Taller, wider Forester

By Mark Hinchliffe

The Courier-Mail

02 January 2008

2008 Subaru Forester.

Subaru has unveiled its third-generation Forester in Japan.

The constant all-wheel-drive is a wider and taller vehicle with more cabin space.

It makes its Australian debut at the Melbourne Motor Show in February and goes on sale in March.

Australia is the biggest market for the Forester after Japan, which helped secure a quick on-sale date, according to Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior.

Australian specifications and pricing details have yet to be announced.

The 2008 Forester, right, will debut in Europe with the world's first diesel boxer engine, a 2-litre with about 110kW and 320Nm of torque.

Subaru Australia corporate affairs manager David Rowley said they had not ruled out the diesel engine for the Forester or other vehicles.

“We still don't have any firm time frame for diesel, but we'd definitely be interested in evaluating the engine in various models for our market,” he said.

Currently, the Forester comes with a 2.5-litre petrol engine, with a five-speed manual or four-speed sequential automatic in X, XS and XT trim levels.

The new Forester's 85mm taller roof line makes the vehicle look a little gawky, but its 45mm wider stance helps balance that impression.

The vehicle is also 75mm longer and, together with the 90mm longer wheelbase, should improve legroom.

Inside, it appears to get the same stylish dashboard and centre stack treatment as the new Impreza.

Subaru Australia also launches the Impreza STi hatch in February.

It loses the big wing, gold rims and over-sized bonnet scoop but gains a menacing body shell with pumped-out front and rear guards.

The six-speed-manual Subaru has gone from 206kW to 221kW from the 2.5-litre turbo boxer with 407Nm of torque and goes 0-100km/h in 5.2sec.

Comments on this story

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I have a MY08 Forester - no complaints. Its a manual, the only way to truly drive. Shame Aussies & USA are so lazy and just drive slush boxes

Susan James Posted at 16 September 2008 1:14am

I used to drive a Forester but now have a petrol guzzling Adventra which handles like a truck. Wanted to go back to Forester but will only buy one if they have at least a 5 speed auto, preferably six. Subaru should wake up and bring these to Australia - then they would easily make the 1100 sales per month target. Make 6 speed and option - most people would be willing to pay a bit extra for the 6 speed. Otherwise I’ll have no choice but to get a Mazda CX-7.

Guy Williamson of Melbourne Posted at 14 June 2008 5:49pm

I drove the new forester yesterday, A nice drive, I would have sworn I was still in my 2005 model. One thing though. wheres the 3 front storage bins including the centre one, only one in the new one and no front swing down arm rests. No side bins in the back like the 2005 either. The radio aerial is on the roof ,too bad about the kayaks that go up there. A nice car but lt lacks what previous models featured Never the less it will still be popular I am sure

Brian Price of SW WA Posted at 08 April 2008 1:23pm

I own a 97 Forester and like the car a lot! Two reasons that will make me buy another brand this time:
1) styling - come up with a more timeless design that lasts for more than two years before updates
2) only petrol available - my next car will be a diesel and there is no choice here yet

Frank Burton Posted at 05 April 2008 9:02am

Why a 4 speed Auto?

Most cars are now coming out with 6 speed (better fuel economy and gets more out of the engine), and Subaru sticks with a 4 speed. I can’t imagine how many sales Subaru is losing on this point alone.

I bet within a year they drop in a 5 speed.

Gino S of Sydney Posted at 01 April 2008 12:43am

If the Forester comes with a 5 speed auto- I will trade the Toyota on one

Reg Costin Posted at 05 February 2008 5:22pm

Wake up Subaru.what a new lot of ugly cars your making,youve had your head on wrong for many years but your fronts on these new cars are shocking.PS can I have the Grill back from my airconditioner from the latest Forester when your done. thanks.Phil

phil De-Ath of McKinnon Posted at 25 January 2008 8:49pm

Thats one seriously ugly front end!
It looks like they tried to make a wagon look like an SUV but it clearly wasnt a smooth transition.

Karl Posted at 18 January 2008 10:54pm

I wonder if comes with 5 paper bags for the whole family to put on their heads to avoid being humiliated when driving in this megafugly new model.
The design team in Subaru are obviously holding the pen with the 2 thumbs they have on each hand judging by the Tribeca, Impreza and now Forrester. I cant wait till they ruin the now decent Liberty!

gilly jones Posted at 16 January 2008 10:38pm

A Diesel makes sense as Europe give a discount for Diesel engined cars and 4WDs.
The Forester is a great unit and very popular in Tasmania, I have seen them in places where you would think only the 4WD big boys would dare to go.

Dave Hayden of Tasmania Posted at 16 January 2008 2:25pm

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