2006 Subaru Forester: First Look

By Motoring Channel Staff - 12/7/2005

Contemporary new lines, increased power and interior refinements add to the performance, practicality and comfort of the Model Year 2006 Subaru Forester All-Wheel Drive.

One of the most awarded cars in Australia gets the latest efficient version of Subaru's 2.5-litre horizontally opposed boxer engine, including Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) across the range.

Forester recently passed the 70,000 sales mark in Australia and a wide variety of refinements for 2006 will broaden its appeal even further.

Nick Senior, the managing director of Subaru Australia, talked up the new Forester: "With those consistent sales, month in, month out, Forester has a demonstrable track record as a market leader and the attention to detail on the latest versions will only add to its customer appeal and Subaru's growing perception as a premium Japanese brand.

"Every key area of the vehicle has received attention," said Mr. Senior, "from exterior design through to engines, suspension and interior specification. It means we now offer the most comprehensive Forester range ever, including a choice of interior colour (beige and black)."

Subaru's DataDot security initiative applies to every MY06 Forester as well, while the focus on engineering ensures all variants retain a five-star independent crashworthiness rating from the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Specification is improved in every model yet price rises are minimal, with entry-level Forester X starting at $31,990 for the manual, including on-road costs.

A significant nine per cent boost in Forester XT's turbocharged power takes it from 155kW to 169kW @ 5600rpm. The combustion chamber shape on the XT's turbocharged engine has been changed to enhance compression ratio from 8.2:1 to 8.4:1, producing emission and fuel efficiency benefits.

Furthermore, this boost in power underlines the turbocharged 4x4's strong recreational role, with the XT manual having an 1800kg braked towing capacity – suitable for medium sized boats, caravans and trailer haulage.

The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre boxer engine found in the Forester X and XS are also up an impressive eight per cent, from 112 kilowatts to 121kW @ 5600rpm, giving it a 1kW power advantage over its rivals from Toyota and Mitsubishi (Rav4 and Outlander).

For added All-Wheel Drive grip, torque increases too on Forester X and XS from 223 Newton metres to 226Nm @ 4400rpm. Some of these power and torque increases arise from upgraded engine management systems, which also help them achieve extra efficiency.

Naturally aspirated engines meet European STEP3 emission regulations and turbocharged engines are STEP4 compliant.

Automatic transmission weight is down by 2.5 kilograms on Forester X and XS, and Forester XT introduces centre-console controlled SPORTSHIFT on automatic variants.

The 4-speed automatic provides excellent shifting quality, fuel economy and weight reduction, while active torque split on automatic Foresters has been further refined to ensure optimum engine power to front and back wheels.

Suspension on all Foresters is upgraded, refining cornering performance and reducing pitching. The front suspension arm rearmost bushings are relocated for improved controlling of roll pitch and the rear suspension cross member is reinforced to maintain steering geometry during cornering. Spring rates and front and rear damping rates are also changed to optimise steering stability.

Forester's neat new look includes revised grille, twin headlights and taillights, plus LED indicators are incorporated into the larger wing mirrors for enhanced visibility. The re-profiled front bumper includes new compact fog lights for Forester XS and XT.

Forester XT replaces its previous 16-inch wheels with sporty 17-inch alloys and high intensity discharge headlights (HID) for even better light spread. They feature pop-out power jet washers.

Inside, all '06 Forester models have a new design multi-function centre console. This also acts as a sliding centre armrest for front seat occupants. The novel design opens to reveal two extra cup holders and includes a sliding mini-tray for rear passengers.

For added passenger comfort, the rear seat base is extended 50 millimetres for improved thigh support, and all Forester models now offer the choice of either a beige or black interior trim.

Nick Senior, the managing director of Subaru Australia, said: "Forester remains one of the most awarded vehicles in the Australian automotive industry. We are confident that the innovations featured in these new variants will take it to new success levels despite a highly competitive sales sector."

Mr Senior said Subaru has long dominated the official VFACTS Compact SUV sales segment, with combined Forester and Outback sales regularly capturing around a quarter of the monthly market. "Forester was the catalyst that sparked the compact SUV boom. Always at the forefront of the category, its ongoing sales and many industry awards are testament to its success. The latest incarnation will uphold this legacy.

"We're pleased to be what we believe is the first in the compact SUV class and perhaps in the sub $50,000 price range, to offer a choice of two interiors across the entire range of Foresters."

Mr Senior said key areas of customer feedback were power and driveability and both have been addressed in the new models. "Collectively the refinements to Forester are proof of Fuji Heavy Industries interest in our Australian customers, and the amount of choice within the range recognises differing customer tastes."

He added: "We are particularly excited about Forester XT, with more power, better handling and suspension, and HID headlights. It's a multi-functional SUV, but with no compromises around town Monday-Friday. There's plenty of power to tow trailers with jet skis and bikes, or boats, caravans and camper trailers."

Mr Senior said sales of turbocharged variants represented more than 14 per cent of Forester sales this year.

Pricing:

Forester X manual $31,990
Forester X automatic $33,990

Forester XS manual $34,990
Forester XS automatic $36,990

Forester XS luxury pack manual $38,490
Forester XS luxury pack automatic $40,490

Forester XT manual $40,990
Forester XT automatic $43,490
Forester XT Luxury Pack manual $44,490
Forester XT Luxury Pack automatic $46,990