Subaru Forester 2015 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.

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.

Subaru took the wraps off the new sixth-generation Liberty just last week, and there’s already talk of new engine options for the mid-size sedan in the near future.The US-spec Legacy shown in Chicago featured almost-carryover 2.5-litre four and 3.6-litre six-cylinder boxer engines from the existing fifth-generation model, with minor efficiency tweaks and a CVT auto available with the six for the first time.However, a report by Car and Driver suggests that a version of the 2.0-litre turbo four found in the Forester XT and new WRX will soon be added, and likely to replace the performance-focused 2.5-litre turbo GT for the Australian market.The report also suggests the 3.6-litre six is set to be replaced by a smaller-capacity, yet more powerful unit within the next couple of years. Subaru are yet to release consumption figures for the CVT-equipped 3.6, but the existing five-speed auto paired version sips a relatively thirsty 10.3L/100.Expect this figure to drop significantly with a new smaller engine, which is likely to embrace direct injection along with a CVT auto to rival the 9.3L/100km achieved by the Liberty’s Toyota Aurion and Nissan Altima V6 rivals.The new engine is not expected to be ready for the new Liberty-based Outback’s debut at the New York motor show in April, with a debut in the Tribeca SUV’s replacement being more likely.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn