Here you go all you Subaru Forester fans: We now have official images of the US-spec 2009 model, which will debut at the Detroit Auto show in a couple of weeks.
Those of you following Straightline for the past month or so won't see any surprises here, as we've previewed this vehicle too many times to count with all the spy images that had hit the Net. What we can confirm now is some of the specs, which until now were unavailable.
As per the new Impreza, the new Forester now rides on a 103" wheelbase, which is up from 99.4" of the outgoing model. This should yield large gains in rear seat room, which has long been a complaint of earlier models. In addition all Foresters will come with VDC, side airbags with a rollover sensor as well as a four-wheel disk brakes with a Brake Assist safety system. The car is about 3" longer than before, and it gains a double-wishbone rear suspension (also like the Impreza) for a better ride and improved handling.
Manual tranny models come with an Incline Start Assist, which helps keep the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting off on hills. Ground clearance has also been increased to 8.9." As before, models include the base X trim level, a turbo XT, and a range-topping LL Bean model. Navigation will be optional, and there is now iPod® and MP3 capability as well as being pre-wired for XM® or SIRIUS® Satellite Radio. Engines have been re-tuned to provide better mid-range power. It is believed that the Forester will continue using the 4-speed automatic, but with SportShift capability. I expect this automatic transmission to be replaced in a year or so with either the 5-speed automatic or a CVT.
I've said this before, and I'll say it again: This new Forester is sure to be a hit. It addresses many of the complaints of previous models, and is (finally!) a real looker to boot. Lastly, I'm really happy that they kept it boxy, and have resisted the swoopy styling fad now sweeping the CUV market.
More images and info after the jump.
The image below is from the JDM Forester. I'm not sure if we get that trick center cupholder section, or the reclining rear seat w/flip-down center armrest? It does show, however, just how much more rear leg room there is with this new model.
The Japanese debut is here and here. Image below is a Japanese-spec model. I don't know if we get that neat interior bike attachment.
Here's Inside Line's take: Detroit Preview: 2009 Subaru Forester Out in Japan, Images Out Here
mercedesman1 says:
10:57 AM, 12/24/07
A little Outlander in front and Pilot in back but its nice, i like it, much better then the current model
moparbad says:
11:06 AM, 12/24/07
Has Subaru finally defined the future look of Subaru? Let's hope not.
Grill and front end are generic and could be equally at home on a Chrysler, Toyota or Saab.
Ignoring the front end, I find no faults other than the overall generic quality that makes the Subaru badge and hood scoop the only clue to this being a Subaru.
I prefer the current Forester Sports 2.5XT models to this one.
kurtamaxxxguy says:
11:14 AM, 12/24/07
sounds like some worthwhile improvements worth waiting for, especially a broader power range. I hope they'll finish the powertrain tweaks with a 5-speed auto (if not in '09, then definitely in '10).
The HVAC Controls, though, remind me what I've seen in recent Toyotas - perhaps Subaru is sourcing from the same mfr?
daytona_500 says:
11:29 AM, 12/24/07
Looks a lot like the Outlander which is a good thing. They could have done a lot worse, like the CR-V.
4 speed automatic? Wonder if anyone will crib about that.
firstwagon says:
11:39 AM, 12/24/07
Love that it still comes with a 5 speed manual and that Subaru didn't include that stupid triangle shape blind spot in the rear side window that so many other CUV's have.
ahightower says:
11:44 AM, 12/24/07
I also think it resembles the Outlander which is a good thing. I wish Subaru would be a little more adventurous and define their own "look", but at least it's not ugly like a CRV. And I'm also glad they went against the increasingly common and terribly conceived triangle shaped rear quarter windows. More glass is good.
expatcanuck says:
12:07 PM, 12/24/07
I'll add an 'Amen' to rear visibility.
I recently went for a test drive in a CR-V and a Rogue.
As soon as I looked out the rear-view mirror, I thought "I don't think we can buy this thing." It's like looking out a tunnel. You can't see cars behind you to the side (5 o'clock / 7 o'clock).
And we definitely prefer the boxy-ugly look. Looks like the 2009 Forester is arriving just in time to replace our ailing '99.
My question -- is there any hard data on the rear legroom??
cah11705 says:
12:21 PM, 12/24/07
WOW!
A real D-pillar!
