All-new Subaru Forester available April
The all-new Subaru Forester - improved handling, refinement, economy
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 20 March 2008
The all-new Subaru Forester crossover SUV will be available to buy from April 2008 with prices starting from £17,995.
The new Forester is larger than the outgoing model and closer in size to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4, says Subaru, being based on the same platform as the new Impreza. Lood space is now 450 litres with the rear seat up.
A new multi-link suspension system with MacPherson struts makes for an improved ride, says the Korean manufacturer, while higher ground clearance and a lower centre of gravity make for improved handling.
'Sports Shift’ allows the driver to select Normal, Sports or Manual control, allowing for ‘tap-shift’ gears changes, while full-time all-wheel drive transmission with a 60/40 Active Torque-Split on the automatic, while AWD on manual models splits power 50/50 front to rear.
Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control on both models keep the crossover SUV on the straight and narrow.
Engines
Powered by a 2.0-litre boxer engine as standard available with either manual or automatic transmissions. Power, torque, fuel economy and emissions are improved over the outgoing model.
The Forester 2.0X and 2.0XS petrol models are available from April costing £17,995 and £21,895 on-the-road respectively in manual form. Automatic versions add a £1,000 premium.
The 148bhp 2.0-litre boxer engines develop 144.6lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm, while mileage is 33.6mpg for the Forester 2.0 X and XS automatic with a CO2 reading of 198 g/km (manual) and 199g/km (automatic).
The 0-60 mph is 12.3 seconds (automatic) and 10.6 seconds (manual), with 115mph (automatic) and 114mph (manual) top speeds.
Equipment
Standard equipment on 2.0X models includes symmetrical all-wheel drive; Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control; self-levelling rear suspension; fuel-saving electric power steering; front, side and curtain airbags; four electric windows; 60/40-split rear seats with reclining back-rests; climate-control air-conditioning; radio/CD player; front fog lamps; vehicle information display; height and reach-adjustment steering wheel; heated front seats, mirrors and windscreen wipers plus cruise-control. Manual models feature a dual-range transmission.
The higher-spec Forester 2.0XS adds alloy wheels; leather seats, steering wheel, gear-lever and handbrake; premium audio system featuring a six-stacker CD-player and seven speakers; HID headlamps; sun-roof; electrically-powered driver’s seat; retractable rear seat tray with cup-holder; engine starter button and ‘smart’ entry.
Uprated safety kit now includes driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags as standard, while front seatbelts have pre-tensioners, anti-whiplash front head restraints are standard and the front seats have energy-absorbing backs.
The brake pedal is energy-absorbing, being designed to snap away under severe impact, while two ISOFIX-compatible child seat mountings are included in the rear. ABS with EBD is also standard.
Warranty
All Foresters marketed by Subaru (UK) Limited come with a three year or 60,000 mile warranty plus 12 year anti-corrosion cover and three year paintwork warranty.
Subaru’s new Boxer Diesel engine will appear for the first time in both the new Forester and Impreza at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October.
New Subaru Forester gives UK car buyers opportunity to customise their Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 rivals, and ensure their soft-roader is out on its own.
All-new Subaru Forester SUV gains highly regarded US safety award, commending its front, side and rear protection attributes, and further consolidating its reputation for safety.
Subaru will show the new Forester SUV, boxer diesel-equipped Legacy and Outback models and electric vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show.
Free LPG conversion on 2-litre Forester can save drivers 40% on fuel bills and exemption from Congestion Charge, says Subaru.
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