Subaru Forester XT return an ‘ongoing discussion’

OUTSIDE of pricey European nameplates there is no longer a mainstream performance offering to be found anywhere in the Australian SUV market… unless of course you count the Subaru Outback XT.

The turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder XT brings a touch of added performance to the mainstream SUV range, and at a very agreeable price.

It’s a formula that recalls that of the Forester XT, which was discontinued in 2018, and its predecessor, the iconic Forester GT. Model variants many Australian buyers remember fondly, and that at several points in time comprised more than 20 per cent of all Foresters sold.

That sales success has prompted fans of the Japanese brand to question when Subaru will move to include a turbocharged Forester in its sixth-generation line-up – an idea it seems is also resonating around Subaru’s boardroom table…

Speaking with GoAuto at the Australasian launch of the all-new Subaru Forester in Christchurch this week, Subaru Australia general manager Scott Lawrence said discussions around a higher performing Forester are “ongoing”, with some in the brand very keen to see it enter production.

“An XT or turbocharged Forester variant is an ongoing discussion point. But the Strong Hybrid was obviously our priority, as that is where the majority of customers will be found,” he explained.

“And while it’s not a ‘no’ at this point, I can tell you there are no short-term plans for a turbocharged Forester – even though we fully understand the love Australian buyers have for models like the XT.

“For now, though, the Strong Hybrid offers fantastic power delivery which will scratch that performance itch for many, and for those who want that turbo rumble. So, let’s just say (a turbocharged variant) is an ongoing discussion point,” he reiterated.

While Mr Lawrence wouldn’t say whether the updated Forester due in US markets in 2026 might bring with it a turbocharged tune-up, his predecessor, Blair Read, told GoAuto previously that more Australian-centric powertrain offerings are a priority for the importer.

“Now (the Outback XT is here) we will look at how we carry that momentum on and continue to grow variants in the range,” he said at the Australian launch of the Outback XT in February of 2023.

“That’s the constant drive we’re on at the moment – the right variants to have across the range that appeal to existing Subaru owners. We’re really, really conscious of that.

“We’ve heard Forester XT come up a number of times with that nameplate coming back (and) we’ve got a wish list this long. But what can (we) deliver on that customers are really looking for – particularly for loyal owners?”

Mr Read was quick to caution that decisions made to satisfy short-term demand may not necessarily deliver the returns required to satisfy a business case for a performance variant, saying customer demand would ultimately drive any decision made at a boardroom level.

“We are (getting feedback about) having more choice available, so making the right decisions is critical,” he added.

“A lot of our work just focuses on what are our customers looking for … making sure we deliver for them and think about them first in terms of Subaru staying true to what Subaru is.”

Let’s hope that what Subaru is to Australian buyers continues to be that of a brand that is as loyal to its motorsport roots as it is to a greener future.