Five reasons we loved the Subaru Evoltis 7-seat SUV
There are advantages and disadvantages to being a Subaru devotee. As a driver, we love the responsive handling, smooth power delivery, and high-quality cabin. One disadvantage was that when we needed more than seven seats, Subaru simply didn’t have a car in that category…until fairly recently, when it introduced the all-new Evoltis SUV. During a weeklong stint of getting to know the Evoltis, here’s what we liked about it:
Space x 7
The Subaru Evoltis is enlarged and family-size. The Evoltis was developed for the North American market, and it shows in the car’s dimensions. It’s not immediately apparent in photos, as the Evoltis has a profile similar to that of the Forester. But step up to it and you can guess that there’s space for more than five inside. Pop open the door, and indeed you see three rows of seats. The second row is a pair of captain’s chairs that can recline and slide for maximum comfort.
Thankfully, the SUV retains a seven-seat capacity thanks to its bench-type third row. Entry to the third row is made easier by a quick-fold and slide handle on each of the captain’s chairs. There’s enough space for three adults in the third row.
Crucially, there’s decent cargo space even with all the seats up: almost 500 liters. You can stow a row of four cabin-size suitcases upright, with some space left over for small, soft bags on top. There’s additional space below the trunk floor, too. Fold down the third row, and space opens up to almost 1200 liters. With all seats down, there’s 2061 liters, and enough flat area to slide in a 70-inch TV.
Big on the inside, the Evoltis remains quite reasonable with its exterior dimensions. It’s just under 5 meters long, and width is 1930mm. Wheelbase is an appreciably long 2890mm, translating to all that passenger space.
Pace
Subaru Evoltis is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter gasoline engine, dishing out 260ps and 375Nm, paired to a Lineartronic CVT. The combination makes quick work of hauling the Evoltis’ 2-ton kerb weight. The car feels light on its wheels, and a massive burst of power for overtaking or going up to highway speed is just a tip of the throttle away. Paddle shifters allow near-instant “downshifting” into a lower ratio. The Evoltis features active torque vectoring to help keep the car on the driver’s intended course. It feels smaller as one goes faster, particularly on curves.
Active safety features
Evoltis comes with Subaru’s Eyesight system. Eyesight uses stereo cameras to monitor the road and traffic ahead, and warn the driver or automatically intervene if needed. The system can warn if approaching an obstacle or road object too fast, and can apply full braking force if needed to avoid a collision. Adaptive Cruise Control helps keep distance from the car in front on the highway. The system also monitors blind spots when driving, and when reversing out of parking spaces.
Connectivity and convenience
Integration into one’s life is just easier when Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is on board, and the Evoltis has both. The large 8-inch touchscreen is neatly inserted into the instrument panel, and not popping out from the top. On top of the dashboard is a smaller auxiliary display that can show vehicle status, trip computer info, or entertainment options. Audio is a premium 14-speaker Harman/Kardon system.
The Evoltis contains plenty of bells and whistles, from keyless access to cooler vents in the front seats—which are power actuated, with memory function for the driver’s seat. There’s a huge panoramic sunroof, cupholders throughout, and sunshades on the rear doors. The automatic aircon features three-zone controls.
It’s a Subaru through and through
The core of a Subaru is its boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive. The boxer engine sits low in the chassis, giving the car stability and responsive handling. Full-time all-wheel drive eliminates any wheelspin when taking off on an incline or at an angle. X-Mode engages offroad-assist features like hill descent control. It won’t be a Subaru without some neat features, like 90-degree opening rear doors, and memorably quirky ones, like the passenger grab handles on the second row captain’s chairs, which mimic those on the Japanese Shinkansen.
Subaru is offering a promotion this May 2022 for the Evoltis, with low down payment of as low as P269,000; low monthly payment of as low as P20,710; or discounts for cash purchase of as high as P210,000. Customers who schedule a test drive will receive Subaru merchandise upon arrival at the showroom.
For more information please visit http://www.subaru.asia/ph. Alternatively, customers may download e-brochures of at https://www.subaru.asia/ph/en/contact-us/brochure.php.
