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Subaru Releases New Forester
13th March, 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Subaru has launched its new generation Forester wagon. Subaru's best-selling vehicle is expanding its appeal with a new look featuring cabin refinements, enhanced efficiency and comfort. It is stronger, yet more frugal, offering fuel consumption improvements of up to 7.8 per cent. Forester achieves a five-star rating for occupant protection in independent crashworthiness testing by the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP). It has also gained a three-star pedestrian rating. Subaru’s safety commitment is again highlighted by the introduction of standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) across the Forester range. The Forester’s All-Wheel Drive recreational credentials are underlined by a 20 mm increase in ground clearance, to 220 mm on Forester X and XS, and 225 mm on turbocharged XT. Forester X pricing starts from $30,490 recommended retail price. Forester’s interior space is greater, with rear occupant access and the cargo area notably enhanced. SPORTSHIFT transmissions are standard in all automatic naturally aspirated Foresters. The Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) four-cylinder 2.5 litre naturally aspirated horizontally opposed boxer engine in Forester X and XS offers a 4.1 per cent power hike and a 1.3 per cent improvement in torque. In the Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) four-cylinder 2.5 litre turbocharged XT, torque kicks in 400 revs lower in the range at 3,200 rpm. Every Forester engine meets European STEP4 emission standards. Newly developed double wishbone rear suspension optimises Forester’s renowned constant AWD handling, while reducing cargo area intrusion, to produce a wider load carrying space with easier access. In line with new generation Subarus, framed doors have further refined Forester’s solidity and ride comfort, and contribute to major reductions in NVH. Key Subaru priorities of drivability and safety are enhanced by the stiffer chassis. Engineers from Subaru Australia and manufacturer Fuji Heavy Industries conducted extensive testing of Forester in local conditions to ensure the car’s suitability. Forester’s 90 mm longer wheelbase contributes to both its excellent dynamics and spacious cabin. Cabin dimensions are increased in the key areas of head, leg and shoulder room. Ergonomic advances mean all key controls are within easy reach of the driver. Access to Forester is easier, with wider opening doors, while front and rear seats are redesigned for better support. Further improving Forester’s safety, engines sit 10 mm lower in the chassis – despite increased ground clearance - reducing the centre of gravity, benefiting road holding and reducing the risk of vehicle roll-over. Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “Forester is the recreational vehicle for those with active lifestyles and in many ways it really is the new style of family car." "It appeals to existing customers who still want a vehicle that complements their recreational lifestyle." "It is more fuel efficient, offers exceptional safety levels and has a very comfortable yet highly practical cabin that offers a flexible choice of seating and cargo configurations to suit family life." "Over the years Forester has become one of Australia’s most awarded cars and with sales of more than 105,000 since 1997, we can only see it growing further – it’s the All-Wheel Drive for the active family life." He added: "Forester has proved itself over 10 years as a rock-solid investment when it comes to reliability, resale value and whole-of-life costs." “We anticipate sales of around 1,100 per month, about a 10 per cent increase on present.” Exterior Forester is an all-new design featuring an elegant, yet functional look that offers improved practicality, including passenger and cargo access. The body is 75 mm longer than the superseded car while the wheelbase has increased by 90 mm. It is also 110 mm taller, including roof rails. Width is increased by 60 mm to 1,795 mm and the rear overhang is shortened. Forester has a wide grille with chrome-style highlights, while clear lens “hawk eye” headlights underline the new look, which extends to the rear with the integrated taillights, with metallic highlights. A character line runs between the front and rear doors. Forester XT adds auto-levelling Xenon (low beam) HID headlights with pop-up washers and is also distinguished by the air intake integrated with the bonnet, for aerodynamic and cooling efficiency benefits. Front and rear bumpers feature a grey-finish lower area, highlighting the Compact Sports Utility Vehicle status. Forester XS and XT add front fog lights with a chrome surround. Fin-type windscreen wiper blades improve efficiency when driving at high speeds, while also reducing noise. All Foresters have new design multi-dispersing washer nozzles, to optimise glass cleaning. They are positioned below the bonnet line to reduce wind resistance. Wing mirrors are more compact, while also reducing wind noise. Although body width has increased, mirror-to-mirror distance has reduced from 2,016 to 2,008 mm. Door handles on XS and XT have a matt alloy finish. Framed doors benefit