2009 Subaru Forester

Subaru Press Release - 18/March/2008

Sydney, Australia — Subaru has launched its new generation Forester offering economy, safety, style and All-Wheel Drive fun in a more spacious, high value package.

The best-selling vehicle in Subaru’s range is expanding its appeal with a striking new look, clever cabin refinements, enhanced efficiency and comfort.

It is significantly stronger, yet more frugal, offering fuel consumption improvements of up to 7.8 per cent.

In line with the entire Subaru range, Forester achieves a maximum five-star rating for occupant protection in independent crashworthiness testing by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). It has also gained a three-star pedestrian rating.

Subaru’s safety commitment is again highlighted by the introduction of standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) across the Forester range.

The Forester’s All-Wheel Drive recreational credentials are underlined by a 20 mm increase in ground clearance, to 220 mm on Forester X and XS, and 225 mm on turbocharged XT.

Forester X pricing starts from $30,490 recommended retail price.

Forester’s interior space is greater, with rear occupant access and the cargo area notably enhanced.

SPORTSHIFT transmissions are standard in all automatic naturally aspirated Foresters.

The Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) 4-cylinder 2.5-litre naturally aspirated horizontally opposed boxer engine in Forester X and XS offers a 4.1 per cent power hike and a 1.3 per cent improvement in torque.

The NA engine produces 126kW of power at 6000rpm and 229Nm of torque at 4400rpm - a 4.1 per cent improvement in power and 1.3 per cent in torque over the superseded engine.

In the Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) four-cylinder 2.5 litre turbocharged XT, torque kicks in 800 revs lower in the range at 2800rpm. The four-cylinder 2.5 litre turbocharged engine produces power of 169kW of power at 5200 rpm and torque of 320Nm at 2800 rpm.

Every Forester engine meets strict European STEP4 emission standards.

Newly developed double wishbone rear suspension optimizes Forester’s renowned constant AWD handling, while reducing cargo area intrusion, to produce a wider load carrying space with easier access.

Among new generation Forester highlights:

Stylish new design with easier occupant and cargo area access
 Vehicle Dynamics Control – five-star ANCAP rating
 Naturally aspirated engines with 4.1 per cent more power, 1.3 per cent more torque
 Turbo engine torque kicks in 800 rpm earlier for enhanced drivability
 All engines more fuel efficient – up to 7.8 per cent on manual XT
 SPORTSHIFT transmissions for all automatic Foresters
Active Valve Lift System – naturally aspirated engines; XT with Active Valve Control System
 Euro STEP4 emission compliant
 Newly developed double wishbone rear suspension for optimum ride and handling
 Ground clearance improved to 220 mm - 225 mm on XT
 Framed doors for enhanced safety and NVH
 Larger cabin – enhanced comfort – 29 mm more front legroom, 109 mm rear
 Wider cargo area
 Significant improvements in NVH
 Height and telescopic adjustable steering in all Foresters
 Hill Start Assist (manual variants) – forward and reverse
Rear seat recline
 Innovative centre console with multiple storage configurations
 Shorter rear overhang
 Subaru Dynamic Chassis Concept – ride comfort, safety and NVH benefits

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “Forester is the recreational vehicle for those with active lifestyles and in many ways it really is the new style of family car.

“It appeals to existing customers who still want a vehicle that complements their recreational lifestyle.

“It is more fuel efficient, offers exceptional safety levels and has a very comfortable yet highly practical cabin that offers a flexible choice of seating and cargo configurations to suit family life.

“Over the years Forester has become one of Australia’s most awarded cars and with sales of more than 105,000 since 1997, we can only see it growing further – it’s the All-Wheel Drive for the active family life.”

He added: “Forester has proved itself over 10 years as a rock-solid investment when it comes to reliability, resale value and whole-of-life costs.

“We anticipate sales of around 1100 per month, about a 10 per cent increase on present.”

 Satin white pearl
 Spark silver metallic
 Steel silver metallic
 Dark grey metallic
 Obsidian black pearl
 Newport blue pearl
 Camellia red pearl

X and XS only:

 Topaz gold metallic
 Sage green metallic

Forester Pricing:

 Forester X manual: $30,490
 Forester X SPORTSHIFT auto: $32,490
 Forester XS manual: $33,990
 Forester XS SPORTSHIFT auto: $35,990
 Forester XS Premium manual: $37,490
 Forester XS Premium SPORTSHIFT auto: $39,490
 Forester XT manual: $38,990
 Forester XT SPORTSHIFT auto: $40,990
 Forester XT Premium manual: $44,990
 Forester XT Premium SPORTSHIFT auto: $46,990

Options:

 Satellite navigation (XS Premium) $2,990

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