Subaru Australia is working hard on getting “trail-capable” versions of its Crosstrek, Forester and Outback SUVs to Australia, according to the brand’s local director.
Blair Read, managing director for Subaru’s local arm, said the more rugged Wilderness versions available in the US are “in the pipeline” for our market.
“We are working very closely with the factory on Wilderness,” Mr Read said. “Are we interested? Absolutely. Is it in the pipeline? Yes.”
“We’re working through now just how and when that will come to market, but definitely in the pipeline,” Mr Read added.
Forester Wilderness
Outback Wilderness
Subaru’s range of more rugged Wilderness models are currently only produced by its North American factory in Lafayette, USA, meaning they’re currently produced exclusively in left-hand drive.
This is also the reason it took the turbocharged Outback XT so long to make it to the Australian market, as Subaru’s local division needed to campaign its global parent to have the Japanese plant tooled to produce the drivetrain in right-hand drive.
Australia’s thirst for more capable, adventure-ready vehicles is no doubt driving Subaru Australia’s business case for its Wilderness portfolio, to bolster the more affordable end of the market.
Key highlights for each Wilderness model include raised ride height, new bumpers with improved approach and departure angles, all-terrain tyres, and unique design elements to complement the more rugged capabilities.
Crosstrek Wilderness
The new-generation Subaru Crosstrek launches this month in Australia, bringing in a new nameplate to replace the outgoing XV that has sold over 100,000 units in Australia over several generations.
Pricing for the new model kicks off at $34,990 before on-road costs, with both Boxer and e-Boxer Hybrid versions available across a five-strong variant line-up.
Mr Read told CarExpert the local arm expects the new Crosstrek to “pick up where XV left off” in terms of its sales volume in the Australian market – the XV typically accounted for “roughly 25 per cent” of Subaru’s volume in Australia.
Supply of the petrol models is “good” at launch, though the hybrid models are currently subject to six-month wait times – and it’s a similar story for the larger Forester e-Boxer Hybrid.
MORE: 2023 Subaru Crosstrek review
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Keyword: More rugged Subaru Crosstrek 'in the pipeline'