The new 2016 Forester range is now available in South Africa. The all new Foresters retains the latest Boxer® engine technology coupled to the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and retain the 220mm minimum ground clearance.
Inside the cabin much work has been done to improve the insulation and deliver a quieter ride. The front grille and headlights have been redesigned and on the MY 2016 Subaru Forester the Steering Responsive Headlamp shifts the headlight illumination in the direction of the curve to increase visibility and therefore safety.
The front and rear suspension has also been optimized through tweaks of the damping force on the front and rear shock absorbers and the cross member stiffness. The steering wheel gear ratio has also been increased for a more responsive feel.
Revised Infotainment
The infotainment interface has been updated and now offers Siri Eyes-Free acrosss the whole range. This technology that works in conjunction with the already standard voice recognition system links a compatible Siri device and allows the driver to make use of Siri at the touch of a button located on the steering wheel. For those drivers without Siri-enabled devices, the Forester still allows hands-free interaction using the normal voice recognition to control the telephone, audio and climate control systems.
Model Range
The Forester is still available in five model variants in South Africa. First in line is the 2.0X 6-speed manual powered by a 2.0-litre four pot Boxer® petrol engine, produces 110kW and 198Nm. On this model, carbon emissions are 168 g/km, and it boasts a combined average fuel economy of 7.2-litres per 100 km as well as Automatic Start Stop technology.
The 2.5-litre four-cylinder Boxer® petrol unit which produces 126kW and 235Nm is available in the following three models: X, XS and XS Premium. All 2.5-litre models also feature LineartronicT CVT transmissions, resulting in the addition of X-Mode and two-mode SI-Drive to the list of standard features of the XS and XS Premium. Combined average fuel economy is 8.1-litres per 100 km, with carbon emissions of 187 g/km.
The new Forester 2.5 XS Premium LineartronicT gains luxurious extras including a double-volume sunroof and leather upholstery, along with automatic lights and wipers, keyless entry and starting and a one-touch now-illuminated powered tailgate with remote control and an adjustable height setting.
Topping the new Forester chart is the all-new Forester 2.0 XT LineartronicT. Powered by a 177kW and 350Nm direct injection turbocharged four-cylinder Boxer® petrol engine. The 0-100 km/h dash takes 7.5 seconds and top speed is t210 km/h. The manufacturer claims fuel economy of 8.5-litres per 100 km on the combined average cycle, with carbon emissions of 197 g/km. It also comes with 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels , a sporty front bumper and three modes for SI-DRIVE.
Pricing and warranty
The new 2016 Forester range is now available in South Africa. All models are sold with a 3-year/ 75 000 km full Maintenance plan, a 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty and Subaru Assist. Various maintenance plan extension packages are optionally available at an extra cost.
Subaru Forester 2.0X 6MT R376 000
Subaru Forester 2.5X LineartronicT CVT R427 000
Subaru Forester 2.5XS LineartronicT CVT R459 000
Subaru Forester 2.5XS Premium LineartronicT CVT R509 000
Subaru Forester 2.0XT LineartronicT CVT R579 000