Subaru Hybrid System

Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical AWD platform and its core tenets of horizontal symmetry and low centre of gravity are now available in their full potential in a hybrid package. The system features compact, high-performance motors and batteries mated to the Symmetrical AWD. The drive motor has been built into Subaru’s “Lineartronic(*1)” next-generation transmission system positioned low in the car’s body. The Hybrid Lineartronic has been newly developed while retaining the inherent benefits of the Lineartronic system, as well as optimising each and every component and improving fuel economy. A Boxer Engine has also been specially engineered to suit the hybrid platform, featuring the Subaru Boxer Engine with a modified compression ratio and reduced friction levels to deliver better fuel economy and operate with less noise. Fuel efficiency on the road is even better with “SI-DRIVE(*2)” and “ECO Cruise Control(*3)” functions designed for optimum control to suit the driving conditions. The hybrid platform not only delivers outstanding fuel efficiency and impressive performance, but also brings a well-balanced design to all aspects of the car, including the driving power, interior comfort and ease-of-use that Subaru is famous for.

*1: Linear acceleration feel of CVT technology, combined with a 6-speed manual mode for agile, sporty gear changes
*2: Improvements to performance with the hybrid system allow the car to behave calmly, as well as in a sporty manner
*3: Adaptive cruise control works smoothly with the hybrid system for coordinated control to help increase fuel efficiency on the road.

Drive motor

The sporty, high-performance motor is designed for EV driving using just the motor itself, or used with a motor assist function, or for efficient recharging through regenerative braking.
Battery unit
The batteries are compact units that consist of a nickel-metal hydride battery, inverter/converter and other high-voltage components, which are mounted under the luggage compartment floor. This gives hybrid models an interior space that is similar to their gasoline counterparts, and that are just as easy to use.

  • Creeping conditions: EV operation

    Driving slowly with just the motor itself(*4).

  • Taking off and low-speed driving: EV operation

    At low engine speeds where ordinary engines operate at low efficiency, only the motor itself is used for driving(*4). This produces a new driving sensation that is quiet and nimble.

  • Accelerating and medium-speed driving: motor-assist operation

    The engine starts operating and the motor assists with driving. Great acceleration is achieved with two power units working in tandem.

  • High-speed driving: engine operation

    At high engine speeds where ordinary engines operate at a higher efficiency, only the engine is used for driving. The motor is used when required to generate electricity and recharge the battery.

  • Decelerating: regenerative braking

    When braking or if the accelerator pedal is not being used, deceleration energy is converted to electricity to recharge the battery efficiently. The system also provides a completely natural braking feel.

  • Stopping: idle stop

    Pressing the brake to stop the car will automatically stop the engine(*5). This helps to limit wasted fuel consumption.

*4: The engine might restart depending on driving conditions.

*5: The engine might not stop depending on driving conditions.

* Various different conditions affect system operation, which may differ depending on driving conditions or the state of the car.