Symmetrical AWD, comprising of a longitudinally mounted Horizontally-Opposed SUBARU BOXER engine which achieves the low center of gravity and a symmetrically designed AWD drivetrain, is the system that Subaru has focused on for the best stability, safety and on-road performance at all times on all roads and in poor conditions. And it provides works with the outstanding traction of AWD to limit the chassis rolling and pitching, increasing ride comfort and making the journey enjoyable for all passengers. Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD comes in a variety of different systems depending on the vehicle type and the transmission used.
The Symmetrical AWD
Symmetrical AWD, Subaru’s own four-wheel drive system. Its greatest feature is that the powertrain, the core of which is the horizontally opposed engine, is symmetrically laid out in a straight line. As the four wheels bear weight equally with this basic layout, the road-hugging property of the tires is excellent and outstanding driving performance is achieved. It maximizes the potential of four-wheel drive. In addition, with symmetrical AWD, the heavy transmission is located near the center of the vehicle. Furthermore, the engine is the light, compact, and low center-of-gravity horizontally opposed engine. Due to its superior weight balance, the moment of inertia is low when turning and braking so the driver can enjoy the superior handling. At the same time, as the vehicle is stable and comfortable, the driver can enjoy a pleasant drive.
Stability
Drivability
X-Mode
Distributing power to ensure a smoother drive.
One button elevates driving confidence and provides advanced, SUV-like control. The all-new X-Mode brings a whole new meaning to security and peace of mind, regardless of how rough or slippery a road may be as it works to coordinate the engine, transmission, Symmetrical AWD and brakes to safely drive over almost any type terrain.
X-Mode
Hill Descent Control
Maximizing tyre traction on steep slopes.
X-Mode assists in those cases where the vehicle starts moving faster as it drives downhill, like when driving down snowy roads or gravel slopes. Hill Descent Control maintains the vehicle’s speed so the driver can focus more on steering.
An AWD system developed exclusively for 4-speed automatic transmission, E-4AT (with manual mode) and Lineartronic models to maximise the reliable driving performance of AWD models under any driving conditions. The Lineartronic CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) uses a chain instead of a belt—allowing a greater span of overall ratios for...
Variable Torque Distribution AWD
An AWD system designed exclusively for 5-speed automatic transmission, E-5AT (with manual mode) models to provide aggressive, sporty driving with increased turning abilities all while retaining the fundamental driving stability offered by the Symmetrical AWD. An uneven 45:55 front and rear torque distribution has been set for the front and rear tyres. Sending...
Viscous Centre Differential AWD
An AWD system for manual transmissions with a simple layout consisting of a centre differential and viscous LSD. A 50:50 front and rear torque distribution is set under normal conditions. This maximises traction and provides driving backed with stability. When the front or rear wheels slip and traction is lost, or the wheel speed differs between the front...
Multi-mode DCCD
The Driver’s Control Centre Differential (DCCD) allows the centre differential locking of the WRX STI to be dialed in and adjust its handling. It adjusts both an electromagnetic multi-plate transfer clutch and mechanical locking of a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) to distribute torque to the front and rear wheels. Auto Mode identifies the ideal power distribution for...