MIMS 2008 Forester grows up

The covers alone gave hint to what lies beneath – something much bigger and wider – but is it better?

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Like the rest of the Subaru range, Forester kicked off a cult following when it was first introduced in 1997 as a boxy, low-rise soft-roader with a tendency to wag its tail.

Eleven years and 105.000 cars later, the formula is similar – but by aiming at a broader cross-section of buyers, the Forester may lose some of its loyal fans if the drive is ‘dulled’ by such weighty matters.

One thing Subaru refused to comment on was the kerb weight of the car.

The trim ands spec levels remain segmented as X, XS and turbocharged XT, and the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines are carried over. But the car is longer, wider, taller, and carries more features and creature comforts – so does it have the zip of its forbears?

This is the question, and while it remains unanswered, Subaru engineers have hinted at a revised front suspension setup and firmer load-carrying rear suspension.

It also dodges the aesthetic controversy of the recent Impreza hatch. Media and public alike have gone so far as to draw parallels between Subaru’s new corporate grille and less attractive parts of the human anatomy, but the Japanese carmaker has played it safe with the new Forester.

Impreza styling is more obvious once inside, with virtually the same dash and cabin trimmings as the hatch, depending on spec. It also shares its five-speed manual, and (unfortunately) its four-speed auto.

It fits with the entire Subaru line in safety, with a five-star occupant safety rating, three-star pedestrian rating (from a maximum four stars). Stability control program (VDC) makes its debut on the SUV and is standard across the range – the lesser Liberty models are now the only cars without standard VDC, and this will change next year.

Liberty’s SI-Drive engine management system that allows the driver to toggle between Intelligent (green), Sports and Sports Sharp responses is also available.

While full pricing will be revealed in a fortnight at the model’s launch, we can tell you the X spec’s price tag sits at $30,490. This is $1500 less than the current base model Forester. The run-out sales should be blistering…

Subaru hopes to raise sales of this new Forester by at least 10 percent to over 1100 cars.

Also on the stands is a sped-up Liberty with STI badges adorning its bumpers.

It is a failsafe experiment – the last time STI got its hands on the Liberty, all 300 sedans and wagons were sold quicker than you can say “Subaru Liberty GT Spec B Tuned by STI”.

Subaru Tecnica International, or STI, draws 194kW and 350Nm from Liberty’s already-potent turbocharged Boxer engine, matched to a six-speed manual or five-speed Sportshift auto and tailed by a more effective sports muffler.

The STI sports suspension package includes re-rated Bilstein dampers and hardens up the cars’ corners, while unique 18-inch ENKEI multi-spoke alloys offer low profile grip.

A low front spoiler and STI badging completes the exterior modifications, while STI branded seats and bespoke short throw manual shifter lighten up the cabin.

The 250 Version 2 sedans and wagons will go on sale on April 8, and retails for $65,990 for either manual or auto, with a $2000 hike for the wagon.

Just don’t expect an STI iteration of Forester anytime soon.

“We like to focus on two separate channels in our range – Liberty and Impreza on one side, Forester and Tribeca on the other,” said Subaru managing director Nick Senior.

“Subaru (Japan) is discussing the possibility of a Forester STI, and there are a lot of younger people getting into our turbocharged XT, but we would need to get the car through (a new set of) ADR and restrictions to sell it here. We would love to have it, but the question is - would it be worth it?”

Senior then smiled, answering his own question…