Subaru New Zealand has launched its fifth generation Forester, this time with a new description of it for the buying public.
First available in 1997, the 2019 Forester goes on sale in September with one powertrain on offer but three variants.
The latest Forester has a 2.5-litre, direct injection petrol engine paired with all-wheel-drive and for the first time, a seven speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts.
The new Forester gets Subaru’s off-road system, X-Mode that includes hill descent, plus an updated EyeSight safety radar and camera system, and lane keep assist.
The range starts from $39,990 for the Sport that sits on 17in alloy wheels, before moving to the Sport Plus on 18in ($44,990) and the $47,490 Premium model that includes sunroof and leather upholstery as standard.
Subaru told the motoring media at the launch today that “New Zealand consumers think the Forester is a station wagon” but its technically-correct description is a medium SUV.
The company is also targeting families with “one to two kids who are looking for an SUV to help fulfill their love to get out and ‘do’ activities”.
The Forester sits on Subaru’s all-new global platform while the Boxer engine has 90 per cent new components, giving a power output of 136kW (up 10kW) and 239Nm of torque.
The Forester is 19mm longer than the previous model (at 4637mm), 21mm wider (at 1817mm) and a 28mm greater wheelbase at 2667mm. It retains it turning radius of 5.4metres – best in class.
Subaru sees the Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage and Nissan X-Trail as immediate competitors for the Forester.
The Forester is Subaru’s number one selling vehicle globally and locally has been joined by the Legacy, Outback and XV over the past two decades.
See Saturday’s Driven magazine for a full rundown on the new Subaru Forester