Subaru pads its 2023 line-up with six new special edition variants for 50th anniversary across Forester, Outback and WRX

Subaru has added six new variants across its Forester, Outback and WRX range to celebrate its 50th anniversary in Australia.

While the first Subaru model, the 1500, was launched in 1954 in Japan as a spin-off from Fuji Heavy Industries, official operations only began in Australia in 1973 with the arrival of the Leone sedan. An all-wheel drive wagon version arrived in 1975 alongside its Brumby ute spin-off, kick-starting Subaru's pedigree in the Australian market.

To celebrate this milestone, the Forester gains two special editions, a basic 2.5i and a higher grade 2.5i-S, while the Outback gains a single high-spec XT special edition. The WRX special editions are available either in manual or automatic for the sedan, and in one auto spec for the wagon.

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The 50 years editions all carry commemorative badge-work, alongside minor alterations to their trim, and carry minor price premiums, between $500 and $1700 depending on the model.

Carrying a $1000 premium, the Forester 2.5i 50 Years Edition scores leather interior trim, with upgraded door panels and dash finish over the standard version, while the 2.5i-S scores blacked-out exterior and interior highlights, alternate chrome-finish 18-inch wheels, and alternate leather seat trim at a $500 premium.

The Outback 50 Years Edition is the most expensive outback grade, carrying a $500 premium over the Touring XT. 

It swaps the Touring XT’s more premium exterior highlights for the blacked-out finish and dark alloy wheels of the more aggressive Sport grade, whilst also adding the interior refinements like the premium audio system, Nappa leather interior trim, and sunroof from the Touring grade. It is also only available in a special blue shade only otherwise available on the car outside Australia.

Meanwhile, the WRX 50 Years Edition adds alternate ultrasuede seat trim and interior finish with blue stitching, powered seats, rear USB ports, and black exterior highlights. Sedan versions carry a $1700 premium, while the wagon carries a $1200 premium.

Subaru is just holding on to its top-10 positioning in the Australian market in 2023, last year having been overtaken by MG (7th), and this year having been eclipsed by Tesla (8th). Isuzu, which ranks 10th so far in 2023 is tailing Subaru’s 9th position by just 753 units.

Next for Subaru in Australia is the Crosstrek small SUV, replacing the XV, and its Impreza hatchback relation, which is set to arrive later in the year. The Solterra electric mid-size SUV, which is a platform-share project with Toyota’s also-highly-anticipated bZ4X, is also due this year ahead of its Toyota sibling, although exact timing is yet to be confirmed.

Subaru 50 Years Edition pricing (MSRP)