru's core technologies: the horizontally-opposed Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, a cutting-edge re-design of the body and chassis, XV offers advanced safety performance and a dynamic driving experience Plus, XV e-BOXER is as safe as ever with EyeSight driver assist technology and Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection standard across the range. Chosen by customers who trust it to be safe, capable and reliable: XV preserves Subaru’s heritage and marks the future of ‘Confidence in Motion’ with e-BOXER. XV e-BOXER combines a 2.0 direct injection horizontally opposed petrol engine with an electric motor. A lithium-ion battery unit is mounted within the boot floor and allows for pure-electric driving at speeds of up to 25mph. Making hybrid the Subaru way, the new technology used in the XV e-BOXER design is arranged in a symmetrical layout (the heavy motor is placed near the vehicle's centre of gravity and the battery is positioned above the rear axle) which plants the car on the road giving noticeable handling improvements and maintaining Subaru’s unique balanced weight distribution. XV e-BOXER has a natural braking feel and offers a seamless transition between EV and Engine driving. Built with 220mm of ground clearance, permanent Symmetrical All Wheel Drive as standard and X-Mode to tackle the most extreme weather and road conditions, XV e-BOXER combines impressive traction with a 1270kg towing capacity making it perfectly suited to any on or off-road adventures. The e-BOXER version of Subaru’s XV was reconfirmed with the maximum five star Euro NCAP rating in 2019, following its initial safety test when the Subaru XV was also awarded the prestigious safety recognition of Euro NCAP’s “Best in Class of 2017” in the Small Family Car category. Subaru was voted Best Manufacturer for Safety Features in the 2019 Driver Power Survey and, as safety is a top priority, the XV e-BOXER comes with a suite of driver-assist and safety features as standard: EyeSight driver assist technology functions optically using two stereo cameras which are mounted either side of the rear-view mirror. It monitors for hazards up to 110 metres ahead and includes: Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection identifies vehicles approaching from the rear. It offers three main functions to improve visibility and to help minimise common causes for accidents: Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. XV e-BOXER benefits from a new front grille design with active grille shutter and the new low-profile roof rails have an aerodynamic design. The exterior has received other discreet upgrades including a new fog lamp bezel which surrounds the LED fog lights, the rear spoiler end plate is finished in gloss black and an e-Boxer badge has been added to the wings and tailgate. XV e-BOXER is very well specified with Keyless Entry and Push Button Start System, LED headlights equipped with high beam assist, privacy glass on the rear windows and 18” alloy wheels standard across the range. Incorporating all of the comfort and convenience you would expect in a compact crossover, XV e-Boxer has an intuitive 8" multifunction colour touchscreen that is easy to use and contains Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, DAB radio and Bluetooth® connectivity. Dual zone air-conditioning, reversing camera and heated seats are also standard but customers can upgrade to the SE Premium if they wish to add leather seats, 8-way power adjustable driver seat, satellite navigation and sunroof. Priced from £30,995 OTR, XV e-Boxer is available in nine colours and is in dealerships now.

Subaru UK, announced today that the all-new Subaru Forester e-BOXER (European specification) was named the “Best in Class Cars of 2019” in the Small Off-Road / MPV category This award is given to the best performing model of each class in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) 2019 safety performance test and marks the second time that Subaru has received this prestigious safety recognition: the SUBARU XV and Impreza were awarded “Best in Class of 2017” in the Small Family Car category. The all-new Subaru Forester e-BOXER achieved the maximum five star overall rating with outstanding scores in all four assessment areas (Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users, Safety Assist) and achieved the highest score ever in its class for “Child Occupant Protection” in the Euro NCAP 2019 assessment protocol. Euro NCAP commented in the official crash test report: “In both the frontal and side barrier tests, protection of all critical body areas was good for both dummies and the Forester scored maximum points in this part of the assessment. The front passenger airbag is automatically disabled when a rearward-facing child restraint is put in that seating position. Tests showed that the system worked robustly and the system was rewarded. All of the restraint types for which the Forester is designed could be properly installed and accommodated in the car.” In addition to Child Occupant Protection, the Forester also performed the best score ever for Subaru in the Adult Occupant Protection*3. Its superior crash safety performance has been achieved thanks to the Subaru Global Platform, a cutting-edge re-design of the body and chassis that has increased body strength by 40% compared to the outgoing Forester and allows the frame structure to absorb more energy in the event of a collision. The all-new Forester e-BOXER is now safer than ever