NVH and include double layer seals that also aid air conditioning efficiency. Front door opening angle has increased from 63 degrees to 68 degrees, helping cabin access. Rear door opening angle is up from 68 degrees to 75 degrees and also aids child seat fitment. Forester XS and XT feature new design five-spoke alloy wheels – 16-inch for XS and 17-inch for XT. Roof rails have been aerodynamically tested to ensure less wind resistance and noise at high speeds. XT has a rear spoiler integrated into the roof design to optimise the coefficient of drag. Cargo area width and height is enlarged for improved access, while the rear tailgate handle is operated by a solenoid switch for easy opening. Forester maintains the model’s long-established standard enabling a one metre tall object positioned one metre from the rear bumper, to be seen by the driver through the rear screen when reversing. Radio reception is enhanced by the use of a rear roof-mounted aerial to minimise interference. Colours All variants:
X and XS only:
Interior 
New Forester’s cabin features a sweeping dual cockpit type design. Rear legroom is improved by 109 mm to 965 mm and front legroom by 29 mm, to 1,095 mm. Significant improvements to cabin comfort, noise, vibration and harshness have been achieved, while instrumentation has taken on a sporty new appearance. On ignition, a sweep function has been added to the instruments. The instrument cluster features three, three-dimensional-type dials with blue highlights and metallic surrounds, while blue illumination lights the storage space beneath the centre control unit, when headlights are switched on. This space is capable of holding eight compact discs. Interior ergonomics were a design priority and frequently used controls are grouped together and easily reachable by the driver, including steering wheel cruise control and audio buttons. An information display in the dashboard centre is visible to all occupants. It displays external temperature, average fuel consumption, time and front seatbelt warning lights. The steering column now includes both telescopic and tilt functions. The telescopic function allows 40 mm of adjustment. Attention to detail includes a damper in the glove box lid. The glove box can hold up to 12 CDs. Forester features newly developed seats to maximise comfort and leg room, with lower back support a priority in the design process. Each section of the 60/40 split rear seat back can be reclined, while there is a retractable centre armrest. The multi-function centre console in SPORTSHIFT automatic Foresters and XT variants offers multiple storage combinations suiting a wide variety of sizes from mobile phones to hand bags. It includes an open front face that enables larger objects to be housed beneath the armrest, the equivalent size of 11 CDs. The console includes an AUX input and 12 volt power outlet. The armrest slides to suit individual drivers. A new Forester feature is a retractable rear tray with dual cup holders. It folds into the centre seat cushion on XS and XT when not in use. The door arm rests feature cloth inserts that match the seat trim. Large drink holders are integrated in front and rear door pockets, which are also large enough for a small tissue box. Alloy-style door and dashboard highlights underline a new look. Interiors are available in grey or black. If reverse is engaged while the rear wiper is on intermittent, the wiper changes automatically to continuous mode. Air conditioning is refined to reduce engine load, with the lightweight compressor increasing fuel efficiency. A sub-cooled compressor is also added, reducing the quantity of refrigerant, while an oil separator reduces oil circulation rate in the system and enhances cooling performance. Rear heat ducts and dust-proof filters are added on all models. Double-layered door seals and weather strips improve window sealing and temperature insulation, for better air conditioning performance and noise reduction. Manual air conditioning is standard on Forester X, while XS and XT add automatic air conditioning with climate control. The flat cargo area can accommodate four golf bags or four large suitcases. A variety of cargo area hooks are fitted, to secure luggage. All Foresters have a retractable cargo area security screen. Engineering Forester adopts the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept introduced on Impreza, producing benefits to steering response, stability, comfort and NVH. The new chassis also enables introduction of double wishbone rear suspension, minimising cargo area intrusion, leaving space for rear seat recline and maximising cargo floor space. Engine All Forester engines are refined for greater fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and improved performance. Transmissions are also revised to match the increase in low to mid-range torque, with efficiency, emission and noise benefits. The result is smooth, linear acceleration and reduced fuel consumption. New Forester Fuel consumption Litres/100km
Forester MY09 pricing These are recommended retail prices and do not include dealer and statutory charges.
Options: Satellite navigation (XS Premium) $2,990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ABN 47106248033 |
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