Just a month after its international debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Subaru’s Forester has been confirmed to reach South Africa by March next year. Apart from an all-new design, the Forester also boasts improved fuel economy and practicality.
The new Forester was not only completely redesigned inside and out, but has also been made to be more family friendly, with large doors and lower sills for easier in- and egress, higher driving position for improved driver visibility and a remote-operated tailgate for easier loading.
There will be three horizontally opposed engines available in the five-model Forester range: the entry-level 2,0 X (six-speed manual) and 2,5 X (Lineartronic CVT), mid-grade 2,5 XS (Lineartronic CVT), higher-grade 2,5 XS (with more luxury items fitted) and range-topping 2,0 XT Lineartronic, which is powered by a 186 kW turbocharged motor.
Subaru claims that fuel economy of the new Forester is comparable to two-wheel-drive vehicles in the same segment, with the new Premium models also boasting stop/start systems to further aid efficiency. Safety specification is generous; with the fitment of seven airbags and other key safety features, the Forester was awarded five-star safety ratings by ANCAP and EuroNCAP.
“The all-new Subaru Forester represents a great step forward for our brand and, with the confidence to go anywhere and explore with a fresh-zest-for-life attitude which prepares the Forester driver for adventure, we are confident that the all-new Forester will continue to find favour with South African buyers”, says Ashley Lazarus, marketing manager at Subaru Southern Africa.
Click here to watch a video of the new Subaru Forester.
