Subaru launches 2nd generation Forester

Subaru's original Forester design concept was to create a sports utility vehicle, or soft-roader as we like to call them, with sedan-like handling. It was very successful and reached the goals it set out to achieve, and even went on to win many automotive awards.

But the opposition saw how popular such a niche vehicle was, and so set about creating their own contenders.

A few years down the track and the likes of Nissan, Toyota and Honda have caught up to - even overtaken - the venerable Forester, which are all part of a segment that is anything but a niche market anymore.

But in rolls the 2003 model-year Forester, which aims to level the playing field once again, with new technologies, more power and a rather suave new look.

The new models on offer are the X, XS and XS luxury pack models. The X is the base model, with the XS adding 16-inch alloys, foglights and so forth, where the XS luxury pack gives you a slicker paint job, plush leather interior and a sunroof.

Far from a complete redesign, the new Forester has had a good once over with the magic styling wand. As you can see in the photos, the front and rear ends have had the most work done.

The new face of Subaru's soft-roader is quite angular and more aggressive, with the new grille and headlight cluster contributing to this. The overall profile of the '03 Forester is quite similar to the outgoing model, with the slightly flared wheel arches making a return.

The rear-end has seen the biggest make-over, with a new angular rear-window and door, matched to more contemporary tail lights. As we mentioned in our earlier article on the new Forester, "...there's far uglier behinds doing the rounds."

As a result, the new Subaru has a more forceful look to it than before, but without forgoing it's user-friendly air. The 2nd genereation Forester has a much more confident look, with the new styling cues a refreshing update to it's ageing predecessor.

The redesign has also improved the vehicle's fuel efficiency by reducing the drag co-efficient from .38 to an impressive .35. Like the new '03 Liberty B4, the new Forester also gets new side mirrors, which actually reduce grime and dirt build-up, plus the redesign allows for easier ingress egress, thanks to an 88mm lowerering of the sill height.

A revised safety package means structural strength has been greatly improved, and new safety extras have been included, to boot.

Despite an overall weight reduction across the range of between five and 25 kilograms, the more athletic Forester still gets disc brakes all round, mated to ABS with EBD, plus dual front SRS airbags, and has reduced noise, vibration and harshness levels too.

Drivability was a big factor when Subaru was considering its next genereation Forester and, as a reult, the new model handles better, has a smoother ride and is more stable, both on and off the road.

Firstly, it has achieved a lower centre of gravity, for better driving balance, through the use of aluminium components including bonnet, roof rails, sunroof frames and front bumper beam -- the bonnet alone is 8kg lighter than an equivalent steel one.

Improving stability, the front and rear tread have been widened by 20mm. Body roll is reduced through use of large diameter 21mm front stabilisers and 17.3mm rear and internal shock absorber rebound springs. For 2003, all Foresters also feature a rear viscous coupling limited slip differential, meaning torque is transferred to the rear wheel with most grip.

In general, the suspension geometry on all Foresters is refined for increased performance, responsiveness and efficiency.

Interestingly, a newly designed self-levelling rear suspension system, for Forester XS models, improves attitude recovery capability by 50 per cent. Essentially, this works via a new internal pumping mechanism and an externally mounted gas/oil chamber.

For 2003, the Forester no longer has only 2.0-litre variants to choose from, but at the same token the charging Forester GT model, with a re-tuned turbocharged engine sourced from the Impreza WRX, is no longer an option. Rumour has it that Subaru will release a 2.5-litre turbo GT model in 2004.

All 2nd generation Foresters are fitted with one of Subaru's trademark horizontally-opposed four-cylinder mills, linked to Subaru's symmetrical drivetrain and AWD system, but this time capacity has been increased to 2.5-litres.

A sensitive air/fuel ratio sensor in the exhaust provides immediate information to the engine computer, allowing for improved control of the air/fuel mixture.

Combined with multi-spray injectors, which provide better fuel atomisation, it results in cleaner, more effective combustion.

Power is up by around 20 per cent, with the new SOHC engine making 112kW @ 5600rpm, putting it on level ground with the Honda's 2.4-litre CRV. Torque is up substantially, with the new SUV putting out a very respectable 223Nm @ 3600rpm, with 180Nm available at just over 1000rpm. Such high levels of torque low down in the rev range ensure improved drivability and better acceleration too - just throw it into any gear and away you go!

Both manual and auto transmissions are offered, with the latter's shift quality significantly improved over the outgoing model and movement of the select lever has been enhanced to produce a more direct feel on the manual version.

When all is said and done, Subaru has one very accomplished soft-roader on offer, the only problem being the vehicle that started it all now faces some extremely tough competition. It's a very well priced vehicle and perhaps the unorthodox 'boxer' engine layout could be a big reason for some to choose it over the others, as could the dedicated AWD system, with low-ratio transfer 'box included on the manual models.

Either way, the 2003 Forester is in Subaru dealerships now, and one man in particular is quite excited. Nick Senior, GM of Subaru Australia, had this to say: "New generation Forester is in some ways evolutionary, as our customers have come to expect from Subaru. But there are many significant revolutionary aspects to the vehicle, not least in the important areas of safety and engineering.

"Combined with a comprehensive specification list, we are confident the new Forester will attract even more customers who appreciate an outstanding quality and price equation with the integrity of the Subaru brand. As well as all the detailed technical and engineering enhancements there is more specification than ever before.

"ABS is standard on all models, meaning every Subaru now sold in Australia features ABS, All-Wheel Drive and dual front SRS airbags as standard. Additionally, every Forester model is powered by a bigger 2.5 litre engine, there is a rear limited slip differential with viscous coupling now standard, plus all the extra safety features.

"Our tests show that the new Forester is a four-star performer in crash tests, making it one of the safest sports utility vehicles in the world. Despite all the improvements, all the extra engineering, the Forester maintains its class-leading value story."

Will this 'class-leading value story' be enough to win over new customers? It's debatable, but one thing's for sure - the new look is very pleasing to the eye and with the extra power, thousands of storage compartments and improved drivability, we reckon it's in a with a good chance.

Pricing:

Forester X manual $30,990
Forester X automatic $32,990

Forester XS manual $34,490
Forester XS automatic $36,490

Forester XS luxury pack manual $37,990
Forester XS luxury pack automatic $39,990