Subaru Forester 2008 News

Subaru has launched a major 121,754-vehicle recall to fix a potential fault which can cause the brake lights to fail (though the brakes themselves will still work), with every Forester, WRX, Impreza and XV sold over a particular timeframe impacted.

Volvo, Subaru, Land Rover, Citroen and GM have issued safety recalls for some vehicles due to defective manufacturing issues.

The Forester is Subaru’s top seller here, and was the best-selling compact SUV for the previous four years. The current model has slid slightly in run-out mode, but the next one – due in the first quarter of 2013 – still has big shoes to fill. Looking at the leaked brochure for the Japanese market, it’s a more attractive vehicle than the outgoing one. And there’s likely to be little visual change for Australia – although the mechanical specs could vary.  Despite the warping of the curved pages, the images show a more streamlined body, with cues from the latest Impreza and the XV softroader. Two spec levels are shown, L and XT – the latter getting a sportier nose and wheels, plus extra chrome trim.  The leaked pages show the next Forester has grown 35mm longer and 15mm wider than the current car, and will measure up 4595mm long, 1795mm wide, 1695mm high and have a 25mm longer wheelbase at 2640mm. Luggage capacity will also grow from the current 450 litres to between 488-505 litres in various models. Overseas markets will kick off with two 2.0-litre engine choices: the naturally aspirated 110kW unit from the Subaru XV, and a twin-scroll turbocharged one for the XT, with transmission options a six-speed manual and a CVT – in both cases driving all four wheels. However a diesel is also on the cards, and would likely be on the wishlist for Australia. The brochure details show that Subaru’s safety ‘Eyesight’ technology is likely to be offered on range-topping variants. However, Subaru Australia spokesperson David Rowley says parent company Fuji Heavy Industries is “not confirming that what we’re seeing is the next Forester” – or any other details. “When it will be unveiled? FHI have told us there is no definite date for the unveiling or for an official on-sale date in Japan or elsewhere,” he says. However he acknowledges that if it is the Forester, Subaru practice means there could be some changes in the engine line-up we get. “There are actually quite significant variations in spec in different Subaru markets,” he says. “We’re not in a position to disclose what our specs might be, but there could well be different technical variations. “There will be a variety of drivetrains available but we can’t confirm what those will be.” However he can confirm the significance of the Forester to Subaru’s sales here. “It’s our top-selling model, and the completely new-generation Forester will be hugely important to us,” he says.

