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Main Features
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1. Packaging
The new model retains the traditionally unique packaging of the Forester family that features the best of both worlds - a higher driving position with the rugged versatility of an SUV plus the smooth and comfortable maneuverability of a passenger car. Improved safety, handling, as well as easy-to-use functions have been skillfully blended in the Forester's packaging.
  • Maintaining a ground clearance of 200 mm in order to maximize driving performance on various types of terrain, the driver's lowest sitting position is set at 600 mm from the ground. This height provides an elevated driving position that improves the driver's vision, as in an SUV, and it eases access in and out of the vehicle.
  • The seat lifter's adjustment range has been expanded to 50 mm, twice the range of previous models, to offer the optimal driving position. The tilting steering column now also has a wider range of adjustment.
  • In order to secure the critical field of vision for the driver, the new models' hoods have been altered for a better frontal view. The body has been shaped to allow a clearer look at the hoods' edges. Window shapes and pillar layouts in the models have been also modified for optimal driver view.
  • By the expansion of the space between the rear and front seats, and with a change in the shape of the seat backs, comfort levels in the rear passenger space have been enhanced. The rear passenger cabin is now roomier. The configuration of the door opening has been modified, and leg room under the front seats for rear-seat passengers has been widened. These changes allow easier passenger movement in and out of the vehicle.
  • Rear luggage space has been further enlarged by reducing the projection of a rear strut suspension brace and eliminating wasted space in the luggage compartment.
  • A minimum turning radius of 5.3 m (0.1 m shorter than the previous models) has been realized by eliminating 10 mm of vehicle length and designing a rounder front shape. The smaller turning radius helps shorten actual turning and improves the already nimble cornering.
2. Exterior
The new Forester's exterior blends expressions of functionality and a powerful, sporty figure in its trim vehicle body and balanced proportions. Sophisticated styling reveals its durable identity.
  • The front grille has been designed to yield 3-dimensional, stable looks, and large sporty fog lamps have been adopted.
  • A flowing side line from the front to the rear fender well along with the rigid looks of the body panel surfaces enhance the Forester's original form and integrate graceful yet robust movement.
  • A strong line from the A-pillar to the roof, as well as wedge-shaped contours, express dynamic driving performance.
  • A revitalized rear-end design that highlights clear, functional looks comprises new hexagonal rear gate and triangular rear combination lamps.
  • Sporty aluminum roof rails in metallic colors are equipped on XT models.
  • C pillars and rear garnish have been coated in brighter metallic paint for a higher quality look.
  • Newly designed aluminum alloy wheels are standard equipment on XT models. (They are a manufacturer's option on X20 models.)
  • A choice of seven body colors, selected to reflect distinguished styling, are offered. Two-tone choices of them will be offered in April 2002.
3. Interior
The new Forester models boast interiors of fine quality with the perfect combination of utility and sports features. Many components have been meticulously designed in the pursuit of high functionality and openness.
  • To enhance the Forester's sporty looks, dimple-patterned pad materials have been adopted on the instrumental panel and upper parts of the doors. The instrument cluster and the center console feature a sophisticated, metallic-look face.
  • A combination of elegant light-gray in the cabin and the rough texture of the seat cover material harmonizes in a powerful yet sophisticated space. The front seats have been improved to hold passengers firmly and augment riding comfort.
  • More storage space in the cabin has been created. The front door map pockets use flexible net material, as do the pockets on the back of the front passenger seat and on the passenger side of the center console. For additional storage space there is a double-layered overhead console, and a storage box with multi purpose hook in the center console unit.
  • All storage boxes with covers in the new Forester have mechanisms that pop their lids open when pressed.
  • All models with automatic transmissions come with gate-type AT select levers, which have been newly designed for improved quality.
  • Three crucial gauges have been independently laid out on the instrument panel for the driver to easily distinguish while driving. Their sporty designs strive to incorporate functional requirements.
  • Three dials have been adopted to control the automatic air conditioning unit.
  • A radio-wave, remote control door-lock system with an answer-back function is standard equipment for all Forester models. In order to prevent unauthorized entry, a door-lock key cylinder is fitted only in the driver's side door.
4. Utilities
The new Forester models feature improved rear passenger space and ample luggage storage space. Subaru's expertise in wagon development makes possible the ideal combination of cabin and luggage space, meeting users' needs of riding comfort and versatility.
  • Cabin space can be arranged in a variety of ways. Along with the removal of the headrests, the soft-flat front seats can be fully reclined to create a large space in the middle of the cabin; and the roomy, 60/40 split, fold-down rear seats can also be folded back to make a full, flat cargo space.
