New features, technology and style on updated Forester 

Subaru’s fourth generation Forester debuts in February with a bold new look and multiple technical innovations including X-Mode for autos, providing excellent control on poor surfaces and hills.  

The All-Wheel Drive icon, which has been a best-seller for Subaru since pioneering the Compact Sports Utility Vehicle class in 1997, is set to achieve new heights with an amazing array of new features, technologies and style, including:

• X-Mode – offers confidence and control on difficult terrain, on Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission models
• EyeSight™ - award-winning driver assist system debuts in Forester 2.5i-S (option in 2.5i-L)
• New Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission – ultra efficient and quiet
• New six-speed manual – available on entry-level Forester 2.0i and 2.0i-L
• Amazing gains in fuel efficiency – up to 22.6 per cent improved, thanks to new generation engine efficiencies. New auto 12.9 per cent improvement over superseded four-speed auto
• Lower emissions – up to 15 per cent less
• Auto Stop Start – on all normally-aspirated petrol Foresters - major contributor to economy
• Stronger more responsive suspension
• Multi-Function Display – delivers new level of driver information
• SI-Drive – matches performance to driving style in normally aspirated automatic Foresters
• Powerful, sophisticated appearance with a sleek silhouette
• Soft-touch high-quality interior trim – new level of refinement
• Push button start on Forester 2.5i-S and 2.0D-S
• New generation Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive - for auto Foresters
• Automatic cargo door – new convenience feature for Subaru, on Forester 2.5i-S and 2.0D-S  
• Increased cabin space – great comfort and convenience 
• Aerodynamic efficiency – Cd of just 0.33
• Seven airbags – introduction of driver’s knee airbag on every Forester
• Stiffer, more responsive brakes - performance almost identical on wet and dry surfaces
• Emphasis on the established Subaru traits of driving fun, quality, safety, security, durability and reliability combined with style.

New Forester offers smart practicality and added value, with pricing to be announced in January, 2013.

All Model Year 2013 Foresters, with the exception of 2.0i, 2.0i-L manual and diesel variants, introduce the new generation Lineartronic™ CVT.   

Entry-level Forester 2.0i and 2.0i-L also offer a sophisticated six-speed manual for the first time, linked to an efficient new generation 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed Boxer engine.

Normally aspirated automatic Forester 2.5i, 2.5i-L and 2.5i-S feature the new generation 2.5-litre engine.

Forester 2.0 diesel variants also feature the six-speed manual transmission.

All Forester engines comply with strict EURO5 emission standards.

For the first time, Forester debuts a Multi-Function Display, offering a new level of easily understood information available to drivers.

Forester’s impressive towing credentials are enhanced through features including Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) now featuring Towing Stability Control.

Towing with brakes is improved across every variant – capacity increases across all normally aspirated models by 100 kilograms, to 1500 kg and by 200 kg for diesel models to 1800 kg. Foresters with Lineartronic™ CVT also add an air-cooled oil cooler, for enhanced towing ability.

Features unique to Australian Forester include Auto Stop Start introduced on normally aspirated variants, plus enhanced All-Wheel Drive and the EyeSight™ driver assist system, offering practical safety benefits in 2.5i-S and optional in 2.5i-L.

Inside, there’s an emphasis on comfort and space.

Subaru Managing Director, Nick Senior, said: “As we promised last year, the award-winning EyeSight™ driver assist system is now trickling down into other cars in our range, with Forester the latest beneficiary of this incredible technology.

“New Forester offers a new level of specification that combines great comfort with genuine All-Wheel Drive ability.

“That’s highlighted by X-Mode, which gives auto Forester drivers an even greater level of confidence on difficult surfaces and in challenging situations.

“For many customers Forester represents the ultimate family car and with clever new features like the auto cargo door and improved legroom, combined with Subaru’s safety credentials and a good deal of style, it’s the ideal vehicle.”

Forester pricing will be released in January 2013.

EXTERIOR

New Forester offers impressive road presence with its muscular, solid, aerodynamic body design.

The flared lower body promotes Forester’s sense of stability, while the bonnet height is increased and headlights located in line with the classic Subaru hexagonal grille, for a powerful presence.