And each week it seems the fuel price sign goes up faster than a politician's pay packet. Australians use a vast amount of fuel in going about their daily business, be it getting the kids to school, travelling to and from work, or conducting the nation's business.Each year we import an ocean of petrol, diesel and LPG that's equivalent to 63,000 Olympic swimming pools. And we're not alone, as the vast populations of newly mobile countries such as India and China take to the roads in their Tatas, Great Walls and Cherys, the world's thirst for oil seems ever more insatiable.Overlay this with war and unrest in the Middle East, the source of 56 per cent of the world's oil, and the inevitable push-pull dynamics of supply and demand can lean to only one thing: higher fuel prices.Here in Australia motorists have been feeling the pinch of higher fuel prices since January when the latest spike in oil prices first began appearing on service station leader boards.The spiralling petrol prices mean fuelling a family car like a Commodore or Falcon now accounts for 2.6 per cent of average weekly earnings. But you don't have to sit back and take it in the hip pocket. There are ways to drive down your weekly fuel bills. Here are a few of them.DOWNSIZING According to VFACTS industry statistics, this seems the most popular choice. Large cars have gone from the top-selling passenger segment in 2000 with 198,766 to the smallest passenger segment last year with 98,583 and falling at 3.1 per cent.Meanwhile, sales of smaller cars are skyrocketing. In the past 10 years small car sales have almost doubled to 239,191 while light cars have increased about 44 per cent to 137,916. You can buy a small car from as little as $11,990 (plus on-road costs) for the Chinese-made Chery, right up $35,990 for a Citroen DS3.And you won't go without. Some of the cheapest little cars these days come with a swag of safety and creature features from multiple airbags to Bluetooth connectivity.PROS: Save on fuel; do the environment a favour; easier to park; nippier in traffic; little hatches can be cavernous if you fold down the rear seats.CONS: You get cramped on long journeys; they are noisier on the highway; they're bumpier over potholes; you could feel a little silly driving a Smurf car.Our Pick: Hyundai i20 (from $15,490) is set to take over from Getz as the segment leader with Euro styling and a high level of features and safety.Others to Consider: Suzuki Swift (from $15,990), Mazda2 (from $15,790) and Toyota Yaris (from $14,990).DIESEL Like smaller car categories, the growth in diesel-powered vehicles is exponential. Since the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries began collating separate figures for various fuel types in 2005, diesel cars and SUVs have more than doubled to 125,555 last year, which is almost one in every five new passenger cars or SUVs bought today.The reason is that modern diesel engines are not only up to twice as frugal as a petrol vehicle, but they often have lower emissions because they burn less fuel per kilometre and usually have an exhaust system that traps small carbon materials.Modern diesels are also quieter and smoother running. However, diesel engines have higher internal pressures and a complex fuel system so they are more expensive to build than a petrol engine. Some car companies charge up to $10,000 more for a diesel variant, although most charge around an extra $2000.Expensive diesels are often the result of low production volumes and highly technological designs and machining costs. To reap the economic benefits you have to drive big kilometres each year and hold on to the vehicle longer.An extreme example is the Holden CD Cruze auto diesel that costs $4000 more than the petrol model. Based on RACQ's fuel running costs of 9.36c/km for the petrol and 8.41c/km for the diesel, you would have to drive 25,000km for 16 years to recoup the extra cost.PROS: Fuel economy is anywhere between 10-50 per cent better than a petrol equivalent; more torque means quicker acceleration and easier driving around town; better towing capacity; marginally better resale value; lower CO2 emissions per kilometre; diesel engines often last longer because of the more robust engineering.CONS: Fewer diesel pumps on servo forecourts means queuing at the servo; oily bowser pumps leave your hands smelly and dirty; the engines still clatter at idle and sound raucous at full revs; it takes a long time to reap the economic benefits; servicing charges can also be more expensive because of the more expensive oils required and the complicated fuel systems.Our Pick: Fiesta ECOnetic (from $24,990) is a hybrid beater even in stop-start commuting, yet it's a delight to drive.Others to Consider: Hyundai i30 (from $23,090), VW Golf (from $29,990), Subaru Forester (from $35,990).LPG It's almost worth it to convert your petrol or diesel vehicle to LPG just to get the $1500 Federal government subsidy. But you better be quick because the conversion rebate drops to $1250 from July 1 and decreases $250 annually. All rebates and subsidies are only for private vehicles.Conversions cost an average of $2800 for pre-2006 vehicles, but about $4000 for newer vehicles because of emissions regulations. If you buy a vehicle factory fitted for LPG before its first registration, you get a $2000 rebate from the Feds.However, choices of new vehicles with factory fitted LPG systems are limited. Ford has a new LPG Falcon coming in July and has factory-fitted systems for some of its utes. Holden has an Autogas dual-fuel injection system for its Commodore and will have a mono-fuel LPG Commodore later this year.Toyota has a direct injection LPG system for its 2.7-litre HiAce vans and Mitsubishi has an aftermarket sequential multi-port direct-injection system for its Challenger, Express Van, Pajero, Triton and the now defunct 380.PROS: Much cheaper fuel (about 60c compared with $140+ for ULP); government subsidies make conversion attractive; LPG prices are fairly static so you don't have to fill up on a Tuesday morning when servo prices are cheapest; lower emissions.CONS: Limited choice of new dual-fuel vehicles; only suitable for large vehicles; you lose boot space; even though they are safe they can develop minor smelly leaks; they add about 75kg (about the weight of two large suitcases) to the rear of the car effecting handling; it can be difficult finding servos with LPG in rural areas.HYBRID These are vehicles with petrol or diesel internal combustion engines paired with an electric motor or motors. The drivetrain and associated battery pack for the electric motor is more complex so therefore more costly. Like diesels, you need to do big kays before the savings at the bowser recoup the extra purchase price.For example, a Toyota Prius costs about $2500 more than a Corolla Ultima. Using RACQ's running costs, the fuel savings will take 4 years at 15,000km a year (or 2.5 years at 25,000km/year) to recoup the extra purchase price.Most hybrids switch off totally every time you stop and run on electric power only when you are driving slowly, so they are most economical in heavy traffic. The benefits are marginal on country roads and highways, although when both drive units are operating under heavy acceleration such as when overtaking, they do offer a tangible boost to acceleration.Despite the fact the technology has been around for 10 years, Hybrids are still relatively new. Today, there are 10 hybrid models on the market, but only the Toyota Prius, Camry, Honda Insight and Civic are affordable.Hybrids tend to be bought mainly by governments and big business to emphasise their green credentials. Taxi companies also like hybrids because of their fuel efficiency in urban environments. If you're open to the idea of a used vehicle, then a second-hand Prius or similar is a reasonable option.PROS: Cheaper to run in traffic; feel and be seen to be environmentally conscious; extra power under heavy acceleration; almost silent running when on electric only power.CONS: Higher purchase price; the number of models is limited but you can choose from a small Prius to a large Porsche Cayenne SUV; some look odd like the Prius and Insight.Our Pick: Toyota Prius (from $39,900) and the Honda Insight (from $29,990) at least look like futuristic hybrids, so your neighbours will know you are trying to be green.Others to consider: Honda Civic (from $34,490), Toyota Camry (from $36,990)ELECTRIC CARSThe only production electric cars in Australia are the Tesla Roadster at $241,938 and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV which is available only on a lease of $1740 a month for three years for a total of $62,640. Then the car goes back to Mitsubishi. When it arrives it is expected to cost $70,000.However, prices will come crashing down in the next few years as more and more EVs become available in Australia. The first of these will be the Nissan Leaf and Holden Volt next year.The Volt is expected to cost less than $40,000 and Nissan is saying the Leaf will cost about the same to run as a Tiida, even though initial outlay will probably be close to the Volt. While tailpipe emissions are zero, most electricity in Australia comes from burning dirty coal, so the environmental advantage is reduced.Some critics say there is no advantage. Current limitations of battery technology mean range is also limited to about 160km according to the car companies, but in real life it's less, especially if you have a lead foot.PROS: Very cheap to run; no tailpipe emissions; almost silent running; aerodynamic body shapes.CONS: Expensive to buy - that's if you can find one to buy; silent running can be dangerous for pedestrians; battery disposal is an environmental issue; range is limited; long re-charging time (up to eight hours); most EVs are designed to look futuristic but just end up looking like golf carts.DRIVE ECONOMICALLYOf all the things you can do to drive down your fuel bill, this is the most pragmatic as it's the simplest and most affordable. It can be expensive to swap your trusted and much-loved family car or SUV for something smaller or with an alternative powertrain.Trade-in prices on family cars are down according to the Motor Trades Association and if you buy a new car, you are up for dealer delivery charges, stamp duty and registration. It may be cheaper to hang on to your vehicle, but modify your driving behaviour for more economical running.There are many simple things you can do: Plan trips better and make fewer trips; jettison excess weight from the car; correctly inflate your tyres and get your car serviced more frequently.Most importantly you can vary your driving behaviour by slowing down, changing up the gears sooner, avoiding heavy breaking and staying away from peak-hour traffic. You may have heard these all before, but here are five radical ideas to reducing your fuel expense burden that you may not have heard.1. Cool idea: Turning off the airconditioning will provide a slight increase in fuel economy. However, when travelling on the highway, it is more fuel efficient to have the windows up and aircon switched on than having the windows down creating aerodynamic drag. Don't leave the aircon off for long periods as bacteria will build up in the system.2. Light is right: So throw out not only the unnecessary baggage such as your golf clubs, but maybe also the spare tyre. It can weigh 15-20kg in the average car. The US Department of Energy quotes fuel use as 1-2 per cent for every 45.5kg, so that's at least 0.5 per cent saved. Conversely, NRMA tests show that loading a vehicle to its rated maximum increases fuel consumption 24 per cent. While you might be able to get away without a spare tyre around town, we recommend you always carry it on long trips, especially in the country.3. Turned off: Switch off the engine at long traffic light stops. Modern fuel-injected cars start quickly without the need for any throttle. Car makers with stop-start technology that automatically switches off the engine every time the car is stopped quote fuel savings in traffic of 4-5 per cent.4. Just cruising: Use cruise control more frequently. Most cruise control systems actually put the car's engine into an economy mode and will run more efficiently than most drivers can drive as it accelerates more evenly. It is best used on the open road and not hilly terrain or stop-start conditions. While we could not find any official figures, some sources claim fuel savings up to 14 per cent.5. Re-tyre: the next time you buy tyres, choose from the new range of "eco" tyres with low rolling resistance. A California Energy Commission study estimated low-rolling resistance tyres could save 1.5-4.5 per cent on fuel consumption.