  • XT and X20 models come with rear center-arm rests.
  • Rear seat pillows can be vertically adjusted for an uncluttered rear window and a better line of sight to the rear.
  • Stowage of luggage has been improved through modifications in the rear gate design and an increase in the luggage space height.
  • Storage space has been added through the addition of side pockets and retractable side hooks. Other additions include a large umbrella box and a multiple-use box on the cargo-area floor that can hold tools and a tono cover (dealer option).
  • Electrical outlets (DC12V/120W) have been added inside the cargo-area side pocket and the floor console box.
5. Engines
5-1) The 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve horizontally-opposed turbo engine "crossover turbo" in XT models
  • A new turbo charger with a compact, light-weight turbine unit has been adopted in the Forester's 2.0-liter, DOHC, horizontally-opposed engine, which improves the new model's fuel efficiency, torque output in low- and middle-speed ranges, and acceleration response. Effective even at low engine revolutions, the turbo charger in the new Forester XT model delivers high levels of performance, superb driving, easy maneuvering, and enhanced fuel economy. Powerful torque output can be experienced in the XT, which realized 20 to 30% more driver-experienced torque power.
  • The Forester AT model is equipped with an electronically controlled throttle for smooth acceleration. The MT model's throttle, the inside chamber surface of which has been redesigned in a spherical shape, delivers more natural acceleration by taking air into the chamber smoothly in response to the driver's pressing of the accelerator.
  • Combustion efficiency has been greatly improved through the use of the injector system's finer spray of fuel, as well as through the active valve control system (AVCS) that optimizes the timing of the intake valves' opening and closing according to current driving conditions. Friction on various inner engine parts has been reduced in order to enhance performance and lower fuel consumption.
  • Gas emissions have been significantly reduced as a result of optimization of the shape of an engine intake port head, as well as through the introduction of an exhaust air-to-fuel ratio sensor, a rear O2 sensor, and a rear catalytic converter.
5-2) The 2.0-liter, SOHC, 16-valve horizontally-opposed engine in X20 and X models
  • The layout of the fuel intake structures has been changed for optimal torque output in low- and mid-speed ranges, thereby achieving outstanding driving performance.
  • The introduction of an electric control emission-gas recirculation (EGR) system helps reduce pumping loss. Friction in the oil pump has been reduced by decreasing the width of the oil pump rotor. Both of these changes also contribute to improved fuel economy.
  • Gas emissions have been extensively reduced following the introduction of an exhaust air-to-fuel ratio sensor, a rear O2 sensor, and a rear catalytic converter.
6. Drivetrain
Subaru's AWD system promises excellent driving stability on highways in addition to superb traction on rough roads. Its finely tuned transmission helps reduce vibrations and improve quietness. �@
6-1) The Forester AT with the 2.0-liter turbo engine
  • A new electronically controlled, 4-speed, full automatic transmission, has replaced hydraulic circuitry as the mode of gear shifting. This direct, electronically controlled gear-shifting system improves shifting response and reduces the vibrations inherent in shifting, and its lighter weight contributes to the overall improvements in drivability.
  • A newly adopted N-control function in the transmission automatically shifts to neutral when the car has been stopped for some time with its brake pedal pressed. This mechanism further reduces fuel consumption and vibrations.
  • In addition, an Info-ECO mode has been added to the new Forester to facilitate fuel-efficient gear shifting patterns. When ECO mode is selected, shifting schedules and ignition control during idling are adjusted to save gas. When excessive accelerator pumping is detected at vehicle start-up or during acceleration, the ECO indicator light is switched off to alert a driver to be aware that the vehicle is out of ECO mode.
6-2) AT models
  • The slip-control lock-up torque converter in the automatic transmission has been adjusted to provide lock-up capability at lower engine revolutions than in earlier models, thereby further improving fuel efficiency and reducing vehicle vibrations.
6-3) All models
  • Rear Viscous LSD is standard equipment. The model with a 2.0-liter, normal aspirated engine is specially equipped with a newly developed, light-weight, more compact LSD.
  • Vibrations and jolting have been reduced with the adoption of a low-friction joint in the inboard joints of the front axle shaft.
7. Chassis
A highly tuned and perfected suspension ensures driving pleasure at the driver's command and enables a supple, stable ride both on and off the road. �@
7-1) 4-wheel independent, strut-type suspension "crossover suspension"
  • Outstanding handling stability in cornering and straight-line driving has been further enhanced through numerous design changes: (i) both front and rear treads have been widened; (ii) rebound springs have been installed in the front and rear struts; (iii) the diameters of the front and rear stabilizers have been enlarged; (iv) ball joints have been set up in parallel links; (v) and rigidity has been reinforced in the connecting parts between the car body panels, the cross members, and the suspension.
