All-new Subaru Forester

A completely new Forester has arrived earlier this month offering more space, greater ground clearance and better handling, fully justifying Subaru's adherence to the low centre-of-gravity 'boxer' engine and all-wheel drive system which has made the brand famous.

The new Forester is Subaru's third generation of crossover SUVs but now has a higher ground clearance and is closer in size to its SUV competitors, being 75 mm longer, 45 mm wider and gaining 110 mm in height. Rear legroom grows by 95 mm, the driver's eye-line is 30 mm higher, while the load space is now 450 litres with the rear seat up - 63 litres more than the previous model.

Based on the platform of the new Impreza, the Forester features a new multi-link rear suspension, fuel-saving electric power steering, standard Subaru vehicle dynamics control, self-levelling rear suspension, engine efficiency improvements and a revised automatic transmission offering 'normal', 'sports' or 'manual' mode.

It also enjoys enhanced fuel economy and drivability thanks to an improved 2.0 litre petrol 'boxer' engine which - having its cylinders horizontally-opposed - gives the car a lower centre of gravity for improved grip, reduced body roll and more precise steering response. This is further aided by the engine and transmission now being placed 10 mm lower in the platform.

The new Forester 2.0X and XS enjoy substantial revisions to their 2.0 litre 'boxer' engines which result in stronger low and mid-range pulling power, enhanced flexibility and improved fuel economy with lower exhaust emissions.

A sophisticated all-wheel drive system coupled with low-friction, long travel four-wheel independent suspension and low-centre of gravity 'boxer' engines have all contributed to the Forester's reputation for outstanding chassis dynamics.

Subaru has devised a completely new platform with a 90 mm longer wheelbase, tracks widened by 35 mm front and 45 mm rear and a sophisticated multi-link, double wishbone rear suspension. To further improve handling and road-holding, the position of the 'boxer' engine has been dropped by 10 mm, lowering the centre of gravity still further.

Other changes include a new fuel-saving electric power steering system with more rigid mounting and new design of MacPherson strut front suspension. The result is a highly-absorbent ride with precise geometry control for accurate straight-line running over uneven road surfaces backed by responsive steering and handling. The rear multi-link, double wishbone suspension liberates more luggage space thanks to its compactness compared to the previous rear strut arrangement. And because it is attached to a sub frame via bushes, with the mounting section moved to under the floor itself, road noise is reduced.

The entry-level Forester 2.0X features symmetrical all-wheel drive; Subaru vehicle dynamics control; self-levelling rear suspension; fuel-saving electric power steering; front, side and curtain airbags; four electric windows; 60/40-split rear seats with reclining back-rests; climate-control air-conditioning; front fog lamps; vehicle information display; and cruise-control. Manual models feature a dual-range transmission.

The higher-spec Forester 2.0XS adds 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, steering wheel, gear-lever and handbrake lever; six-stacker CD-player and seven speakers; HID headlamps; sun-roof; electrically powered driver's seat; retractable rear seat tray with cup-holder; engine starter button and 'smart' entry.

All Foresters come with a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty plus 12-year anti-corrosion cover and three-year paintwork warranty. Prices start from €31,999 (Lm13,737).

For more information visit the Subaru showroom in Mosta Road, Lija, www.subaru.com.mt, or call 2141 8111.