Forester’s rear is narrower, for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, yet the cabin offers greater volume.   

All normally aspirated and diesel Foresters gain a rear spoiler, previously only available on turbocharged petrol variants.

The aluminium bonnet helps reduce weight and lowers the centre of gravity, while rear bumper corners were designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind, together with the large underbody covers, including mudguards and air flaps.

The push button open/close cargo door on Forester 2.5i-S and 2.0D-S ensures easy access at all times.  It includes a memory function for use in low clearance situations. It can be operated with the key fob, or via a dashboard or cargo door button. If the buttons are pressed accidentally, the cargo door will reverse its motion if touching a person or object.   

Despite Forester’s increased body size, it maintains the turning radius of the superseded model. It is 35 mm longer, with a 25 mm increase in wheelbase.

The A-pillar is moved forward, enhancing the sleek look while also aiding the field-of-vision from inside.

The back end of the roof is lowered for aerodynamic performance.

Forester’s windscreen is flush with the surrounding body, producing a cleaner look.  

Forester 2.5i-S and 2.0D-S with keyless entry introduce a touch sensor for locking.

The lower part of the passenger doors is extended and a garnish added, hiding the sill and resisting dirt. This enabled the sill to be moved 30 mm toward the vehicle’s centre, helping occupant exit.

Re-shaped door mirrors are relocated from the A-pillar to the front end of the metal panel, improving aerodynamics, reducing wind noise and benefitting vision.

The centre six-LED high-mount rear brake light is integrated into the rear spoiler for great visibility and improved aerodynamics.   

Electric sunroofs on Forester 2.5i-S and 2.0D-S are 17 per cent lighter, yet stronger while maintaining the same size opening.

COLOURS

• Burnished bronze metallic
• Crystal black silica
• Dark gray metallic
• Deep cherry pearl
• Ice silver metallic
• Jasmine green metallic
• Marine blue pearl
• Satin white pearl
• Venetian red pearl

INTERIOR

New Forester’s cabin is wider and offers greater passenger space while featuring much greater use of high-quality soft-touch finishes.

The A-pillar is moved forward 200 mm, taking the windscreen further from front-seat occupants, aiding the air of spaciousness, while reducing the blind spot by one degree. 

The raised seats are specifically designed for Forester, offering an ideal combination of comfort, security and commanding view. The increased hip point combines with the lower top surface of the instrument panel to offer great viewing and peripheral field-of-vision.

This is also helped by the triangular quarter glass integrated in the front doors, rather than the body, reducing blind spots.

Forester’s new front seats include generous shoulder areas for greater support and a spacious hip point. The backrest is 60 mm higher, with additional support from the reconfigured springs, while lumbar support is also enhanced through strengthening materials inside the urethane. Low resistance urethane is used inside the cushions to absorb small vibrations while travelling. Rear seat recline is operated using a simple strap.

The rear seat centre armrest features dual cup-holders.

Child seat tether points are now located on the seat back, meaning no intrusion into the cargo area. 

The headrest angle can be adjusted in addition to the height.

Forester 2.5i-S and 2.0D-S also includes heated front seats.

The hip point of the rear seats is move back 15 mm and raised 36 mm, while the cushion thickness is also increased for better vibration absorption.

The instrument panel is located further away from the front passenger seat occupant, further increasing the cabin’s open feel.

The new two-gauge instrument cluster features a central Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), producing a clean, high-quality layout with information easy to decipher.

Steering wheels across the range are tilt and telescopic adjustable, with the tilt range increased to 42 mm.

All automatic Foresters include paddleshift, with the system now being more intuitive.

Fully automatic dual-zone air conditioning is standard on all Forester 2.5i, 2.0i-L, 2.5i-L,  2.5i-S, and diesel variants, while fully-automatic single-zone features on entry-level Forester 2.0i. Helping reduce air-conditioning workload and improve fuel efficiency is engine bay insulation, reducing the amount of heat entering the cabin.

Textured satin finishes around Forester’s cabin complement the quality air, extending to fine detail such as the chrome-plated ring around the gear shifter base.  

Vent ducts and the heater unit are designed to help lower the top surface of the instrument panel between 50-80 mm.

