The popular Subaru Forester has finally gained a turbocharged motor. Some details on the new powertrain.

The Subaru Forester is a popular and capable SUV that has one glaring fault; the lack of a punchy and torque-rich motor. Previous generations of Forester have wowed with their turbocharged flat-4 motors and become cult icons. Sadly, the latest version lacked any form of forced induction and made do with so-so naturally-aspirated motors.

The current generation of powertrain isn't fatal, but there was just a lack of thrust that Subaru owners have grown accustomed to over the years. Good news as Subaru has a new motor for its Forester. It's technical name is the CB18 and its a turbocharged 1.8-litre with 130 kW and importantly, 300 Nm. Power goes to all 4 wheels via a CVT 'box. In comparison, the current engine offered to South African Subaru customers is a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated motor which serves up 115 kW and 196 Nm, so this new engine is quite a step up.

The bad news is that this new blown motor is for the Japanese market only for now. There's some good news for SA Subaru fans as the brand plans to bring in the uprated 2.5-litre Boxer motor in 2021. Outputs are 136 kW and 239 Nm, which addresses the power deficit concerns.

Further Reading

Subaru Forester 2.5 XS (2018) Quick Review

Subaru Forester 2.0 XT (2017) Video Review

Subaru Forester 2.0 XT (2016) Review

Subaru Forester 2.0i-S ES (2019) Review