and comes with a suite of driver-assist and safety features as standard: EyeSight driver assist technology (providing Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and other functions), Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection, Reverse Automatic Braking and a Driver Monitoring System. A brand-new technology for Subaru, this system uses facial recognition technology to detect if the driver’s gaze has wandered or if the driver is dozing off and alerts occupants if this occurs. Forester has grown to become Subaru’s top-selling model in the UK and is a popular choice amongst customers who trust it to be safe, capable and reliable. The fifth generation Forester commemorates Subaru’s heritage and marks the future of ‘Confidence in Motion’ with e-BOXER. *1: Independent crash test & safety organisation backed by seven European governments, motoring & consumer clubs. *2: Subaru Forester e-BOXER Child Occupant Protection score: 91% of latest Euro NCAP assessment Protocol, registering the highest score in Small Off-Road/MPV category. *3: Subaru Forester e-BOXER Adult Occupant Protection score: 97% of latest Euro NCAP assessment Protocol

Forester has grown to become Subaru’s top-selling model in the UK and is a popular choice amongst customers who trust it to be safe, capable and reliable. The fifth generation Forester commemorates Subaru’s heritage and marks the future of ‘Confidence in Motion’ with e-BOXER New from the ground up, Forester comes to the UK with a completely new powertrain, the e-BOXER, which combines an electric motor with two of Subaru's core technologies: the horizontally-opposed Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Now built on the Subaru Global Platform, a cutting-edge re-design of the body and chassis, Forester offers advanced safety performance and a dynamic driving experience. Plus, new technology ensures that Forester e-BOXER is safer than ever as EyeSight driver assist technology, Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection, Reverse Automatic Braking, and Driver Monitoring System are all standard across the range. A refreshed and more substantial exterior design ensures the most spacious and capable Forester to date, featuring a high-quality interior, versatile boot space and 220mm of ground clearance. Perfectly suited to any on or off-road adventures, the upgraded X-Mode dial can now switch between two modes adapting to the most extreme weather and road conditions. Forester e-BOXER combines a 2.0 direct injection horizontally opposed petrol engine with an electric motor. A lithium-ion battery unit is mounted within the boot floor and allows for pure-electric driving at speeds of up to 25mph. Paired with an updated Lineartronic transmission and Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive, Forester e-BOXER achieves smooth, linear, acceleration and highly responsive torque. Power-split adjusts according to the driving condition and alternates between 3 driving modes: EV driving, Motor Assist driving and Engine driving. EV Driving: At low speeds, Forester e-BOXER is powered by the electric motor alone for quiet, zero emission driving. It can drive in full electric mode for distances of about a mile and reach speeds of up to 25mph. This is normally experienced in urban conditions with stop-and-go traffic where a 10% improvement in fuel economy can be seen compared to the outgoing 2.0L variant. Motor Assist Driving: At medium speeds, the motor and the engine work together to improve power and performance. Motor Assist driving improves off-road ability as it generates earlier torque when using X-Mode and also assists when towing. Forester e-BOXER’s towing capacity is 1,870 kg. Engine Driving: At higher speeds Forester e-BOXER is driven solely by the petrol engine. According to speed and driving conditions, the engine will recharge the battery in preparation for the next use. Making hybrid the Subaru way, the new technology used in the Forester e-BOXER design is arranged in a symmetrical layout. The electric motor assist and battery pack are aligned longitudinally with the heavy motor placed near the vehicle's centre of gravity. The battery and other components are positioned above the rear axle which plants the car on the road giving noticeable handling improvements and achieving a balanced weight distribution. Forester e-BOXER has a natural braking feel and offers a seamless transition between EV and Engine driving. The Subaru Global Platform is a cutting-edge re-design of the body and chassis that advances performance and delivers superior driving capability. Body strength has been increased by 40% compared to the outgoing Forester allowing the frame structure to absorb more energy in the event of a collision and the more rigid framework reduces noise and vibration while contributing to more responsive steering. In addition, a rear stabiliser is now attached directly to the body which significantly reduces body roll to ensure a comfortable, controlled ride and improved handling. Giving confidence in every aspect of the driving experience, the Subaru Global Platform furthers Subaru's commitment to building the safest cars on the road. Subaru has been voted Best Manufacturer for Safety Features in the 2019 Driver Power Survey and, as safety is a top priority, the Forester e-BOXER comes with a suite of driver-assist and safety features as standard: EyeSight driver assist technology functions optically using two stereo cameras which are mounted either side of the rear-view