Subaru Forester News

The two fresh Subaru faces will arrive in January, with the Forester's complete change brings with it an automatic gearbox for its diesel-engined models.The CVT box is a tweaked version of the unit fitted to the current Impreza models, with gearshift changes designed to suit off-road applications. Subaru will also bring access to offroad adventure in the form of a high-riding sedan.The Liberty sedan cross-over - effectively a four-door Outback - arrives in January with 60mm extra high-ride suspension and the choice of four and six-cylinder petrol engines.It has no direct competitors in its expected $35,000 to $55,000 price bracket but will be shopped against its wagon counterpart and new models including the diesel-only Volkswagen Passat Alltrack wagon, due here in November.The Liberty sedan cross-over - which is yet to get an official name - was first displayed at last month's Beijing motor show. Compared with the standard Liberty sedan, it features a new grille and front bumper, chrome side skirts and 18-inch alloy wheels.Cabin changes are black metal dash trim and relocated electronic park brake and SI-Drive switches. Subaru Australia's managing director Nick Senior says the car will be ideal for Australian roads ``where we have a huge percentage of unsealed surfaces and the extra ride height adds to its capability in regional and rural areas''.Subaru sells the bulk of its diesel models into these areas yet, conversely, the Liberty sedan won't come with a diesel engine. Well, not initially."Another key aspect of this new Liberty variant is that the hip point is 70mm higher than the current sedan,'' Senior says. Only two markets in the world - Australia and China - will get this model. Senior says that's because they each have unique road conditions. "It is still an enlightening statistic that around 60 per cent of our roads are unsealed,'' he says."Our all-wheel drive Liberty is a great choice for these conditions and the new variant with its extra ground clearance makes an even stronger case."We see its main market to be in rural areas, but it will also be ideal for those with tricky driveways, those who travel with trailers and caravans, or just those who want a sedan where you can sit a bit higher.''The Liberty sedan variant goes on sale about January and will be available with either 2.5-litre four-cylinder or 3.6-litre six-cylinder petrol engines. Keen spotters of Subaru product would have noticed a hybrid model on the 2011 Tokyo motor show stand. The Advanced Tourer Concept (ATC) is a sports wagon with an aerodynamic body over a hybrid system that combines a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and an electric motor. Though the drivetrain is interesting and may be with us in a few years, be prepared to see that body shape a bit earlier. 

But not in the disastrous manner of 2011, when the  brand's production was stalled by natural disasters. The Australian arm of the Japanese car maker may struggle to get enough of its two new models, the Impreza and the XV, until production capacity is improved later this year. Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior says sales targets are around 700 per month. "Last year was 11,000 with 2000 WRX - our biggest problem will be supply for Impreza and XV - adding the XV we have another model without increasing production capacity, that's later this year," he says. The introduction of the rear-wheel drive BRZ (a shared development with Toyota) has given Subaru a boost as it continues to overcome its 2011 performance that was marred  by natural disasters. "It has already started doing things for us, there's a focus on Subaru since the announcement, with all the coverage and the unveiling - we've never seen so much coverage for the brand. "When it goes on sale there will be a potentially new audience for us," he says. While the rear-wheel drive model has been seen by some in the industry as a dilution of the Subaru All Wheel Drive mantra, Mr Senior says there were no plans to go front-wheel drive with its new Impreza to provide a cut-price contender in the small car market."The short answer is no - we've been able to demonstrate that the changes we've made to the Impreza, in terms of weight reduction and transmission technology, has put us towards the top of the pack."In terms of fuel efficient and low emissions, a competitive price, the strategy we have adopted is the correct strategy and there's not a lot of benefit to gain from trying to compete at the bottom end with a front wheel drive car in that category," he says. Sales targets for 2011 were set above the brand's 2010 record of around 40,000, numbers. Mr Senior is aiming to see in the year-to-date total column at the end of December, but without resorting to a front-wheel drive model. "We at the moment have a point of difference in the small car class, we've demonstrated it doesn't have to add weight and in fuel consumption we are ahead, we've addressed a whole lot of issues - there's not going to be a huge saving going FWD any way, our system is simple and we do it efficiently," he says. Four new Subarus will grace local showrooms over the next 12 months - XV, Impreza, BRZ and Forester - but the wait for new WRX and STI models (now a line-up divorced from the Impreza) will be a little longer. "WRX and STI is now it's own model in its own right, the business model is being done at the moment, it will not be here this year - we've seen the strongest WRX sales we've seen in the last 5 years on the changes made, that will continue for a couple of years," Mr Senior says.

