Subaru exposes new Turbo Forester

Subaru's original racetrack rock-hopper, the Forester GT, won over many drivers in the late 90s with its serious levels of power delivery and impeccable road grip, thanks to AWD and one of the best four-cylinder turbocharged engines available.

But when the second generation Forester arrived in Australia in mid-2002, there was no sign of a turbo version, though Subaru had hinted at such a prospect.

While the Japanese were getting STi-tuned Foresters, we were stuck with the more-than-capable, though very much garden-variety 2.5-litre 112kW version.

Until now - as Subaru has just announced the arrival of its second-generation turbocharged Forester in Australia, starting at a healthy $39,490 for the Forester XT manual.

In addition to the name change, the new turbocharged, intercooled Forester XT gets a bigger engine too - the 2.0-litre mill has been dropped in favour of the 2.5-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine.

This has resulted in a boost in torque, and it's also interesting to note that the new XT has 20Nm more torque than it's more hooligan-oriented cousin, the WRX.

The newly-boosted 2.5-litre boxer engine cranks out a respectable 155kW @ 5600rpm, while peak torque of 320Nm @ 3600rpm gives the AWD soft-roader a serious performance edge.

The Forester XT's engine also gets the Active Valve Control System (AVCS, or variable timing on the intake valves) first seen in the 2003 WRX, which essentially ensures optimum power and torque delivery at all engine speeds.

Iridium spark plugs improve performance and reduce emissions via more efficient combustion, while a new 32-bit Engine Control Module (ECM) features improved clock speed of 40Mhz for improved computations.

It is able to accurately control valve timing and turbocharger boost pressure in conjunction with the new Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) – a first for Subaru.

Compared to the naturally aspirated 2457cc engine, the turbo donk of the same capacity is 38 per cent more powerful and offers 43 per cent more torque, and Subaru's trademark turbo bonnet scoop is back in a more subtle and sophisticated form.

In real-world terms, with dual overhead camshafts and a low 8.2:1 compression ratio, the XT runs a claimed 0-100km dash in 6.4 seconds (in the five-speed manual version), which is extremely quick for something that sits so high and isn't exactly feather light: 1425kg dry (no fuel, oil, passengers etc).

According to Subaru, the four-speed automatic model will reach 100km from rest in 6.8 seconds, and all models are befitted with symmetrical all-wheel drive, and also 'fly-by-wire' electronic throttle control.

The XT is also offered in two model designations (or four if you factor in auto/manual differences): XT and XT Luxury.

The XT Luxury gets all the usual Forester tricks, plus a sunroof, leather steering wheel, gear shift and park brake, leather seats and dual front side airbags. These last options ensured that the XT Luxury Pack vehicle had the best-ever crashworthiness test rating for a compact four-wheel drive – five stars.

The rating for the Forester XS and XT Luxury Pack is unprecedented in the history of independent crash testing by the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), and Subaru is justified in touting it's impressive safety record.

The second generation Forester has already proved a huge sales success since launch for Subaru in Australia, averaging more than 900 units a month, and the Japanese automaker is confident that the turbocharged XT models will sell between 100 and 125 units per month.

Nick Senior, General Manager, Subaru Australia commented: "Forester is an incredible success and the power and specification offered by XT will only add to its amazing sales performance overall.

"By offering two specification levels to our customers, we believe Forester XT appeals to an even broader range of people, wanting the surefootedness of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive combined with turbocharged performance. It's a long-held philosophy of Subaru to offer safety combined with driving pleasure and the Forester XT is a prime example of these ideals."

In addition to the Forester's inherent safety systems, the new force-fed model gets new rear brake calipers and differently shaped brake pads front and rear, in a bid to improve deceleration.

Suspension has been tweaked slightly as well, with firmer front strut rigidity for improved steering reponse, and the front cross-member mounting parts have been strengthened by some 30 per cent to better maintain wheel alignment under hard cornering. Subaru's useful hill-holder clutch feature is also available for the first time on a forced-induction Forester.

The new XT Foresters are impressively kitted out for the entry level price of under $40 large, and inside, all 2004 turbo Forester variants get a six-stack, in-dash CD player, electric windows, electric mirrors, height adjustable drivers seat, climate control air conditioning, cruise control and remote central locking.

A full-sized spare wheel (and 16-inch alloy wheels unique to the XT) also makes the cut, while other noteworthy features offered as standard on both models include self levelling rear suspension, active restraint front headrests, four wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD, plus fog lights, rear wheel mud guards and roof racks.

The new addition to the Forester range can only be a good thing, providing drivers with a very solid option who are after the semi-ruggedness of a soft-roader with the performance of a sportscar - 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds is not to be baulked at.

Moreover, the new turbocharged rock-hopper is also the perfect flagship model to cap off Subaru's solid Forester range. While Subaru now has its performance compact 4x4, one wonders if the likes of Toyota, Honda and Nissan follow suit with high-powered Rav4s, CR-Vs and X-Trails?

Pricing:
Forester XT manual $39,490
Forester XT automatic $41,490
Forester XT Luxury Pack manual $42,990
Forester XT Luxury Pack automatic $44,990