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The 2019 Subaru Forester which debuted yesterday at the New York Auto Show looks very familiar to the current Forester. Despite what the body looks like, there are major changes underneath the Forester's skin. It begins with the platform. The 2019 Forester becomes the latest Subaru model to move onto the company's new global platform. This allows for a 1.2-inch increase in overall wheelbase which Subaru has used to improve rear legroom. In fact, Subaru says the new Forester offers more head, shoulder, and legroom than the outgoing model. As for cargo space, the 2019 Forester boasts 76.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded - up 1.9 cubic feet. Subaru has increased the width of the tailgate opening 5.3-inches to make it easier to load items. The interior is the same as you'll find in the Impreza and Crosstrek, down to the Starlink infotainment system in a 6.5- or 8-inch touchscreen. Other interior improvements include more comfortable front seats, larger seat pockets, automatic climate control being standard on all trims, and the option of a Wi-Fi hotspot. There will only be one engine available for the 2019 Forester - a revamped 2.5L boxer-four producing 182 horsepower (up 12) and 176 pound-feet of torque (up 2). This will only come paired with a CVT and AWD. Touring and Sport models add a a manual mode and paddle shifters to mimic a seven-speed transmission. Subaru's X-Mode with Hill Descent Control allows to Forester to go slightly deeper into great outdoors is standard on every Forester except the base model. Being a Subaru, the Forester comes chock full of safety equipment. All Foresters come with the EyeSight suite of active safety features - adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The top-line Touring introduces Subaru's DriverFocus fatigue and distraction alert. Using cameras and facial recognition software, it monitors signs of fatigue or distraction on up to five different drivers. The system can also remember a driver's preset on the seat, climate control, and radio. The 2019 Subaru Forester arrives at dealers later this year. Source: Subaru Press Release is on Page 2 ALL-NEW 2019 SUBARU FORESTER® DEBUTS AT NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Roomiest, most capable Forester to date Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology Subaru Global Platform: quietness, stability, agility Available new segment-exclusive DriverFocus safety technology Updated 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine New Sport model with unique exterior and interior Standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Panoramic moonroof March 28, 2018 , NEW YORK - Subaru of America Inc., debuted today the all-new 2019 Forester at the New York International Auto Show. The fifth generation of the best-selling SUV introduces the roomiest, most capable and most versatile Forester ever made and also features groundbreaking new safety technology. The 2019 Forester is built on the Subaru Global Platform to deliver significantly higher levels of driving pleasure, agility, crash protection, ride comfort and quietness. Arriving at Subaru retailers later this year, the all-new Forester will be available in standard, Premium, Limited, Touring and new Sport trim levels. All are powered by an enhanced direct-injection, 182 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder BOXER engine featuring Auto Stop/Start and paired with a standard Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). Also standard on all trim levels is Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. For 2019, all Foresters come standard with the award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The top-of-line Touring debuts the segment-exclusive DriverFocus safety technology which offers yet another layer of safety and convenience for the driver. The system can alert the driver of fatigue or distraction while on the road as well as automatically adjust many driver settings at start-up. Segment First DriverFocus Safety Technology With DriverFocus, Subaru is taking on one of the biggest issues in the automotive industry; distracted driving. Each day in the United States, more than 1,000 people are injured in crashes reported to have involved a distracted driver. * As an industry leader in safety, Subaru has developed DriverFocus, a state-of-the-art system to help address distracted driving for both new and experienced drivers. DriverFocus is a driver monitoring system that uses facial recognition software to identify signs of driver fatigue or driver distraction. DriverFocus works with Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology to reduce the chance of an accident. And for added convenience, DriverFocus can also recognize up to five drivers and remember their presets for seat position, climate, multifunction display and more. The all-new Forester is the first in its segment, and among the first vehicles in the industry to incorporate technology that can address the important societal issue of distracted driving. The feature will be standard on Touring models. Added Power and Efficiency All Foresters are powered by a new version of the 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine, now with direct fuel injection and higher compression, along with active valve control system (AVCS) on the exhaust side. The new engine produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, versus 170 hp and 174 lb-ft in the previous