Forester’s wheelbase is 25 mm longer. Together with the reconfigured floor design, this significantly improves rear passenger comfort. The floor tunnel is lower, offering greater back seat space, while there is improved rear legroom.   

Elbow and shoulder room are improved by 15 mm.

The inverse shape of the front seat backs and centre console allow extra rear occupant knee room. The front edge of the rear seats is also straight, to enhance space.

Forester’s cabin produces superb low Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH).

Side sills are lowered by 50 mm while front doors open an extra 135 mm for ease of entry and exit.

Clever attention to detail includes the rear passenger side steps made as wide as possible, with a finish to help prevent slipping, especially for children.  

Forester’s cargo area is wider, making loading and unloading even easier, with the power rear cargo door adding to the convenience on 2.5i-S and 2.0D-S variants.  

While the back end of the roof is lowered for aerodynamic performance, the interior roof construction benefits the larger interior space.

For added practicality, a hook is positioned on the cargo door lower trim, making it possible to hang objects with the door opened, aiding beachgoers and other outdoor recreation.

A grocery bag hook is located on each side of the cargo area, plus four high-strength metal cargo hooks.

Other cabin convenience features include:

• A glovebox capable of holding the equivalent of 16 compact discs
• A centre console box with 20CD capacity, plus AUX terminal, USB port and AC power
• Dual centre cup holders (auto variants)
• Centre dashboard tray with 10CD capacity, plus AC power
• Expanded double-stitched door armrests with soft feel and texture
• Sun visors with extensions for added sun block   

In line with Forester’s SUV credentials, every variant has a full-size spare wheel.

MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY (MFD)

Forester’s MFD provides vital vehicle information at a glance. It encourages economical driving via the eco-gauge and fuel efficiency evaluation.

Among the audio information displayed on the MFD is current radio station, song name, artist and frequency. In cars with factory-fitted satellite navigation (SatNav), this information appears on the SatNav screen.

EyeSight™ information is also displayed on the MFD, including set speed and a graphic representation of the distance between the Forester and the vehicle ahead. When the Forester driver brakes, the brake lights on the vehicle in the display also light up.  

ENTERTAINMENT

Introduction of the MFD means features such as song lists or radio presets can be displayed simultaneously, with less eye diversion for the driver. It is also easy to make music selections. In SatNav models, this information appears on the SatNav screen.

All Foresters offer USB, iPod and Bluetooth* phone and audio connectivity.

Among the system’s features are:

• Vocal image control – projects vocals to optimum effect
• Virtual bass – richer bass tones by adding harmonics
• Sound restorer – adds to the digital sound sources that get lost in music when compressed for iPod and MP3
•  

Forester’s six-speaker audio system features four 160 mm diameter full-range speakers, installed in each door.

All Foresters feature a roof-mounted AM/FM antenna.  

Forester 2.5i-S and 2.0D-S also feature factory-fitted satellite navigation.

TECHNICAL

X-MODE

Forester’s new X-Mode feature makes it easier for automatic transmission Forester drivers to safely navigate bad roads, slippery surfaces and steep hills, with just one switch. X-Mode’s status is indicated visually on the MFD.

When X-Mode is engaged, at 40 km/h or less, status information is displayed on the MFD and instrument cluster, including Hill Descent Control and Vehicle Dynamics Control.

X-Mode centralizes control of the engine, All-Wheel Drive, brakes and other critical components to help ensure safe driving even on poor surfaces.

Hill Descent Control helps maintain a constant speed when the vehicle is travelling down hill.

The X-Mode switch is located in front of the gear shifter.

Key X-Mode Controls:

At 40 km/h or less:

• Engine Control Unit (ECU) – in low load range, the throttle opens slowly to avoid sudden torque changes and improves drivability
• Traction Control Unit (TCU) – AWD clutch pressure is increased by around 25 per cent, controlling differential rotation between front and rear wheels, improving traction
• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) – Enhances Limited Slip Differential (LSD) Control. To improve traction on slippery road surfaces, it counteracts differential rotation between left and right wheels by accelerating brake boosting speed and delaying reduction of brake pressure when wheel rotation returns to normal.

