Photo: Subaru
That's right, Japan revealed a new Subaru Forester, and you can't have it… yet. The refreshed compact SUV made its debut online today and will take to the stage later this month at the Tokyo Motor Show. Considering all production takes place in Gunma, we could also see it in Los Angeles soon.
German car fans will say the Forester is ugly as sin, but we love what they've done with its design. Some of the styling elements from the Viziv concept car have made their way to the four-generation model that has been around since late 2012.
The most distinctive feature is a more modern set of LED projector headlights with a C-shaped ring added to project strength. A redesigned grille features new black mesh, and the lower front bumper has been spruced up a bit.
The top turbocharged Forester XT model also comes with tinted LED taillights and larger alloy wheels with a fresh design (drag reduced for the 17-inch model, sportier for the large 18-inch one). Completing the exterior transformation are the Dark Blue Pearl and Sepia Bronze Metallic paint finishes that have been added this year.
For Japan, the naturally aspirated 2-liter and turbo boxer engine remain the only choices. All models except the most basic one come with a Lineatronic CVT gearbox, sending power to a permanent all-wheel drive system. The NA model pushes only 150 PS while its big brother provides a meaty 240 PS.
Subaru says it has made some upgrades to the AWD system, reduced the NVH levels and increased the front cross member rigidity. The turbo model now comes with Active Torque Vectoring, so it should be nice to drive.
Inside, we find some nice perforated leather trim for the dash, a few bits from the Legacy and a small color LCD multi-information display showing the status of EyeSight system.
Speaking of which, the EyeSight has reached Version 3 and now comes with a Rear Vehicle Detection package that includes Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The stereo cameras mounted to the windscreen also help the car adjust its headlights and driving characteristics.
The most distinctive feature is a more modern set of LED projector headlights with a C-shaped ring added to project strength. A redesigned grille features new black mesh, and the lower front bumper has been spruced up a bit.
The top turbocharged Forester XT model also comes with tinted LED taillights and larger alloy wheels with a fresh design (drag reduced for the 17-inch model, sportier for the large 18-inch one). Completing the exterior transformation are the Dark Blue Pearl and Sepia Bronze Metallic paint finishes that have been added this year.
For Japan, the naturally aspirated 2-liter and turbo boxer engine remain the only choices. All models except the most basic one come with a Lineatronic CVT gearbox, sending power to a permanent all-wheel drive system. The NA model pushes only 150 PS while its big brother provides a meaty 240 PS.
Subaru says it has made some upgrades to the AWD system, reduced the NVH levels and increased the front cross member rigidity. The turbo model now comes with Active Torque Vectoring, so it should be nice to drive.
Inside, we find some nice perforated leather trim for the dash, a few bits from the Legacy and a small color LCD multi-information display showing the status of EyeSight system.
Speaking of which, the EyeSight has reached Version 3 and now comes with a Rear Vehicle Detection package that includes Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The stereo cameras mounted to the windscreen also help the car adjust its headlights and driving characteristics.
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