The new Subaru Forester SUV has been confirmed to arrive in South African showrooms in March 2013. The Forester features a new design while the interior exhibits various design and quality improvements as well as improved fuel efficiency and overall practicality.

New ??Subaru Forester SUV – Specifications and Features

??Engine Capability

Five Forester models will complete the new South African range and all will employ Subaru Boxer petrol engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The range will include the new entry-level 2.0-litre X which is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and the 2.5-litre X with Lineartronic CVT transmission. The mid-grade 2.5-litre XS will also be available with a Lineartronic transmission. The high-grade 2.5-litre XS Premium benefits from luxury items while the 2.0-litre XT Lineartronic delivers 186kW from its boxer engine.

Exterior and Interior Styling Features

The new Subaru Forester benefits from larger door openings and lower sills, making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. A newly crafted interior offers improvements in terms of quality and functionality including a higher driving position which improves all-round visibility. Technological highlights include a powered tailgate with remote controllability, SI-DRIVE and X-Mode. Premium models feature start/stop technology to help improve fuel efficiency.

Safety Features??

The new Subaru Forester will come fitted with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and Subaru’s Ring-Shaped Reinforcement which has provided the Forester with a five-star ANCAP and EuroNCAP safety rating. Other technologies include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) fitted as standard. ??South African prices for the Subaru Forester will be announced closer to its launch in March 2013.