The Forester S-Edition concept builds on the turbocharged following of the existing Forester XT.  It is powered by a turbocharged 2.5 litre boxer engnie with 193kW of power, which is 24kW more than the XT and produces 347Nm of torque, up 27 Nm.Other features are paddleshift five-speed automatic gearbox, revised sports suspension, Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) all-wheel drive, STI 17-inch high lustre alloy wheels, alcantara seat trim with S-Edition logos, drilled alloy pedals, luminescent instruments with centre design unique to the model and S-Edition badging and styling accents.The bonnet wing mirror on the display model is only for Japan which will not get to see the vehicle for another month.  Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior says it is an honour for Fuji Heavy Industries to unveil the vehicle in Sydney."It points towards an exciting development in our Forester range early next year,'' he says."Forester is firmly established as Australia's best-selling compact sports utility vehicle, with the most recent addition to the range being the diesel variants that are proving a sales winner for our all-wheel drive brand."There's no denying Forester's appeal to Australians in both urban and rural environments, so we think this concept will only add to the huge interest."Since going on the market in June, diesel variants have represented 29 per cent of Forester sales.  The S Edition will have a $4000 premium over the XT.Senior says the high value of the Australian dollar had not affected Subaru prices as they deal in the Yen which has been as strong as 106c in the past year.The Subaru stand is also showing the recently revised widebody WRX and WRX STI, including the newly introduced sedan variant and paddleshift auto.  Senior commends the one Australian motor show per year concept.“We will see more world reveals with one show on the calendar,” he says.  “We will also have some exciting displays at Mebourne next year.  Maybe not a world first; but instead of five new things we will have one big thing.”He suggests July as a better time to stage the show.  “You just come off the high of June sales and July and August are a bit of a hangover, so a July show would put more spark into sales.”