  • A new type of a damper valve in the front and rear struts and a fine-tuned coil spring have further improved vehicle stability and traction.
  • The 2.0-liter turbo-engine model is fitted with forged aluminum lower arms. In addition, the overall unsprung weight, has been reduced, thereby improving on handling and riding comfort.
  • A newly designed self-levelizer is a manufacturer's option. This device provides pump-up action for the rear suspension when the Forester is fully loaded with cargo. It returns the vehicle to horizontal and maintains a constant vehicle posture. Compared with the self-levelizer on the earlier Foresters, the new levelizer has a greater ability to return the vehicle to horizontal with heavier cargo loads after changes in its tank capacity and other parts. Attitude recovery capability was improved by 50%.
7-2) Brakes
  • The brake pedal has been modified for improved rigidity. The 2.0-liter turbo-engine model is also equipped with 16-inch, ventilated disk brakes for the front wheels.
7-3) Steering
  • All models come with power-assisted steering with the variable gear ratio set between 15:1 and 19:1. A smooth, yet confident steering feel has been optimally balanced.
7-4) Tires
  • All models are equipped with all-season radials. Their rolling resistance is now 10% lower than that of the previous Forester's tires, an improvement made without sacrificing a firm grip on the road. The 2.0-liter turbo-equipped model is fitted with all-season radials that are 10% lighter than the tires on earlier models.
8. Body construction
Following detailed analysis of all types of impact seen in cases of accident, the lighter-weight body construction of the Forester has been strengthened by increasing the vehicle's rigidity and impact-absorbing characteristics.
  • New Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frames with reinforced subframes have proven to be highly resistant to impact from all directions.
  • Highly rigid, yet simple, light-weight construction has been made possible by a sound layout of high-tension steel panels and tailored blanks, which are made up of laser-welded steel panels of various thickness.
  • Aluminum material has been used in the front bumper beam, whose cross-sectional shape was optimized to absorb energy from frontal impacts. The aluminum also contributes to weight reduction.
9. Safety
9-1) Active safety
  • Risk avoidance on the road has been extensively considered in the design of superb handling and stability features, such as a fine-tuned suspension, improved brake performance, highly rigid body construction, and the AWD system combined with the horizontally-opposed engine.
  • Driver field of vision has been much improved through sensible packaging that eliminates the blind spots created by pillars and uses the module-type windshield wiper and an advanced sprinkler-jet water-nozzle that more fully cleans a wider field of view. Such options as high- and low-beam high intensity discharge (HID) lamps and fog lamps also serve to ensure better roadway illumination as well as greater vehicle visibility.
  • The 2.0-liter turbo-engine model is fitted with a four-sensor, four-channel, anti-lock braking system (ABS), which comes with the electronically controlled electronic brake force distribution system (EBD). These systems optimize the braking forces in the rear wheels according to cargo load variation and cargo shift during deceleration, which helps to improve overall braking performance.
  • The electronically controlled Vehicle Dynamics Control AWD system is an option with the 2.0-liter turbo-engine model. The sophisticated Vehicle Dynamics Control delivers superior stability under any road condition.
9-2) Passive safety
  • To improve passenger protection, frontal crash impact is designed to be absorbed and dispersed through reinforced subframes in combination with the New Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frames.
  • Active headrests are mounted on the front seats of all models. These protect the driver's and passenger's necks in a sudden stop or frontal crash, reducing the risk of whiplash injuries.
  • The three-point emergency locking retractor (ELR) rear seatbelts and height-adjustable rear-seat pillows are standard. Far-end rear seatbelts on both sides also come with shoulder adjusters.
  • Rear seatbelts also come with an automatic locking retractor (ALR) function for securing child seats. In addition, a universal ISO FIX child seat anchor is attached to both rear side seats. The anchor attachment site is marked on the seat backrest for ease of use. Child-seat tether anchors are also installed on both side seats for even greater safety. Specially made Child-seats that are approved in Japan's new safety standards can be used in Forester.
  • Rear seats have been strengthened by high-rigidity backrest frames.
  • A newly developed double- pretensioner seatbelt has been fitted in the 2.0-liter turbo-engine model's driver seat. The pretensioner retracts to tighten and take up slack in both the shoulder and the lap belts, holding the occupant more securely in the seat.
