The third-generation Forester crossover SUV has just gone on sale in Japan and is expected in Europe shortly. Styling-wise Subaru has decided to stick to its conservative design language so the Forester is a handsome if unspectacular effort. The interior is no more exciting than the exterior but, again, it’s functional and inoffensive. Compared to the outgoing model the new Forester is 110 mm 
taller (excluding the roof rails) and 45 mm wider (though it’s narrower mirror-to-mirror) while its wheelbase has been lengthened by 90 mm to improve rear space and ride quality.
Two engines are offered in Japan, a normally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre turbo but it’s likely Europe will get the current car’s 2.5-litre engines instead. (A 2.2 boxer diesel engine will also be available by 2009 at which point Forester sales are likely to increase significantly.) A five speed manual transmission will be standard and will be fitted with a viscous centre differential, while models with the optional four-speed automatic will get the ‘Active Torque Split AWD’ system instead. The front suspension comprises a MacPhearson strut front arrangement while the rear gets a new sub-frame mounted double-wishbone suspension which should help improves traction, comfort and refinement. All have ESP as standard while manual models feature hill start a
ssist. Unlike most crossovers which are wholly useless off road, the Forester is even more capable than the model it replaces with improved approach and departure angles and 225mm of ground clearance. We’ll have more details on the Europe-bound cars shortly.
taller (excluding the roof rails) and 45 mm wider (though it’s narrower mirror-to-mirror) while its wheelbase has been lengthened by 90 mm to improve rear space and ride quality.Two engines are offered in Japan, a normally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre turbo but it’s likely Europe will get the current car’s 2.5-litre engines instead. (A 2.2 boxer diesel engine will also be available by 2009 at which point Forester sales are likely to increase significantly.) A five speed manual transmission will be standard and will be fitted with a viscous centre differential, while models with the optional four-speed automatic will get the ‘Active Torque Split AWD’ system instead. The front suspension comprises a MacPhearson strut front arrangement while the rear gets a new sub-frame mounted double-wishbone suspension which should help improves traction, comfort and refinement. All have ESP as standard while manual models feature hill start a
ssist. Unlike most crossovers which are wholly useless off road, the Forester is even more capable than the model it replaces with improved approach and departure angles and 225mm of ground clearance. We’ll have more details on the Europe-bound cars shortly.
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