Description
Subaru unveiled the fourth generation of the Forester crossover at the 2012 Guangzhou Motor Show, and in the following year, it released it on the U.S. market and the rest of the world.
The Forester's history started in 1997 when the Japanese automaker used the Impreza's platform to create this crossover. It was a lucky shot for Subaru, and the car made a clear difference on the market. Its superb handling and comfortable ride gave customers a pleasant experience.
With that background, the fourth generation stepped in with confidence. Its front fascia showed a bold stance with a thick chromed slat on the grille, resembling an aircraft wing. That reminded customers that once, Subaru factories used to make airplanes. The lower trapezoidal grille sported black protection and was flanked by side air intakes that channeled the air to the sides of the vehicle. From its profile, the ascending beltline emphasized the car's dynamic character. Finally, at the back, the corner-mounted taillights flanked a wide-opening tailgate.
Inside, the automaker installed bolstered seats at the front and a split-folding bench in the rear. The instrument cluster featured two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer and, squeezed between them, an LCD. Atop the center stack, Subaru placed a color display for the reversing camera, when fitted, that also acted as a screen for the onboard computer and the traction features. Yet, the infotainment unit that contained the navigation unit was placed on the center stack, making it easier to use.
Under the hood, Subaru installed a choice of two 2.0-liter gasoline units for most markets. At the same time, U.S. customers also could opt for a 2.5-liter powerplant. On the other hand, European buyers received a turbo-diesel version. All of these were flat-four engines and paired with a manual transmission as standard, while some versions were also available with Subaru's CVT gearbox named Lineartronic. As usual for the Forester, the power went in all corners.
Press Release
The fourth generation Subaru Forester was developed with the goal to maximize its value as a true SUV. The all-new Forester enhances basic vehicle performance such as driving, safety and environmental friendliness and features Subaru's unique Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system at its core. In addition to that, the Forester's user-friendly utilities and fun-to-drive characteristic with stress-free driving were further improved.
Since its launch in 1997, the Forester has been acclaimed world-wide for its driveability and riding comfort with rugged rough-road capability and utility with superior maneuverability.
Subaru's brand statement "Confidence in Motion" is the foundation of the brand's automobile development. Subaru is committed to engineering excellence and "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind" and to create products in harmony with customer lifestyles and values. The new Forester is also a product embodying Subaru's brand direction.
Subaru defines the value of a true SUV as : providing user-friendly versatile utilities ; fun-to-drive character and ride comfort for long distances, even under harsh conditions; and stress-free driving. To realize this, both driving performance and ride quality were highly improved by adopting Subaru's latest technologies together with the enhanced body rigidity.
Excellent fuel efficiency and safety performance realize a "Peace of Mind" driving experience. Interior comfort and functionality have been further refined to provide a vehicle that is "fun-to-use" as an SUV. While maintaining a high-level of basic vehicle performance, a new AWD control system delivers not only "fun to drive" characteristics but comfortable and confident driving in all road conditions.
Exterior Design
The all-new Forester was designed with SUV-like powerful eye-catching looks while considering better aerodynamics and functionality.
Front fascia expresses "Sportiness, Ruggedness, Peace of Mind and Confidence". The "2.0XT", direct injection turbo engine model, employs exclusive front design, accentuating its sportiness.
By extending the bottom end of the A-pillar 200 mm forward than the previous model, an elegant form has been achieved.
Designs of the front section, door panels and a rear gate express massive and powerful images. The wheel arch and wheel designs project a greater road presence and off-road capability.
Interior Design
The interior design suggests spaciousness as well as boldness and provides a powerful look as a SUV, with a quality feel due to its sophisticated shape and soft touch materials.
The instrument panel is styled to add to the spacious atmosphere.
Soft touch materials enhance the feeling of quality in the cabin.
Packaging / Utility
The cabin design was carefully considered for greater comfort and utility for all passengers.
Both roominess and a sense of openness have been achieved by redesigning the cabin , each pillar's location and floor shape in the rear section. Seating positions were also totally reviewed to provide better visibility to all passengers, compared to the previous model.
By enlarging the cargo space and rear gate opening, better utility of the cargo space has been achieved.
A new "clean side sill" design protects passengers from dirt, when getting in and out of a car by keeping the sill clean.