Forester, for a boost in everyday performance and responsiveness. The 2019 Forester comes standard with Lineartronic CVT. The new powertrain not only yields quicker acceleration than the previous Forester, but also up to 33 mpg highway fuel economy (manufacturer’s estimate, pending EPA certification). On Sport and Touring variants, the CVT features a manual mode that simulates a seven-speed manual transmission, using steering wheel paddle shift control switches. Adding more flexibility for driving conditions, is a standard driver-selectable SI-DRIVE. SI-DRIVE is a powertrain performance management system that allows the driver to tailor the vehicle’s throttle characteristics by choosing between “Intelligent” and “Sport” modes (Sport Sharp on Forester Sport). “Intelligent” mode helps smooth out accelerator inputs for fuel saving, while “Sport” mode tunes the throttle to emphasize performance. Signature Subaru Design The 2019 Forester debuts a more rugged style that showcases Subaru’s new design language while retaining a strong family resemblance to the rest of the brand’s portfolio. The exterior has shoulder lines that follow around the pillars to emphasize height and strength. Prominent wheel arches emphasize the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system’s functionality. Front, side and rear underguards are standard on all models, with color finish according to trim line. New LED headlights are standard on all models and complement the brand’s signature hexagonal grille. High-gloss black or silver trim highlights the Forester’s premium appearance, accentuated by new colors such as Jasper Green Metallic, Horizon Blue Pearl and Crimson Red Pearl. Forester’s new design brings added function. The wheelbase is increased to 105.1 in. from 103.9 in., with the gain benefitting rear seat legroom, which is now 39.4-in., a 1.4-in. increase. Gains in headroom, hip and shoulder room further bolster passenger comfort and a feeling of spaciousness in the cabin. Wider rear door openings and a steep C-pillar angle make ingress/egress and installing a child seat easier. All Forester models feature lower body side cladding, which helps protect against mud, rocks and other road debris. The new Forester design maintains outstanding outward visibility, a hallmark of Subaru models. Strategically designed pillars and generous glass area ensure an excellent all-around view from inside, and all models feature a standard rear vision camera. The 2019 Forester design increases cargo space to 76.1 cu. ft. with the 60:40 split rear seatbacks lowered, a gain of 1.4 cu. ft. The load floor sits flatter, and the cargo area’s squared-off shape has been further optimized for ease of carrying large objects. Notably, the rear gate opening maximum width is now 51.2-in. wide, a 5.3-in. increase over the previous model and up to 8-in. wider than on some competitive SUVs. For example, with the 2019 Forester, it will be possible to load a full-size golf bag sideways without tilting it. A power rear gate is standard on Limited and Touring trim levels and available as an option for Premium and Sport. Roof rails, standard on all but the base model, allow for a number of Subaru Genuine Accessories for carrying items such as bicycles and kayaks. New tie-down hooks integrated into the rails, on Sport and Touring trims, allow ropes to be tied down more easily and securely. New Forester Sport Inspired by the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, the 2019 Forester Sport joins the line with unique appearance elements and specially enhanced standard equipment. A Sport grille with black gloss finish frame, black-finish 18-in. wheels and rear roof spoiler give Forester Sport a rugged look, while orange accents on the black underguards and roof rail mounts add a modern, youthful touch. The interior is a unique dark gray material with orange stitching and accents throughout that is exclusive to the Sport model. The Forester Sport exclusively employs a version of Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) with Intelligent and Sport Sharp modes and the Lineartronic CVT features a seven-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle-shift control switches. Building on the standard equipment of the Forester Premium trim, the Sport also features a high-grade instrument panel combination meter and multi-function display, LED fog lights, High Beam Assist, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, Keyless Access with Push-Button Start and PIN Code Access and the All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer). A standard cargo area tray helps protect the interior. For added convenience when loading or unloading equipment at night, the Sport features a cargo area LED light with auto-off and a rear gate LED flood light that illuminates the area around the rear gate when it is opened. Family comfort and quiet space The roomiest Forester cabin yet is also the quietest, thanks to the Subaru Global Platform’s inherent resistance to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Road noise is significantly reduced and Subaru has worked to tune out certain frequencies to make conversation or listening to music at highway speeds more comfortable. Forester’s interior has been designed for both greater passenger comfort and increased durability in everyday and recreational usage. New front seats, are constructed to enhance comfort on long drives. A new Electronic Parking Brake frees up console space by eliminating the traditional parking