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Subaru Forester 2.0XS

Major Improvements

Exterior
- Demonstrating the concept of dynamic and modern styling, the exterior design emphasizes the power of a crossover SUV while maintaining the established flowing form of the Forester.
- While retaining the elegant flow from the front hood to the bumper, the large-sized grille design accentuates the powerful SUV face. By eliminating unwanted projections of bumper parts, the front bumper unit has been packaged to give an elegant and simple, yet sporty silhouette.
- The rear gate has been redesigned for a sophisticated look with expanded garnish and a bright molding, stressing the car’s wide and stable presence.
- The lower part of the rear bumper is colored black, emphasizing the ample road clearance of an SUV.
- The front headlamp packaging features round-shaped, four-beam headlights, augmenting both design factors and functionality. Rear combination lamps stress sportiness, with round-shaped lights in triangular lamp lenses.
- Door handles are elegantly chrome-plated, bringing out quality looks.
- The 6-star Subaru automobile emblem is attached on the streamlined rear gate, adding a unified Subaru image to the car.
- A new body color, Garnet Red Pearl, has been added. Evergreen Metallic is also available as a body color with the L.L. Bean edition.
Interior
- Water-resistant seat fabric has been adopted. The floor mat in the luggage space and the rear seatback are now made from new heavy-duty fabrics that help resist scratching, tearing, and dirt. The sides of the luggage space are also covered with heavy-duty, water-resistant material. In addition, railings are laid out on the luggage space floor to prevent luggage from sliding during travel.
- A bar for hanging towels and outdoor equipment has been fitted on each side in the rear luggage space and can be used even when a luggage compartment cover is used.
- The multifunctional center console can be used as an armrest, while providing an electrical outlet (DC12V) and cup holders.
- The built-in HDD navigation system with a 30-GB hard disk drive combines the functions of a DVD player and a high-end audio system. The touch-panel keys on the 6.5-inch navigation screen and high performance navigation functions ensure convenience and ease of use. The HDD navigation system is optional.
- The Forester with the built-in HDD and navigation option can be also fitted with a multifunctional box with a light inside. By diverting the cool air from the air conditioner, it becomes a small beveraga cooler that accommodates two 350-mL bottles. When the cooling function is switched off, it can be simply a storage box.
- The L.L. Bean edition comes with a standard, driver’s 8-way power seat with lumber support, providing comfort and the ease of operations. This driver’s seat is optional on the 2.0XT and 2.0XS.
- Two choices of interior colors, beige and off-black, highlight quality and elegance.
- Leather seats in beige are standard on the L.L. Bean edition. Optional leather seats in beige or off-black are available on the 2.0XT and 2.0XS.
- A MOMO leather–wrapped steering wheel, genuine leather-wrapped AT selector lever/MT shift knob and hand brake lever are standard on the 2.0 XT and 2.0XS.
- A MOMO leather and wood steering wheel, genuine-leather and wood-surface-patterned resin AT select lever, genuine leather–wrapped MT shift knob and hand brake lever are standard on the L.L. Bean edition.
- The L.L. Bean edition comes with a travel bag and cooler bag that were specially designed by L.L. Bean.
Engine
- [2.0 liter, 4-cylinder, horizontally opposed SOHC engine]
  - The newly developed, horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder SOHC engine is equipped with the equal length/constant pulsation independent exhaust system, which raises intake/exhaust efficiency to deliver high torque in low to mid speed ranges, thereby elevating acceleration performance in practical driving speed ranges. The engine achieves smooth acceleration and provides a pleasant ride even with frequent stop and go in city driving.
  - Improved combustion efficiency through the adoption of a tumble generation valve (TGV), as well as augmented catalyst efficiency in pollutant removal, have further contributed to a reduction of harmful substances in emission gas. The new Forester meets Japan’s Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (U-LEV) standards set by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT), which require the reduction of an additional 50% of emissions from the levels of the 2005 exhaust emission regulations.
  - Enlarged muffler capacity helps decrease back pressure, which contributes to improving the power output and reducing emission noise levels.
- [2.0 liter, 4-cylinder, horizontally opposed DOHC turbo engine]
  - An enlarged engine cover has been adopted, and the engine compartment has been redesigned to integrate a quality look. Engine noise has been reduced as well.
  - Enlarged muffler capacity helps decrease back pressure, which contributes to improving the power output and reducing emission noise levels.
Transmission
- The direct-control automatic transmission, which was previously mounted in a turbo-engine model, is used for the naturally aspirated engine model as well. By optimally regulating gear shift control, it ensures an uninterrupted power flow, while helping to boost fuel economy.
- The SPORTSHIFT E-4AT is available on the 2.0XS and 2.0XT models for the driver who wishes to enjoy a more sporty driving experience through active gear changes. (The SPORTSHIFT is a registered trademark of Prodrive Ltd. The E-4AT is an electronically controlled, 4-speed, fully automatic transmission.)
- With an optimized shift stroke and the adoption of double-cone synchromesh on the first and third gears, gear shifting has been made smoother and more precise in the manual transmission.
Chassis
- By incorporating a rebound spring in the front damper, adopting front subframes, and modifying the geometry of the front suspension, any pitching or rolling movements of the vehicle are substantially minimized.
- Outstanding handling stability has been ensured by adjustments to the damper force.
- Vehicle cornering stability has been improved through an enhancement at the rear crossmember, thus fortifying rigidity in the mounting of the rear suspension.
- Newly developed 17-inch tires help improve driving stability on road. All models except for the 2.0X are fitted with these tires.
- A new AWD system monitors each tire’s rotations and governs precise control of optimal four-wheel movements, delivering a smooth ride and vehicle stability, even on slippery roads.
- Brake performance has been improved through the use of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) with an electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) system, as well as the adoption of 14-inch solid disk rotors in the rear disk brakes on the naturally aspirated engine model, an upgrade from the drum brake system.

[Sales target]
2,000 units/month