Fourth-generation Subaru Forester SUV revealed

Fourth-generation Subaru Forester SUV revealed

Subaru has released first pics and info of its 2014 Subaru Forester. The Forester, now in its fourth-generation, will go on sale in Japan on November 13 and make its North American debut at the LA Auto Show end of this month.

With almost the same footprint as before (35 mm longer, 20 mm wider, 25 mm longer wheelbase to become 2,640 mm), Subaru has realised increased rear seat legroom and an enlarged cargo area.

Subaru says that the profile, which looks familiar, is bolder now. Just a facelift? Nope, because there’s a new character line that cuts through the door handles, something the previous car did not have, which means that the panels are new. The Forester’s face is also the latest corporate version as seen on the Subaru XV crossover.

Fourth-generation Subaru Forester SUV revealed

In the US, the Forester will have either a new 2.0 litre direct-injection turbocharged boxer engine with 250 hp or a naturally aspirated 2.5 litre boxer with 170 hp. There will be a new six-speed manual transmission for those who don’t want the Lineartronic CVT gearbox, but only for the non-turbo engine. Power is laid down via Subaru’s trademark symmetrical AWD system.

In Japan, the 2.0 turbo version puts out 280 PS and 350 Nm to tempt Impreza STI fans who have grown up and added a family along the way. Subaru says that the retuned suspension system delivers “agile handling and a highly compliant ride quality”. Ground clearance is 22 cm.

Infotainment features that will be offered includes smartphone integration, navigation, rear view camera, and harman/kardon premium audio amp and speakers.

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Can’t believe that this car was for 2013, the design looks so bad and outdated.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 33 Thumb down 7
    • WRX STI on Nov 02, 2012 at 6:47 pm

      Am I the only one find nothing wrong with the design?
      Much better than the Volkswagen Passat Alltrak

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 16
    • sprinter on Nov 02, 2012 at 6:54 pm

      Of all the characteristics this car has, you decided to comment about the looks of a Subaru? That says a lot about you.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 19
      • Characteristics? forester is about aggressiveness and sportiness despite the odd wagon or SUV confusion. But this one opt with only CVT dude, which i believe scratch its reputation. Toyota ruins Subaru to squeeze more profit

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 2
        • toyota has a big stake in subaru, but they never own subaru..so the cvt is decided by subaru…

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 3
    • atnamwolley on Nov 09, 2012 at 5:20 pm

      Agree with your comments that the design looks so outdated for a new model. But then again like some of the other comments here, Subara cars are never meant to look pretty….

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Sugar Daddy on Nov 02, 2012 at 6:11 pm

    Bring it to papa (Malaysia)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 8
  • Black Dog on Nov 02, 2012 at 6:19 pm

    The Japs don’t learn. Look at the X-trail which retained it’s looks, sales went down the drain. Aren’t they too lazy to design something fresh?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 6
  • reminds me of chinese design, but the 2.0 turbo is a dream..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 1
  • Are you guys sure you’d uploaded the correct photo? This looks like a 20 years old Korean design!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 29 Thumb down 5
  • Now nobody will buy the recently revised RM150k 3rd generation Subaru Forester.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
    • Jimmy on Nov 02, 2012 at 11:03 pm

      They should have slashed the price to RM120k to clear stock, joking only.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 3
  • Jimmy on Nov 02, 2012 at 11:01 pm

    When your car can go fast, you better make sure it has good brakes and at least 6 airbags + ESP. It looks like few people pay attention to the braking ability, any calipers or it is just like the usual CRV brakes.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Kalun on Nov 02, 2012 at 11:41 pm

    Doesn’t matter the looks. HAVE BOXER IN IT!
    That’s what i care about this car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 7
  • Wow alot of u want race in this fugly box..a forrester for?.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  • albag on Nov 03, 2012 at 9:16 am

    looks so tame without that signature scoop

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • DArkerMarker on Nov 03, 2012 at 9:36 pm

    the look of this car lost its aggressiveness..

    Subaru…..did Hello Kitty had a hand in the design?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • subaru on Nov 04, 2012 at 5:14 pm

    looks like the foglamps were designed as an afterthought

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • haiya on Nov 04, 2012 at 7:48 pm

    why cant they use the current subaru XV design for the new forester instead? or put the turbo engine in the XV. I’ll buy it for sure when i can afford it

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • sick&tired on Nov 07, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    horrible looking car! The boxer engine does nothing for me. If I wanted something fast I would have gotten the Impreza instead of this monstrosity!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
    • tkling on Nov 18, 2012 at 10:08 pm

      Impreza also not good looking. Subaru is Subaru, got own character, those like it sure will buy, not for those never understand Subaru!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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