Subaru Australia will take the covers off a high-performance version of the compact crossover wagon that will sit above the existing turbo XT model in what is expected to be a world first.

The tweak to the Subaru Forester is a typical value-added deal, with extra equipment on the basic X model for no added cost. The difference is a Columbia connection, which puts a badge on the car and a $500 shopping voucher into the wallet for everyone who takes one of the cars.  "Columbia sportswear fits our recreational image . . . well, like a glove," says Subaru Australia spokesman, Dave Rowley. "We did a similar thing about a year ago with Columbia and it worked well, so we decided to re-visit it." The price of the Forester X Columbia is unchanged from the regular X at $33,990 driveaway, or $35,990 for the auto, with the upgrade running to 16-inch alloys, fog lights, roof cross bars, a cargo tray and rear step panel.  Of course, there is special Columbia badging and the gift voucher. Subaru Australia has ordered 1050 cars for the deal, which means it is unlikely to last beyond February for a car that's the best seller in its class. AT A GLANCESubaru Forester X Columbia Price: from $33,990Body: five-door station wagonSafety: six airbags, ESP, anti-skid brakes, all-wheel driveEngine: 2.5-litre four cylinderOutput: 126kw/229NmEconomy: 9.3L/100kmEmissions: 220g/km  

Subaru Australia managing director, Nick Senior, is close to signing off on the multi-purpose Exiga minivan.

1233 Foresters, Imprezas, WRX, WRX STi, Liberty GT sedans and wagons locally are potentially affected, Subaru Australia spokesman David Rowley says.The cars were manufactured between January 8 and April 5.Rowley says there have been no reported incidents with the turbo engines in Australia. However, Fuji Heavy Industries, the manufacturer of Subaru vehicles, has temporarily suspended the production and sale of all 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engines built between the notified dates.Cars affected are the Forester XT, chassis number 002070 onwards; Impreza WRX and WRX STI, chassis number 015006 onwards; Liberty GT sedan, chassis number 038385 onwards; and Liberty GT wagon, chassis number 068148 onwards. Cars fitted with any other engines are not affected.Concerned customers can contact Subaru customer relations immediately on 1800226643. 

The impeccable safety record, the reliable boxer engine and the constant improvements to ride, all contribute to my fondness and expectations. So it’s slightly disappointing to reveal that the latest Forester doesn’t do much for me at all*. And it’s not because it doesn’t deliver in the aforementioned areas – it does. It just looks so damn drab. But that’s no surprise; the Forester has always struggled aesthetically. It’s a real wonder, given our growing demand for style and looks that it has been such a successful car. I suppose ‘successful’ is an understatement; this car has bobbled around in the top three in its class for over a decade. It’s the most popular car Subaru sell. So what’s going on here? How is this happening? Is it because it has such a good reputation? I don’t think these heady days for the Forester can last without dramatic improvements to styling, inside and out. First it was the boxy, two tone brick; now it’s bigger but still boring. The base model interior is plasticky and unimaginative. Like I said, I’m being harsh because I like Subarus. Great engine and safety, and it’s a comfy drive. I just think they can do a lot better in the looks department. Do you agree, people? Am I going crazy and simply missing something obvious? Why are they so popular? Help? *The XT turbo does look a bit better with its big bonnet scoop, buldging guards and wheel arches and other muscular features, but I am talking about the XS, the base model that most of us will be buying.