At 20 km/h or less:

• VDC also uses Hill Descent Control (HDC) to control brakes on steep hills, so vehicle speed can be maintained when neither accelerator or brake pedals are pressed. It improves safety by allowing the driver to focus on steering without operating the brakes. HDC is automatically activated if speed is increasing on a descent, resulting in constant speed. Control is based on speed data, not hill angle. Therefore a constant speed can be maintained when the vehicle begins a descent from the flat. HDC brake control allows the driver to focus on safe steering while leaving braking to the vehicle. 

Testing by Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), the maker of Subaru vehicles, indicates that with X-Mode, when two diagonally-opposed wheels lose traction, the time to restoration of forward travel is cut by approximately half.

ENGINE

All Forester variants feature fuel efficient new generation four-cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer engines.

Entry-level Forester 2.0i manual produces 110 Kilowatts of power at 6200 rpm and 198 Newtonmetres of torque at 4200 rpm.

It consumes a frugal 7.2 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and produces CO₂ emissions of 168 grams/kilometre in the combined cycle.

This makes it 22.6 per cent more fuel efficient and 23.6 per cent lower in emissions in the combined cycle than the superseded 2.5 manual.

Automatic normally aspirated 2.5-litre Foresters produce 126 kW/5800 rpm and 235 Nm/4100 rpm. Fuel consumption is 8.1 l/100 km in the combine cycle and emissions 187 g/km.

This engine is 12.9 per cent more efficient and produces 15.0 per cent less emissions in the combined cycle.

2.0 litre turbocharged diesel Foresters produce 108 kW/3600 rpm and 350 Nm/1600-2400 rpm. Fuel efficiency is 5.9 l/100 km and emissions 156 g/km in the combined cycle. 

It is 1.7 per cent more fuel efficient and reduces emissions 1.3 per cent in the combined cycle.

Normally aspirated (NA) Foresters also offer increased mid-to-low-range torque.

The 2.0-litre engine in Forester 2.0i and 2.0i-L manual has intake and exhaust Active Valve Control System (AVCS) and Tumble Generator Valves (TGV).

FHI claims top-of-class acceleration for Forester 2.5 normally aspirated automatic variants – and equally impressive environmental performance. It features intake AVCS and TGV.

This results in better fuel efficiency without any torque loss at low-to-mid speeds, benefitting practical everyday driving.

OIL SEALS

In both NA engines, changes are made to the surface treatment of oil seals at sliding parts of the crankshaft, reducing friction.

WATER JACKET SPACERS

The addition of water jacket spacers means coolant can be prevented from direct contact with the bore. This means the liner temperature can be kept higher, reducing friction from piston sliding.

HIGH-STRENGTH CHAINS

High-strength chains used in new Impreza and XV debut in Forester. These reduce contact with guides, lowering friction.

OIL PUMP

In the NA 2.5-litre, the number of bolts securing the oil cover is increased, aiding efficiency.

CHARGING CONTROL SYSTEM

The charging control system comprises a current sensor, battery temperature sensor and an alternator. When idling or travelling at a fixed speed, the system reduces generator voltage and when decelerating it increases voltage. This reduces overall engine load. The system has been made lighter and more compact by integrating the temperature and current sensors.

OIL LEVEL SWITCH

For easier maintenance and servicing, an oil level switch is introduced. This activates a warning light on the instrument panel if oil drops below a specific level, helping prevent serious engine damage.

MOUNTS

Fluid-filled engine mounts provide efficient vibration suppression and contribute to ride comfort.

AUXILIARY BELT

In the NA 2.5-litre engine two idlers are eliminated, while a decoupler is added to the alternator pulley, helping suppress resonation when torque changes. A greater than 40 per cent reduction in belt torque helps fuel efficiency.

FUEL TANK

The fuel tank canister is located outside the cabin, allowing more passenger space. It also enables the removal of a canister cover, saving 2 kg of weight.  

TRANSMISSION

All automatic Foresters feature the latest feature Lineartronic™ CVT, which when linked to the new FB engines, offers a superb combination of driving and environmental performance.

NVH is improved, while a torque converter with built-in twin dampers reduces engine vibration resonance and improves fuel efficiency.

The six-speed manual transmission available in Forester 2.0i and 2.0i-L offers better acceleration and improved efficiency, with easier gear shifting.