The new Subaru Forester is now available in South Africa. The new Subaru Forester is available with a choice of five models and fitted with the latest generation Boxer engines and equipped with innovative technologies. The new Forester is considered to be the ‘smartest, safest and most efficient Forester to date’, according to Subaru.

New Subaru Forester – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The entry-level 2.0 X is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 110kW and 198Nm of torque. Fuel consumption for this engine is rated at 7.2-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 168g/km. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

A 2.5 -litre Boxer engine is available across the X, XS and XS Premium trim levels and produces 126kW and 235Nm of torque. All the 2.5-litre models feature Lineartronic CVT transmission which include X-Mode and the two-mode SI-Drive. Combined fuel consumption for this unit is 8.1-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 187g/km.

The range-topping 2.0 XT Lineartronic is powered by a direct injection turbocharged four-cylinder Boxer petrol engine that produces 177kW and 350Nm of torque . Combined fuel consumption is rated at 8.5-litres/100km with a carbon emissions figure of 197g/km. The new Subaru Forester also features the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system which contributes to enhanced grip in all driving conditions, whether it be on or off the road.

Exterior and Interior Styling Features

The newly sculpted front-end is both sporty and rugged looking with the A-pillar sitting 200mm further forward when compared to the previous generation. The sleek and elegant overall design is complemented with 17-inch or 18-inch wheel designs, prominent wheel arches and a higher ride height which asserts the Forester’s presence on the road. The new Subaru Forester is available with a choice of eight colours.

The interior has been restyled to incorporate sophisticated shapes and soft-touch materials with silver accents used extensively throughout the interior for a more modern feel. The seating has been redesigned to offer maximum comfort and the raised seating position offers enhanced all-round visibility. With a wheelbase of 2.64m, the Forester offers a comfortable and spacious interior for the whole family.

Safety Features

The new Subaru Forester has been awarded a five-star safety rating from the Australian ANCAP, as well as by Euro NCAP and scored the highest possible marks for SUVs in the 2012 Euro NCAP crash tests. Some notable safety features include Subaru’s Ring-Shaped Reinforcement, a reversing camera, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), seven airbags and a collapsible brake pedal and steering column. Other safety features include ISOFIX child seat mounts with tether anchors, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Limited Slip Device (LSD) and Brake Assist (BA).

New Subaru Forester – Price

Prices include a 3-year / 75 000km Maintenance Plan, a 3-year / 100 000km warranty and Subaru Assist. Various extension packages are also available.