mirror. It monitors for hazards up to 110 metres ahead and includes: Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection identifies vehicles approaching from the rear. It offers three main functions to improve visibility and to help minimise common causes for accidents: Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Reverse Automatic Braking uses sensors mounted in the rear bumper to detect obstructions when reversing. The driver is alerted to any identified obstructions with audible warnings and an image from the reversing camera on the touchscreen. If there is a high possibility of collision, the system applies the brakes to help avoid or reduce the severity of a collision. A brand-new technology for Subaru, Forester e-BOXER is equipped with a Driver Monitoring System to complement its existing safety technologies and to encourage attentive driving. A camera installed on the visor of the multi-function display monitors the driver’s seat area to support safe driving. It uses facial recognition technology to detect if the driver’s gaze has wandered or if the driver is dozing off and alerts occupants if this occurs. If the driver looks out of the window or across at a passenger for an extended period of time, the system will recognise that the face direction is not forward and a warning will sound to alert the driver to focus on the road ahead. The system will also function if it identifies that the driver is drowsy. Facial recognition technology monitors that the driver’s eyes are open and will alert the driver if they frequently or continuously close their eyes. The system can even mute the audio to ensure that full attention is given to the warning sound. Warnings will only occur while driving and the system will not alert the driver when stopped or when the indicator is on. As a secondary function, the Driver Monitoring System uses personal recognition to adjust vehicle settings. The seat position, door mirror angle, display screen content and air conditioning settings can be set and synced to a recognised driver. The memory can be set for up to five people so removes hassle when there are multiple drivers. Forester e-BOXER is built with permanent Symmetrical All Wheel Drive as standard so can manage the majority of off-road situations. However, X-Mode can be used for added assistance if extreme driving conditions are encountered. X-Mode takes control of the engine, transmission, Symmetrical AWD, brakes and other components to help safely navigate slippery surfaces, rough roads and climbing steep hills. When X-Mode is activated, Hill Descent Control will maintain a constant speed when travelling downhill, allowing the driver to control the steering and Hill Descent Control to manage the brakes. New for Forester e-BOXER, X-MODE now has two modes: SNOW/DIRT for use on slippery road surfaces such as snow or gravel and DEEP SNOW/MUD for surfaces where the tyres can become buried, such as deep snow and dry dirt. A dial switch has been adopted to make it easier to switch between the two modes which is particularly helpful when trying to free the tyres if you’re stuck. In X-Mode, Motor Assist activates from standstill to generate earlier torque and acceleration to further improve off-road ability. A refreshed exterior design enhances Forester’s rugged style with strongly contoured bodywork and prominent wheel arches. New alloy wheels are introduced on both trim levels and the XE Premium increases to an 18” alloy wheel. Forester e-BOXER is very well specified with Keyless Entry and Push Button Start System, LED headlights, equipped with high beam assist, and LED front fog lights standard across the range. XE Premium adds a touch of extra luxury with privacy glass on the rear windows. Forester e-Boxer is 20mm wider and 30mm longer than the outgoing variant and the increased exterior dimensions provide improved passenger comfort as the distance between the front seats has correspondingly increased by 20mm and the longer wheelbase has equally afforded an extra 30mm of space between the front and rear passengers. Incorporating all of the comfort and convenience you would expect in a family SUV, Forester e-Boxer has an intuitive 8" multifunction colour touchscreen that is easy to use and contains Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, DAB radio and Bluetooth® connectivity. The interior benefits from a new electronic parking brake and 8-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats. In addition to heated front seats, XE Premium is equipped with heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. Priced from £33,995 OTR, Forester e-Boxer is available in eight colours and is in dealerships now. Specification at a glance Forester e-BOXER XE has the following equipment in addition to the outgoing variant: Full Model Change Subaru Global Platform Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection Reverse Automatic Braking Side View Monitor Driver Monitoring System X-Mode II LED Headlights & Front Fog Lights High Beam Assist Keyless Entry and Push Button Start System* Electronic Parking Brake 8-Way Power Adjustable Front Passenger Seat Driver’s Seat Memory Function* 8” Touchscreen Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™ *Previously on XE Premium only XE Premium has the following equipment in addition to the XE: Leather Seats Heated Rear Seats - NEW Heated Steering Wheel – NEW Satellite Navigation Privacy Glass (Rear Doors, Quarters & Window) – NEW 18" Alloy Wheels - NEW Sunroof Power Tailgate