The Subaru Forester, revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in November this year, has arrived in South Africa and will be at dealerships soon. The much anticipated new design is said to have an improved interior quality, fuel efficiency and higher level of practicality, and will be launched in SA on the 26th of March. Follow us on Twitter for updates on the launch: @LeisureWheelsSA
Check out an explanation of the Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive system here (VIDEO).
Wider range
The new range includes five petrol engines, all with all-wheel drive. Previously only having 2,5 litre engines in the line-up, the petrol range now includes a 2,0 litre Forester X entry-level model with a six-speed manual. In the middle are three 2,5 litre models of various trim specs (X, XS and XS Premium), and all have five star safety ratings from both ANCAP and EuroNCAP.
Standard Kit
ABS and Vehicle Dynamics Control are standard, as are seven airbags – which includes a “driver’s knee” airbag. All models have start/stop tech to bring fuel consumption down, and the range sports additions such as a power tailgate, SI-Drive and X-Mode.
Diesel model
At the top of the range – only being launched in the third quarter – is the Forester 2,0 XT diesel Lineartronic (CVT auto) with its 177kW Boxer engine.
Other changes include larger door openings, lower sills, new interior which is said to be aimed at increasing practicality as well as a higher driving position. Fuel consumption for the Foresters is said to be lower than ever before, with figures such as 7,2 litres per 100km in the 2,0 litre, 8,1 litre per 100k for the 2,5 litre and a still low 8,5 litres per 100km by the turbocharged petrol.
Forester Live
The Forester Live project sees a Subaru Forester traverse five continents and thousands of kilometres to prove it’s worth. Watch below as the Japanese drivers take on a steep incline at Flinders Rangers in the Aussie outback on day four of their expedition: