NAIAS 08: 2009 Subaru Forester

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NAIAS 08: 2009 Subaru Forester
www.gminsidenews.com




CHERRY HILL, N.J -- Subaru of America, Inc. today released the firstofficial photos of the all-new, third-generation 2009 Forester, a total re-design of the award-winning crossover utility vehicle (CUV) that will debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January. The 2009 Forester, which arrives in Subaru dealerships this spring, builds upon its predecessor’s reputation as an icon of safety, dependability and versatility. The new-generation 2009 model projects a bolder, more SUV-like design and making a major leap in safety technology, comfort, refinement and driving dynamics.

As with all Subaru models, the 2009 Forester comes equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. An all-new platform featuring a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase (now 103.0 inches) and double-wishbone rear suspension improves crash-worthiness and at the same time provides crisper handling, a quieter ride and increased interior space and cargo room. The 2009 Forester once again blends positive SUV attributes including a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel efficiency.

All Forester models for 2009 feature standard side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard on all models for the first time. With the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3), Subaru optimized all elements of the Forester’s chassis to deliver a better balance of ride, handling response, quietness and overall traction performance than offered by competitive vehicles. A comprehensive array of elements contributes to that goal, including the new, high-strength body structure, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, VDC and four-wheel disc ABS brakes with the Brake Assist safety system.

Manual-transmission models also feature Incline Start Assist, which can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

Even with its bolder exterior and roomier interior, the new 2009 Forester is only about three inches longer than its predecessor, thus retaining the trim exterior packaging cited by Forester owners as one of this model’s most essential features. A robust body structure, heavy-duty raised four-wheel independent suspension system and up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance help make Forester equally adept at negotiating twisty roads and absorbing ruts and bumps.

IMPROVED PERFORMANCE WITH GREATER COMFORT AND VERSATILITY

The 2009 Forester offers naturally aspirated and turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter Boxer engines, both revised to provide better low-end and mid-range torque for more responsive everyday performance. New interior materials, including double-stitched fabrics and high-grade plastics, impart a feeling of higher quality. As before, Forester is offered in a wide array of models, with the 2009 Forester 2.5 X offering one of the best values in the crossover SUV segment and the range-topping Forester L.L.Bean Edition offering more luxury without compromising the vehicle’s sporty nature.

The 2009 Forester offers a navigation system for the first time as well as advanced audio system upgrade options. The 2009 Forester comes pre-wired for XM® or SIRIUS® Satellite Radio. An auxiliary audio input jack enables connection of an iPod® or MP3 player.

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High-Resolution Forester Images

[CobaltSScrazy]

Looks kind of like a RAV4, I like it more than the previous generation, side profile looks very appropriate with no GM high beltline limited visibility issues, and the rear end looks very stylish, imo.

CobaltSScrazy

[2648562]

What is it with the Japanese all copying one another's SUV? They all look wimpy and terrible in my eyes.

[ByTheLake]

Did Chrysler help them with the design? The front end is all Sebring. It looks like any other cross-over. I miss the sport-wagon shape already.

[Z28x]

That is the first forester to actually look like an SUV. Still not that attractive though

[genjy]

The current one still looks best.

[mot76]

It's imo, blah.

[Koasterking]

More or less, it looks like the Mitsubishi Outlander kind of.

Not a fan of the style, but then again I have to see it in person.

[Hitman1970]

ZZZzzzzzzz.....

[ChevyOptra5]

It seems almost like the new Ford Escape to me, especially the back.

[likearock00]

Ehhhh, it's ok. I guess it's just me, but I've never been a fan of Subaru.

[EllwynX]

It's not too bad. Not for me, but not ugly.

Certainly more attractive than the ugly current model.

[SuchANiceGirl06]

The rear-end reminds me a little of the Pontiac Torrent/Chevy Equinox, mainly in the tail-lamp design. It looks very generic, otherwise. Not good, not bad.

[F14CRAZY]

The front isn't that much different than the current one.

It's kind of becoming a mini-Tribeca, probably flippin Toyota's fault. I like wagons and not so much the compact-crossover-utility-vehicle look. It does look quite a bit like the Rav4.

Looks like my next Subaru will be an Outback; hopefully it will stay a wagon.

I'll have to see it in person though, and certainly will

[WishIhadatruck]

Chrysler grill, with a mix of Toyota and old Forester mixed from there back. Yuck, I didn't like the old one either though. This is worse. The only Subaru I like is the Outback/Legacy models. The rest of their lineup is too weird looking if you ask me.