SUBARU has always been known for its boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system (SAWD).
The SAWD is generally said to be safer than normal all-wheel drive systems. This is because the symmetry allows for better balance gives the driver better control of the vehicle.
TC Subaru Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, recently organised an off-road drive at the Most Fun Gym in Sungai Penchala, Petaling Jaya, for the media to test out its X-mode system and learn proper off-road driving techniques.
X-Mode is a software that is available in the Subaru Outback, XV and Forester. When the X-Mode is activated, the electronic control of the engine, transmission, brakes, vehicle dynamics control system, SAWD system and other components will help to improve the drive on slippery surfaces and poor driving conditions, giving the driver more control in those conditions.
TC Subaru arranged two models for the off-road experience - Subaru Forester 2.0 i-P and the XV 2.0 i-P. Both models are powered by a 2.0-litre direct fuel injection naturally aspirated Boxer engine.
In the Forester, the mill is mated to a six-speed Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission while in the XV, it is paired with the Lineartronic seven-speed CVT transmission.
Some of the Forester’s features include 17-inch wheels, LED automatic headlamps with auto level function, keyless entry with push-start button, powered tailgate,
dual-zone air-conditioning, electric powered front seats with memory function for the driver, cruise control, paddle shifters, seven-inch touchscreen head unit and a six-speaker sound system.
The XV is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, auto-leveling LED headlights with C-shaped LED daytime running lights, dual-zone air-conditioning system, cruise control, paddle shifters, eight-inch touchscreen display, six-speaker audio system and a 4.2-inch TFT LCD instrument panel, among others.
Both models are fitted with seven airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, hill-start assist, rear-view camera, vehicle dynamic control, and ISOFIX child seat mounting points. The Forester also comes with the Motorimage Metasat connected car system.
THE TEST
We first tackled the off-road track with the Subaru XV 2.0 i-P.
The off-road track was designed to test the Subaru’s 220mm ground clearance, SAWD, turning circles, X-mode system, and the hill descent control. Usually, the off-road tracks for such events are short and direct but this off-road track was slightly more challenging.
This 0.9km track consisted of a few different obstacles, including rutted and steep climbs, slanted slope, sharp uphill turn, rocky turn, rutted track, sharp slanted turn, and steep downhills.
The first obstacle, the rutted and steep climb, was pretty straightforward. We needed to drive up a slightly slippery and steep route to test the traction and control. The X-Mode system would react in the event that a wheel loses adhesion. The system would look at which wheel is the best to transfer the power of the engine to get out of that slippery situation.
The slanted slope and steep climb section was designed to try out the hill decent control and X-mode system. The hill decent control analysed the situation and manages the braking below speeds of 20kph by applying braking. The driver didn’t need to engage the brake pedal and just had to focus on the best route to take. The driver could easily deactivate the hill descent control by applying the throttle or brakes to take over from the system.
As for the sharp uphill turn, it was to experience the turning radius of a Subaru XV. With a 10.8m turning radius, the XV had no issues to overcome sharp U-turn-like corners.
The rocky turn and rutted obstacle was almost similar to the first obstacle, but the rocky turn was steeper and more slippery, forcing the X-Mode system to work harder. The sharp slanted turn and steep climb was the most challenging obstacle of the track.
We needed to drive the XV through a rather steep narrow sharp turn. The trick to overcome these obstacles was not about how fast you could manoeuvre through it but rather the control. The driver needed to carry enough momentum to allow the vehicle to proceed forward uphill. With the X-Mode system, the XV could effortlessly overcome these obstacles.
After the steep climb, we had to reach the highest point of the track. The last few obstacles left for us were a series of steep downhills. Without a doubt, the hill decent control took over the slowing down of the vehicle and all the driver needed to do was just pay attention and, at the same time, enjoy the view.
TC Subaru did a great job organising and setting up such a fun and interesting off-road track. It succeeded in giving participants an experience of the X-Mode system and the capabilities of the Subaru vehicles.