This is the all new 4th generation Subaru Forester. It was just launched in Taiwan by Motor Image’s Executive Director, Mr Glenn Tan. This all new Forester was developed with the goal to maximize its value as a true SUV. The all-new Forester enhances basic vehicle performance such as driving, safety and environmental friendliness and features Subaru’s unique Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system at its core. Since its launch in 1997, the Forester has been acclaimed world-wide for its driveability and riding comfort with rugged rough-road capability and utility with superior maneuverability. Subaru’s brand statement “Confidence in Motion” is the foundation of the brand’s automobile development.
Exterior Design
Front fascia expresses “Sportiness, Ruggedness, Peace of Mind and Confidence”. The “2.0XT”, direct injection turbo engine model, employs exclusive front design, accentuating its sportiness. The front section, door panels and a rear gate expresses a powerful look. The wheel arch and wheel designs project a greater road presence and off-road capability.
Interior Design
The interior comes with a higher quality feel using soft touch materials and higher grade of plastics. The cabin design was carefully considered for greater comfort and utility for all passengers. Both roominess and a sense of openness have been achieved by redesigning the cabin. Seating positions were also totally reviewed to provide better visibility to all passengers, compared to the previous model. By enlarging the cargo space and rear gate opening, better utility of the cargo space has been achieved. A new “clean side sill” design protects passengers from dirt, when getting in and out of a car by keeping the sill clean. Wider door openings and lower side sills vastly improve ingress and egress of passengers.
A new multifunction display monitor shows details of the vehicle’s driving conditions to support fuel-efficient and safe driving. Hill start assist function has also been adopted. When the vehicle stops on any hill, braking will be kept to maintain vehicle’s position temporarily as the driver takes off the brake. Due to this function, driver can easily start the vehicle on a slope. A powerlift tailgate allows automatic opening and closing. The opening height of the tailgate can be adjusted so that the tailgate does not hit a garage ceiling, for example. Obstacles can also be detected during opening and closing.
Driveability
The layout of Subaru Symmetrical AWD system with low center of gravity and superior weight balance has embodied compliant ride quality in various road conditions. By combining the new generation Boxer engine with Lineartronic, both high engine output and good fuel efficiency have been achieved.
2.0-liter, DOHC, Horizontally-Opposed, Direct Injection Turbocharged, 4-cylinder, petrol engine “DIT”
Subaru’s own direct injection turbo technology was adopted for the new generation Boxer engine. By injecting fuel directly into cylinders, combustion efficiency was improved, resulting in both high engine output and fuel efficiency. By employing the newly developed twin scroll type turbo charger with superior response at low engine speed, high performance with high engine output and torque was achieved at 206kW (280PS) and 350Nm @ 2000rpm.
Transmission – Lineartronic (CVT)
Further advancing the benefits of Chain-driven CVT such as lightness, compactness, superior fuel efficiency and wide ratio coverage, Subaru has adopted a CVT with improved driveability and environmental friendliness by optimizing the parts and layouts. The new Lineartronic was applied for higher torque of the newly developed 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo engine. Some parts such as the torque converter and chains were modified to endure high performance of the direct injection turbo engine.
X-MODE
The new AWD control system “X-MODE” has been developed for the driving on uneven or slippery road condition. Engine, Transmission and VDC are controlled cooperatively. The system simulates various road conditions. By pushing “X-MODE” button, any driver can use the system easily and make the vehicle stable. The system also has the hill descent control mode which can maintain the same vehicle speed when driving down a steep hill.
SI-DRIVE
SI-DRIVE which is effective for both driving pleasure and fuel-efficient driving was adopted. It has “Intelligent mode” and “Sports mode”. Driver can use either of them as the situation demands. The SI-DRIVE switch was equipped on the steering for easy operation. The “SI-DRIVE” was finely tuned for the models with DIT engine. It has “Intelligent mode”, “Sports mode” and “S# (Sports sharp) mode”. In case of Sport# (S#) mode, the driver can shift between 8 steps. In addition to the smooth shift change of the CVT, the driver can enjoy sportier driving by selecting the mode with direct feeling like AT or MT vehicles. This all new Forester will arrive in Malaysia by the 3rd quarter of 2013 and Motor Image is not ruling our local assembly to keep prices favourable.