  • SRS dual airbags with satellite sensors are standard equipment. The airbag for the front passenger side is equipped with a dual-stage inflator.
  • The new SRS side airbag with head protection function to protect not only the torso, but the head as well with a larger volume and surface area, is a manufacturer's option.
  • A new safety brake pedal releases its brackets at crash impact, allowing the pedal to retract so that a driver's lower-limb injuries are reduced.
  • Impact-absorbing materials have been used in pillar trimming to protect passengers' heads in the cabin.
9-3) Vehicle conformation in crash and pedestrian safety
  • An impact-absorbing hood has been designed to reduce the risk of head injury to a pedestrian in an accident.
  • Windshield wiper shafts have been designed to automatically disconnect under excessive force, which also reduces the risk of a head injury to a pedestrian in an accident.
  • In a frontal crash with a passenger car, the lower frame layout is compatible with the low floor of the passenger car so that any height gap between the two vehicles is minimal, and crash impact is effectively absorbed by both vehicles.
10. Environmental considerations
Without compromising excellent driving performance, a high level of environmental consideration has been incorporated in the new Forester.
  • The 2.0-liter turbo-engine model with a manual transmission has achieved fuel efficiency as high as 13.0 km/L in Japan's 10.15-mode driving schedule, and the same model with an automatic transmission has achieved this level when driven in ECO mode. The mileage for the 2.0-liter non-turbo model with a manual transmission is 13.6 km/L in the 10.15-mode, and that model with AT achieves 13 km/L. All Forester models 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. The drag coefficient value of the new Forester is as low as 0.35, which is a key contribution to reducing air resistance at high speeds and saving fuel consumption.
  • Gas emissions have been steadily reduced and have earned Japan's 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 use of lead has been drastically reduced, which means that the new Forester has already cleared the 2005 targets that require the use of lead be reduced to one third of the 1996 levels. The use of plastics that contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been reduced to less than 3% of all plastic parts, the main exception being in harnesses. Emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the production of the Forester has been also cut down thanks to the introduction of middle solid paint, which combines with a solvent that emits fewer VOC into the air. FHI is making every effort to meet its voluntary company-wide goal to reduce VOC 59% prior to 2005 from the VOC levels in 1995.
  • Recyclability of parts and materials has been improved. More recyclable materials and fewer plastics are used, and the recyclable plastic materials are so marked to facilitate after-market recycling processes. Some components have been designed so that they are easily separated for recycling: e.g., a headlamp unit's lenses and plastics can be easily separated; and urethane moldings and frames are separable components in seats.
  • More components are designed to be interchangeable on a piece-by-piece basis, even when they are combined in larger units. This means that repairs after a light accident will require replacement of fewer component parts, and unaffected parts need not be unnecessarily wasted.
11. Manufacturer's options
Many original options are offered in the three option packages, depending on the model grade.
  • The Euro Package (available on XT and X20) emphasizes sporty looks and accentuates outstanding driving performance. It includes a light black color scheme in the cabin, sporty seats and trim, a MOMO-made leather steering wheel grip, and leather-bound AT shift levers, MT shift knobs, dual-range levers (only on XT and MT), and hand brake levers, as well as front fog lamps and 15-inch aluminum wheels (on X20 only).
  • The Field Package (available on XT and X20) adds functionality to active outdoor use. It includes water-proof seats and trim in cinnamon brown, durable cargo floor mats, a color-coordinated leather-bound steering wheel, AT select lever, MT shift knob, dual-range lever (only on X20 MT), and hand brake lever, plus front fog lamps, a self-levelizer, and 15-inch aluminum wheels (on X20 only).
  • The Cruising Package (available on XT, X20, and AT) places a 6.5-inch-wide monitor screen in the built-in DVD navigation system on the upper instrument panel. The display screen can be tilted up or down to adjust to the driver's point of view. The high-performance Forester Solid Force Sound audio system with an internal FIX equalizer includes an MD player, a CD changer, and a five-channel amplifier. On XT and X20 models, a large, inside-sliding power sunroof is available. It's fully automatic with a retracting function that stops, then opens the window when something impedes its closing. These models also have HID high- and low-beam lamps as an option.
12. Others
Subaru plans to introduce a TransCare Wing Seat version of the new Forester for handicap access in March 2002. It will feature a power-lifter front passenger seat, which rotates 90 degrees outward from the door and allows easier and safer access of a handicapped passenger into the vehicle by remote control operation. The seat will also come with reclining functions, newly designed arm rests, and torso-holding seatbelts, thereby providing the passenger with a safer, more pleasant ride.
Overview of the New Forester Main Features prices


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