The is a descent looking car
a bit generic but im sure it will sell since it is not offending and clean looking
redliner says:
02:39 PM, 12/24/07
Looks like a Saab-Chrysler.
cruiser69 says:
03:39 PM, 12/24/07
Not too bad looking, much better than previous versions. Hope its a lot quieter too. Subie never believed in sound deadening material for some reason. Interior way too plain though. Looks too 90's.
xwesx says:
10:15 PM, 12/24/07
Nice write-up, Bob!
For the first time, I really like what the Forester has to offer. Better proportioned interior space, but retains the utility. Exterior looks refined while keeping the "boxiness." Interior is certainly upgraded, but utilitarian enough to be used for a visit to the Despot.
This one will be a winner for sure.
paisan says:
09:07 AM, 12/25/07
It will also have factory deep-tint rear windows like traditional SUVs and is classified as a light truck.
-mike
orangelebaron says:
11:09 PM, 12/25/07
I actually like the new grill... those little details running along the slats keep it a little different.
The back is another story... you can keep those aftermarket look tailights. They could have made the back so much more edgy and masculine.
I hope they include the features shown in the Japan market version for the states.
I look at Subaru of Japan website and they have so many features in the Outback/Legacy that they don't include here?
What's up with that? We don't pay enough?
anythngbutgm says:
06:14 AM, 12/26/07
That is a really sharp looking piece. There is a ton of Mitsubushi Outlander/Toyota RAV4 in the styling, but that is not a bad thing since those are the best looking utes in this class IMO. And the Availability of a stick is definitely welcome. Fantastic update, should be very successful.
rsholland says:
07:00 AM, 12/26/07
Actually, I see more Outback influence in the new Forester.
The grille is very influenced by the JDM Outback (see link), and the taillights look a lot like all current Outbacks.
http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2006/09/subaru_outback_new_1.jpg
ateixeira says:
09:04 AM, 12/26/07
Love it. Huge thumbs up.
Forester is supposed to be boxy and conservative. They actually managed to give it a little character.
Rear does look like the Pilot but the dual exhaust really sets it apart.
The profile is the best view.
This should have had a 5EAT but at least you can select gears manually, which you can't do in the CR-V and RAV4.
Can't wait to try one out.
p0926 says:
11:07 AM, 12/26/07
Whoa! Big sigh of relief! I can live with an increase in length of just 3 inches and more rear seat legroom is certainly welcome. And thank goodness they left it relatively boxy! Let's hope that the 2009 version still maintains the sporty feel!
-Frank
easym1 says:
09:16 PM, 12/28/07
Ugly car!
gmginsfo says:
06:02 PM, 12/29/07
"4 speed automatic? Wonder if anyone will crib about that."
I won't crib, but I'll carp: absolutely no excuse for keeping the 4EAT in the Forester in 2009. What is this, Neon redux? Thankfully, I can ride out the interim in my '03 while they work out the other new model kinks and get at least a 5, if not a 6, speed AT ready for the '10s.
Has anybody checked to see if the sun visors slide back in the '09, and how about driver's legroom? But I'll end on the upbeat: I like the broader midrange power.
bpizzuti says:
07:11 AM, 12/31/07
It'd be REALLY nice if they threw the 5EAT in for 2009 at least. Can't be that hard.
driver56 says:
08:12 PM, 12/31/07
Finally! But where is the 5 speed auto or the 6 speed manual? The new "look" will be sufficient, the interior looks slicker, the size increase is an overall good thing. Maybe one day I'll actually buy a Subie.
rsholland says:
10:05 AM, 01/ 2/08
I agree. The old trannys are the only weak spot at the moment. While there's nothing wrong with the current trannys, they appear "old" when compared to the competition.
I expect tranny upgrades in a year or so.
xwesx says:
05:29 PM, 01/ 3/08
Well, you tend to have your finger on the pulse, Bob, so let us hope you are right!
zoomzoomn says:
08:24 AM, 01/10/08
I love Subies ever since the ones my Dad had when I was a kid and because of the Outback that I owned a few years back. This one finally makes the Forester look like more than a tall, boxy wagon. The XT should be sweet! At least it does not quite have the overly generic front end (aka: Chrysler) that the new Tribeca has.
miami3 says:
03:46 PM, 01/10/08
Nasty looking as usual... Whats up with U R A BUS (SUBARU) design?
dmcypresstx says:
10:50 AM, 01/11/08
I don't particularly care for the look of the grill or fog light housing but I think it is much improved overall.
Now if we could just get the diesel option I would be first in line....
jetterjet says:
12:45 PM, 01/13/08
I love the new Forester. Too each his own I guess...I don't see many cars I think are attractive enough to buy...until now! I thought I was going to have to keep my old cars the rest of my life.