brake handle. All Forester models now feature standard automatic climate control (dual-zone on Limited and Touring models), and the available heated front seats feature three-stage control versus two-stage before. The Touring trim adds new heated rear seats for 2019. Keyless Access with Push Button Start is standard on Sport, Limited and Touring trims and optional for Premium. In conjunction with this feature, SUBARU STARLINK® Connected Services now offers available Remote Engine Start via the MySubaru smartphone app. Climate controls can also be set on the app when Remote Engine Start is activated. Many other connected services such as Wi-Fi and concierge services are newly available on Forester for 2019 model year. Numerous new details throughout the Forester reflect the Subaru brand’s meticulous study of real-world customer usage. The material used for the cargo area floor, sides and rear gate interior trim offer a textured surface to resist dirt. The robust material also resists scuffing, such as when carrying camping equipment or other outdoor gear, and is easily cleaned. PVC material used on the bottoms of the front seat backs likewise resists scuffing and the material is easily cleaned. Pockets on the front seatbacks are now divided to more easily organize items such as magazines and electronic devices. Legendary Subaru Value Gets Even Better The 2019 Forester is the best-equipped ever, with the standard model adding features such as EyeSight, LED headlights, Auto Start/Stop, SI-DRIVE Engine Performance management, Active Torque Vectoring, Automatic Climate Control, Electronic Parking Brake, Trailer Stability Assist and Welcome Lighting. A panoramic power moonroof is standard on Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring trims. Each trim level adds more features and amenities, while maintaining all the vehicle’s rugged capability. The 2019 Touring is the most luxurious Forester ever, with standard and exclusive features including 10-way power driver’s seat, new 8-way power front passenger seat, new heated rear seats and heated steering wheel. Also new for 2019, the exterior mirrors have a two-position memory function synchronized to the driver’s seat position memory and in addition tilt downward when reverse gear is engaged, to aid in parking maneuvers. A new power rear lock button is available on the rear liftgate that will close and lock the gate and all doors on the vehicle. Adventurous Spirit and Function The 2019 Forester continues the model’s tradition of offering the optimal blend of SUV capability with car-like ride and handling with legendary Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This key technology provides stable, secure driving for young families and all-around capability for outdoors enthusiasts. Subaru’s all-wheel drive system actively monitors acceleration, deceleration, cornering and traction to transfer power to the wheels with the best grip. Active Torque Vectoring, first introduced on the brand’s iconic WRX ® and WRX STI® performance models, is also standard on all 2019 Foresters. The Forester base model features standard 17-in. steel wheels, while the Premium gets standard 17-in. alloy wheels. Sport, Limited and Touring models ride on 18-in. wheels with each trim featuring its own wheel design. Forester offers a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is more than most competitors and allows for confident off-pavement driving. Yet, the 2019 Forester maintains an easy step-in height. For handling difficult driving conditions such as snow or mud, Forester Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring come standard with driver-selectable X-Mode® with Hill Descent Control. When engaged, X-Mode optimizes control of the engine, transmission shift pattern, Active AWD front/rear clutch force, brakes and the Vehicle Dynamics Control system to optimize wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines. New for 2019, the Sport, Limited and Touring models come standard with a dual-mode version of X-Mode that offers Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes for even more capability to go virtually wherever necessary. Subaru Safety Throughout The Forester’s new platform integrates the latest version of the Subaru ring-shaped reinforcement frame design, proven over nearly two decades to provide excellent occupant collision protection. All versions of the 2019 Forester come standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that includes Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision Throttle Management and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. Other available driver-assist technologies include Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Reverse Automatic Braking can apply the vehicle’s brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing. Forester Sport, Limited and Touring include High Beam Assist, and Limited and Touring also add Steering Responsive Headlights. New for the 2019 Forester, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) now displays pressure for individual tires. New standard Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) utilizes yaw sensors to monitor trailer sway and then can brake individual wheels to stabilize the vehicle and trailer. A power locking fuel door is integrated into the new automatic power door lock/unlock system as standard. The system locks all doors, the rear gate and fuel door once the vehicle is driven over 13 mph, and the owner can set locking/unlocking