Added sophistication in packaging

While retaining the overall dimensions of the original vehicle, the new Forester features optimal packaging solutions. With a ground clearance as low as 200 mm, the lowest hip position in the driver's seat has been set at 600 mm above the ground, which provides a wide field of vision that facilitates a safe, fast, and pleasant drive anywhere, anytime.

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Performance-boosting lighter weight

By limiting the added weight of improvements in car body rigidity and crash safety, and by making structural modifications and utilizing light-weight aluminum materials, the new Forester models are substantially lighter than previous models: 30 kg less in the models with non-aspirated engines; and 20 kg less in models with turbo engines. Overall driving performance and fuel efficiency have been improved through the reduction in total weight.

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Total safety performance of world top class

Improved suspension and brake systems in the new Forester ensure higher active safety. At the same time, its passive safety features have been greatly improved. The current models employ New Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frames¹ with reinforced subframes in their body structures, as well as improved seatbelt and airbag systems. In addition, Subaru have taken frontal crash impact between the vehicle and a passerby into consideration and have developed the Forester to mitigate a pedestrian's injuries in a frontal collision.

NOTE 1: New Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frames are part of a structural body construction in which body side panels and the pillars around them are connected and reinforced to form rings. This is an ideal construction design with which to disperse the impact of a collision and provide even greater cabin safety in the event of an accident.

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Environmental considerations

The new Forester with a turbo engine has achieved fuel efficiency as high as 13.0 km/L, as measured by Japan's 10.15-mode² driving schedule. The model with the automatic transmission (AT) has achieved this level when driven in ECO mode, and all new Forester models have been certified as low-emission vehicles by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, earning the Good Low Emission vehicle (G-LEV) certification, which requires that exhaust emissions be reduced by an additional 25% from levels approved under Japan's 2000 exhaust emission regulations. The new Foresters have also met the 2010 fuel economy standards that were set in 1999 by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. In addition, FHI has implemented a number of measures to increase the recyclability of materials and parts and reduce the use of harmful substances in the assembly of the new models.

NOTE 2: The Japanese 10.15-mode Driving Schedule for Exhaust Measurement and Fuel Economy Test Procedures consist mainly of city driving and urban traffic conditions.

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Sophisticated styling with functionality

The updated exterior design is characterized by proportional balance, projected surfaces and sharp, acute lines that express a powerful, sporty image. A spacious interior with functionality and openness, finely upholstered, has been created to achieve synergy between excellent utility and sporty looks.