More rugged Subaru Forester and Outback could get new name for Aussie market; Forester XT turbo also under study
Subaru’s top-selling vehicles, the Forester and Outback, are set to embark on a new adventure thanks to a number of off-road factory off-road upgrades.
That’s the word from Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read, who told carsales that not only is the Subaru Outback Wilderness being considered for local release, but the Forester Wilderness is high on the agenda too.
“Wilderness for us? There’s options for both Forester and Outback and we’re pursuing both really hard,” he said.
Subaru Forester Wilderness
“We’ve heard the demand from customers, talked with our dealers about it, and we know there are definitely consumers that want that style of product from Subaru.
“We’re working really, really hard to make it happen but there’s a bit more work to be done yet,” he said, stopping short of confirming a release date for the more rugged new SUVs.
For the uninitiated, Wilderness versions of the Subaru Forester and Outback are only available in the USA at present, with headline upgrades being increased ground clearance, Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tyres on new 17-inch alloy wheels, extra body armour, modest bash plates and slightly shorter final drive ratios to improve low-speed off-road performance.
Subaru Outback Wilderness
Both models also score anti-glare decals on the bonnet, water-resistant StarTex seat upholstery and a handful of other upgrades pitched at buyers keen for factory-backed vehicles that deliver improved off-road capability.
However, the Wilderness name hasn’t been confirmed for the local market, says the Subaru Australia boss, despite the Japanese brand filing trademark applications for the Wilderness name Down Under.
“I think once we get to the point of a final offering and spec that we can make happen, then we would look at that point and go ‘What would resonate in terms of what we’ve been able to bring together?’,” said Read.
Subaru Forester Wilderness
“It doesn’t have to be wilderness. Obviously there’s some great value that SoA [Subaru of America] have developed in that brand. It’s got awareness and people know about it. But we’ll review that when we get closer.”
Read said that Subaru Australia’s own engineering team have the capacity to develop off-road accessories but it’s not yet clear if any local input will go into the bush-bashing vehicles.
“Theoretically yes there are options around that [local engineering angle]. It’s a work in progress,” he said.
Subaru Outback XT
Subaru recently confirmed the Subaru Outback XT variant will become available in Australia with a more potent 2.4-litre turbo-petrol boxer engine early in 2023. Increased performance outputs of around 195kW and 375Nm should not only acceleration but towing capacity.
It’s highly likely the more adventurous new Outback Wilderness model will also be offered with the strapping new turbo-petrol engine and Read wouldn’t rule out a turbocharged petrol Forester either.
“XT Outback will be the first focus. Nothing I can share on Forester XT at this point but it’s good to see the expansion of that turbo engine,” he said.
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Keyword: Subaru Forester Wilderness all but certain for Oz