Wider door openings and lower side sills vastly improve ingress and egress of passengers.
A multifunction display monitor shows details of the vehicle's driving conditions to support fuel-efficient and safe driving.
Sturdy and functional roof rails are optional.
Hill start assist function has also been adopted. When the vehicle stops on any hill, braking will be kept to maintain vehicle's position temporarily as the driver takes off the brake. Due to this function, driver can easily start the vehicle on a slope.
A powerlift tailgate allows automatic opening and closing. The opening height of the tailgate can be adjusted so that the tailgate does not hit a garage ceiling, for example. Obstacles can also be detected during opening and closing.
Driveability
The layout of Subaru Symmetrical AWD system with low center of gravity and superior weight balance has embodied compliant ride quality in various road conditions.
By combining the new generation Boxer engine with Lineartronic, both high engine output and good fuel efficiency have been achieved.
Further increased rigidity of body and chassis provides comfortable driving with "Peace of Mind" for every driver.
2.0-liter, DOHC, Horizontally-Opposed, 4-cylinder, petrol engine
A new generation Boxer engine achieves both fast engine response and high fuel efficiency.
Improved low to mid speed torque was adopted with a focus on manageability in practical use.
2.0-liter, DOHC, Horizontally-Opposed, Direct Injection Turbocharged, 4-cylinder, petrol engine "DIT"
Subaru's own direct injection turbo technology was adopted for the new generation Boxer engine. By injecting fuel directly into cylinders, combustion efficiency was improved, resulting in both high engine output and fuel efficiency.
By employing the newly developed twin scroll type turbo charger with superior response at low engine speed, high performance with high engine output and torque was achieved at 206kW (280PS) and 350Nm @ 2000rpm. It also has good environmental friendliness.
Transmission - Lineartronic (CVT)
Further advancing the benefits of Chain-driven CVT such as lightness, compactness, superior fuel efficiency and wide ratio coverage, Subaru has adopted a CVT with improved driveability and environmental friendliness by optimizing the parts and layouts.
The new Lineartronic was applied for higher torque of the newly developed 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo engine. Some parts such as the torque converter and chains were modified to endure high performance of the direct injection turbo engine.
Body & chassis
In pursuit of a linear response and secure driveability while absorbing any road surface irregularities, the rigidity of key points in chassis & body have been improved. Agile handling, comfortable driving and noise reduction have been achieved while body roll was minimized.
The chassis was tuned exclusively for the turbo-charged model. Suspension rigidity was reinforced for better stability during high speed driving. Vehicle sway was minimized due to damper tuning and enlarged stabilizer diameter, turbo models offer superior stability when changing lanes and cornering.
X-MODE
The new AWD control system "X-MODE" has been developed for the driving on uneven or slippery road condition. Engine, Transmission and VDC are controlled cooperatively.
The system simulates various road conditions. By pushing "X-MODE" button, any driver can use the system easily and make the vehicle stable.
The system also has the hill descent control mode which can maintain the same vehicle speed when driving down a steep hill.
SI-DRIVE
SI-DRIVE which is effective for both driving pleasure and fuel-efficient driving was adopted. It has "Intelligent mode" and "Sports mode". Driver can use either of them as the situation demands. The SI-DRIVE switch was equipped on the steering for easy operation.
The "SI-DRIVE" was finely tuned for the models with DIT engine. It has "Intelligent mode", "Sports mode" and "S# (Sports sharp) mode". In case of Sport# (S#) mode, the driver can shift between 8 steps. In addition to the smooth shift change of the CVT, the driver can enjoy sportier driving by selecting the mode with direct feeling like AT or MT vehicles.
Safety
Subaru's unique driving assist system "EyeSight (version II)" is available for both Turbo and Non-turbo models.
By using high tensile steel effectively for the body structure, the body has been reduced in weight while attaining high rigidity. Superior crash safety performance has also been achieved.
Environmental friendliness
Adoption of the new generation Boxer engine and Lineartronic; enhanced aerodynamic performance; and Auto Start Stop system improved fuel efficiency.
A multifunction display monitor shows the condition of fuel consumption to support fuel-efficient driving.
The fuel efficiency of the models equipped with the Lineartronic achieved the 2015 Japanese fuel standards.