It has a giant job, firstly in drawing newbies to the brand and secondly as one of the three legs of Subaru's new global small-car attack. The Subaru XV comes to Australia first, but will soon be followed by an all- new Impreza and then by a WRX that moves much further away from its humble small-car roots. It must also win buyers to a baby SUV category that's in its infancy in Australia, just as the Forester did. "We are creating a category killer with the XV," says Nick Senior, managing director of Subaru Australia. It blends all the key elements of what a small car can do with some of the great charcter of an SUV. It's got increased ground clearance and improved visibility, but it's a great drive." Senior recognises the importance of the car and says it's a crucial car for the company's future growth and customer base. "I think it's very important. It's not only important but a big opportunity," he says. "It's ground breaking and in the SUV segment it will be like the OUtback and Forester." Senior describes the XV as a morph job on a variety of existing classes. "It's a hatch or sedan for small-car buyers, but with the ingredients of SUVs. It's got the versatility to deliver lifestyle choices. It's got the lowest centre of gravity of any of its competitors but also the highest ground clearance." But he distances Australia from Subaru's three-pronged small-car push.  "I see it more as a three-SUV strategy. We've got the XV to appeal to singles and younger couples, the Forester is more for families and people with a few kids, then we've got the Outback. I think it's more about covering the bases in the SUV category." Apart from the XV, the biggest Subaru arrival for 2012 is the new Impreza. "We are now literally trickling cars into dealers in the next few weeks but major stocks don't arrive until March," Senior says. "The new Impreza and SV are important to get us back to our rightful place in Australia, which is not 34,000 cars a year but 40,000. That's ambitious but what we'd like to achieve this year."

The Japanese car-maker has undertaken a revamp of the flat-four "Boxer" turbodiesels in its Forester and Outback model line-ups that has improved fuel economy, emissions and broadened the engine range of peak torque. The 108kW (110kW in the Outback) and 350Nm outputs remain unchanged but is now available a little earlier in the rev range - 1600rpm instead of 1800rpm. Subaru says the fuel use has improved by up to 6.2 per cent, which puts the Forester and Outback diesel models at a combined-cycle figure of six litres per 100km . The flat-four turbodiesel has been given a new exhaust camshaft profile, more efficient exhaust-gas recirculation and some lightened engine internals to reduce fuel consumption. Multiple transmission changes - low-friction bearings and gearshift system among them - have produced lower friction and greater efficiency, says Subaru, but there's no sign of an auto. Subaru Australia's David Rowley says there are no immediate plans for an automtic transmission to accompany the diesel powerplant. "There are no immediate plans for an automatic, we would certainly love an auto and we will be at the head of the queue when one becomes available, but that's not an option presently," he says. "We're very pleased with the response to the diesels in both the cars since we launched them, so we're keen to build on that when an auto becomes available, but there's no timeframe." Mr Rowley says the natural disasters and engineering and development focus on the new XV and Impreza models would have taken priority over development of an automatic. Pricing has been left untouched despite the extra development - the Forester diesel starts from $36,490, rising to $40,990 for the Premium model. Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior says diesels represent up to 20 per cent of respective Forester and Outback range sales. "These significant refinements to engine and transmission make an even more compelling case. The smoother gear change helps more efficient driving and better fuel economy, which is a major focus for Subaru diesel customers," he says. The Outback diesel is priced from $40,990 for the manual an d $46,990 for the Premium model.

A funky family wagon and a new coupe are shining lights to buoy Subaru Australia in 2012 after enduring a sales disaster this year. Its managing director, Nick Senior, says the effects of Japan's tsumani in March crippled production of its mainstay Impreza range, pushing back the launch of its important successor model by four months. "The sales figures are ugly," he says. "Impreza makes up 45-50 per cent of sales and that relates to about 1400 a month. We're now doing less than 1000." The effect will slash Subaru Australia's predicted 42,000 total sales this year to around 34,000, Senior says. It recorded about 40,000 in 2010. "The disaster has affected two months of production and probably another month of backlog," he says. "We expected the new Impreza on the market this week. It'll now be March. "But the good news - and there is some good news - is that Australia will be the first market in the world - even beating the home market of Japan for the first time ever - to get a new Subaru model. "I think the XV will become an important volume model and will go a longway to recoup the sales shortfall we're experiencing now." The XV - set to launch here on January 1 - is a cross-over wagon based on the Impreza.Senior says there may be some cannibalisation of Forester sales but sees them attracting different buyers.

