2015 Subaru Forester | new car sales price

Price cuts and new automatic diesel for updated Forester SUV.

Subaru has announced updates to its Forester mid-size SUV range, cutting prices across the lineup and adding a new diesel automatic variant for 2015.

The price cuts follow the free trade agreement with Japan signed late last year, equating to savings of up to $3500 on some Forester models.

The revised Forester range now kicks off with the $29,990 2.0i-L which was previously priced from $32,490.

Opting for the automatic version sees that price rise to $32,490.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated boxer four-cylinder engine delivering 110kW/198Nm to all four wheels via a six-speed manual or CVT automatic. Combined fuel consumption for the 2.0-litre is rated at 7.2L/100km.

The 2.0i-L also features a new 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system fitted across the entire 2015 Forester range. It brings Bluetooth phone and audio, voice recognition and smartphone-like flick and pinch to zoom operation. More expensive models also add satnav to the list of multimedia functions.

Price cuts of up to $3500 follow the free trade agreement with Japan signed late last year.

Stepping up to the $32,990 2.5i-L model brings a bigger 126kW/235Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine and a standard CVT automatic gearbox. Combined fuel consumption for the 2.5-litre unit is listed as 8.1L/100km.

The same 2.5-litre unit is also used in the 2.5i-S model, which adds keyless entry and start, sunroof, power tailgate, leather upholstery and heated power front seats, xenon headlights, satnav and Subaru’s Eye-sight auto emergency brake system.

The diesel range kicks off with the $33,490 Forester 2.0D-L manual, and for the first time Subaru is now offering the diesel with CVT automatic variant priced from $35,490.

The 108kW/350Nm 2.0-litre diesel unit is also fitted to the $39,490 2.0D-S model which gets the same standard features as the 2.5i-S model.

Combined fuel consumption for the CVT diesel is a claimed 6.3L/100km, dropping to 5.9L/100km in manual guise.

The Forester XT performance model is powered by the 177kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo four and is priced from $40,990 in CVT auto form – there’s no manual option. This is also the thirstiest model, averaging 8.5L/100km.

Stepping up to the range-topping XT Premium sees the price jump to $47,990 while the features from the 2.0D-S and 2.5i-S are added.

The 2015 Subaru Forester range also benefits from upgraded interior materials aimed at giving a higher quality feel.