Subaru’s Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technologies have come a long way since its inception more than 45 years ago. Both technologies were honed through many years of motorsports experience. But what do these actually do to help everyday drivers?
Firstly, the unique characteristic of a Boxer engine is that its pistons are laid flat. This allows the engine to be positioned lower into the engine bay and aligned symmetrically to the chassis for even weight distribution. This in turn lowers the car’s center of gravity. Moreover, the 180 degree layout of the pistons help cancel out the vibrations coming from the engine compared to an inline or the v-type engine layout. As a result, it's able to offer a much smoother and responsive ride.
As an added safety feature for any Subaru vehicle, the lowered position of the Boxer engine allows it to go under the body, instead of entering the passenger cabin, when a head on collision happens.
Using the Boxer’s layout, the entire Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System is then bolted along the center of the vehicle in a straight line, all the way to the rear. This allows Subaru to mount the independent long-travel suspension with equal-length shafts symmetrically (hence the name) on the left and right hand of the vehicle. Thus, it's able to send power and torque equally to all 4 wheels, improving the tire's grip on the road.
In the event that a slip is detected, the system is also designed to send more power to the remaining wheels that have contact for maximum traction and control. It's because of these features, the Forester, Legacy, Outback, and the WRX models were highlighted with the 2014-2015 JNCAP 5-Star safety ranking.
The Boxer engine and the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system are Subaru’s heart and soul as these have paved the way for the Japanese automaker to gain high regard on and off the race track.
Latest Features
-
Here's why the BAIC B30e Dune is the ideal all-around adventure vehicle / Featured Article
If you’re still wondering what makes the BAIC B30e Dune stand out, here are five reasons why it could be the adventure vehicle you’ve been looking for.
-
What makes the Mazda3 sedan a great car / Featured Article
The Mazda3 sedan presents itself as a unique entry into the Philippines with its award-winning design and other features that make it a cut above the rest.
-
Five features in the Lynk & Co 01 you might not know about / Featured Article
There’s more to the Lynk & Co 01 than meets the eye. Stick around as we unpack some of its surprising features in this article.
Popular Articles
-
Cheapest cars under P700,000 in the Philippines
Jerome Tresvalles · Sep 02, 2024
-
First car or next car, the Ford EcoSport is a tough package to beat
Jun 18, 2021
-
Car Maintenance checklist and guide – here’s everything you need to know
Earl Lee · Jan 12, 2021
-
Most fuel efficient family cars in the Philippines
Bryan Aaron Rivera · Nov 27, 2020
-
2021 Geely Okavango — Everything you need to know
Joey Deriquito · Nov 19, 2020
-
Family cars in the Philippines with the biggest trunks
Sep 20, 2023
-
Head to head: Toyota Rush vs. Suzuki XL7
Joey Deriquito · Oct 28, 2020
-
Why oil changes are important for your car
Earl Lee · Nov 10, 2020
-
2021 Kia Stonic — What you need to know about it
Joey Deriquito · Oct 16, 2020
-
Top 7 tips for buying a used car in the Philippines
Joey Deriquito · Nov 26, 2020