Without trying to sound macabre - which we are - here's some of the famous people no longer with us because of the car. On a brighter note, lots of people are still with us because of the car - or more specifically, the ambulance.1. James Dean (Porsche 550 Spyder): Dean's status soared to cult levels after his untimely death in September 1955. In fact, so did the status of the car he was driving, a Porsche 550 Spyder that was the predecessor to today's Boxster. Dean died while driving when an approaching car turned in front of him. His passenger, mechanic Rolf Wutherich, survived that accident but died in a car crash in 1981.2. Diana, Princess of Wales (Mercedes-Benz S280): On August 31, 1997, the world woke to the shocking news that Diana, Princess of Wales, was killed in a car accident in Paris. Her partner Dodi and driver were also killed. The accident is alleged to have been caused when the Mercedes was avoiding pursuing paparazzi.3. Princess Grace Kelly (Rover SD1): The former American actress and princess of Monaco died in 1982 after suffering a mild stroke at the wheel of her car, causing it to roll down a mountain in Monaco. Coincidentally, revered British motorcycle racer Mike Hailwood (1940-1981) was killed in a car accident a year earlier driving a similar car.4. Marc Bolan (Mini GT): Bolan, lead singer of glam rock group T-Rex, was killed instantly in 1977 when the purple Austin Mini GT in which he was a passenger failed to negotiate a bridge and hit a tree. Ironically, Bolan never learned to drive, fearing his untimely death in a car. The driver was his girlfriend, Gloria Jones.5. Peter "Possum" Bourne (Subaru Forester): Amiable New Zealand rally driver Possum Bourne was on a course inspection in 2003 on the "Race to the Sky" track at Cardrona in NZ's South Island when he collided head on with a Jeep Cherokee. He never regained consciousness. A statue of Possum is set on the mountain on an isolated rock overlooking the Cardrona village.6. Jackson Pollack (Oldsmobile 88): The reclusive artist crashed his 1950 Oldsmobile convertible while under the influence of alcohol, killing both himself and his passenger instantly in 1956. Pollock was aged 44.7. Jayne Mansfield (Buick Electra): In the early hours of June 29, 1967, Hollywood sex symbol Jayne Mansfield, died after the 1966 Buick Electra 255 in which she was a passenger smashed under the back of a slowing semi-trailer. Mansfield, her boyfriend Sam Brody and the driver were killed instantly. Her three children including Mariska, all in the rear of the car, survived with minor injuries.8. Desmond Llewelyn (Renault Megane): In 1999, one of the UK's most recognisable figures; Desmond Llewelyn, better known as Q in the James Bond films, died in a car crash aged 85. He was driving home from a book signing when his car collided head on with a Fiat.9. Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez (Mitsubishi SUV): In 2002, Lopez - singer with popular RnB group TLC - was thrown from the vehicle and died from injuries. The Mitsubishi was forced off the road by an oncoming truck that was trying to overtake a car on a Honduras road.10. George S. Patton (Cadillac Series 75): The famous United States general died from complications 12 days after a car accident near Mannheim, Germany. He was aged 60 years.

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.

More than 80 per cent of dog owners take their canine companions along in their vehicles.

The first ever Subaru Forester Diesel and Outback Diesel range. With an unbelievable fuel range over 1,000kms per tank1, they’re made to go the distance. Literally.With economical 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed turbocharged Boxer Diesel engines, five-star safety, six-speed manual transmissions and the brilliant traction and control of our Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, they’re an incredibly fuel-efficient and off-road capable range of diesels. Both are packed with smart technologies to make short work of big obstacles and smart convenient features to make even the longest trips seem shorter. So if you’re looking for a Diesel that isn’t just a Diesel, test drive one of our incredible Diesel’s today.They really are unstoppable. Visit subaru.com.au

... according to Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior.  "Australian motorsport is at its lowest ebb," the passionate rally fan and former co-driver said at the launch in Canberra yesterday of the new Forester line-up that includes a "performance" S-Edition."We are riding on (Mark) Webber's wave of success alone.  V8 Supercars largely disenfranchises the majority of automotive companies and ARC (Australian Rally Championship) is a pale imitation of previous years."Subaru pulled out of world and Australian rally competition in the past few seasons, citing a lack of TV coverage, promotion and audience interest."There are a lot of other car companies with a rich motorsport heritage but with no outlet to go motor racing," he said.Senior called on the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport to chair a forum to discuss developing a new racing category with more representation of the automotive industry and audience interests.He pointed out that the compact SUV category had grown bigger than the large car segment which was the sold category represented by V8 Supercar racing."We need a wider participation rate that encourages the younger audience and gets them away from playing their PlayStation games," he said.  Motorsport is a cottage industry that has a big role to play in the economy because it's labour intensive and takes at-risk kids off the streets."Senior said he would like to see a wide range of vehicles competing at signature events such as the Bathurst 1000 and had planned to launch the Forester S-Edition at this weekend's Bathurst 12-Hour race."But it would have been swamped in the only category it would have been eligible to run in," he said.  "We have no motorsport channel to display products like these.  I'd like to see 60 cars running down Conrod Straight at Bathurst like we used to in the olds days.  Now that would be a sight to see."I'd like to see a new category that is inexpensive with a broad range of vehicles, even compact SUVs.  There is a lot of diversity in cars in the market but we are not representing them in motorsport."Senior also took aim at the state of global motorsport.  "It needs a rethink," he said."There is not one Japanese, Korean or Chinese manufacturer in Formula One or WRC, yet Asia is the fastest emerging market in the world."