preferences. Inside, the Forester fills out its safety roster with the Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, standard front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage. SUBARU STARLINK™ In-Vehicle Technology The 2019 Forester offers the latest touchscreen SUBARU STARLINK multimedia systems with standard features including Apple CarPlay™, Android™ Auto and SiriusXM® services (subscription required) with Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming. Music, news, podcasts and much more can be enjoyed with standard Aha™, Pandora® and STARLINK app integration. A built-in, voice-activated navigation system powered by TomTom with an 8” high resolution touchscreen is also available. The standard Forester comes with the 6.5” Multimedia system, while higher trim levels feature the 8.0” Multimedia Plus and 8.0” Multimedia Navigation systems. SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services now offers remote engine start (on models equipped with Keyless Access and Push-Button Start); concierge service; anti-theft vehicle immobilizer with flashing vehicle security lights; young driver safety functions including geofencing, speed alert and curfew; and firmware updates over the air. Also available, the Safety Plus package offers SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, maintenance notifications, monthly vehicle health report, and diagnostic alerts. The Safety Plus & Security Plus upgrade package adds stolen vehicle recovery service, vehicle security alarm notification, remote lock/unlock, remote horn and lights and remote vehicle locator. View full article

The upcoming New York Auto Show looks to be all about the crossovers. We've already been teased with the 2019 Toyota RAV4, now Subaru is teasing the 2019 Forester. We can't tell much aside from the taillights looking similar to the larger Ascent crossover. It would come as no surprise if the Forester takes many of the design elements of the Ascent. The 2019 Forester will be the next Subaru vehicle to transition to the modular Subaru Global platform. We expect to have more details including what engines will power the new Forester and a release timeframe in a couple of weeks. Source: Subaru View full article

They say timing is everything. As I mentioned in our quick drive piece of 2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium, the automaker announced a refreshed version for 2017. Changes included a revised exterior, improved interior materials, and a revised EyeSight active safety system. Once we heard about the refresh, we knew we need to get one in for review. That’s what happened this past fall as a 2017 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring arrived at the Cheers & Gears Detroit garage. The XT is the important bit as it means we have the turbo engine. Let us begin with the engine as this is one of the best points of the Forester. The XT gets a turbocharged 2.0L boxer-four producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This comes paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT and all-wheel drive. The turbo engine solves some of the issues we had in the previous Forester. The 2.5i wasn’t as responsive as we would have liked and it takes its sweet time to get up to higher speeds. With the turbo engine, the Forester leaps into action. Yes, it does a take a moment for the turbo to spool up. But once it does, the engine delivers power at a steady and smooth rate. Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT is one of the better CVTs on the market. Part of this comes from the simulated gear changes Subaru has programmed for the CVT. This will fool most people into thinking that the transmission is a standard automatic. Also, the CVT doesn’t have much of a groan when you decide to floor the accelerator. The downside to the turbo engine is fuel economy. EPA fuel economy figures for the 2.0XT stand at 23 City/27 Highway/25 Combined. Our average for the week was 24.7 MPG. If you’re expecting Subaru to make some changes to the suspension and/or steering for the Forester 2.0XT, then you’ll be very disappointed. The 2.0XT is the same as the 2.5i we drove earlier. That means a smooth ride over some of the worst roads Michigan has on offer, but a fair amount of body roll when going around a corner. Changes for the 2017 Forester’s exterior include a new grille design, LED accent lights for the head and taillights; and a new set of wheels. The XT also gets a more aggressive front bumper. While the Forester is still a box, at least the changes have made it a bit more stylish. The interior remains mostly unchanged when compared to the 2016 model. The only change we noted is the option of brown leather for the XT Touring that is used for the seats and various parts of the dash and doors. It is a nice touch, but it would have been nice if Subaru had gone a bit further with the luxury touches - especially considering the price of our tester. Subaru has upgraded their EyeSight system for 2017 by installing a new set of color stereo cameras. Subaru says the new cameras allow better detection of various objects and a wider range of monitoring. We believe it as the updated system was able to detect vehicles slightly faster than the previous system when using the adaptive cruise control system. There is one big issue for the 2017 Forester 2.0XT Touring, price. The base price is $34,295. Equipped with an option package that brings a larger screen for the Starlink infotainment system, EyeSight, and reverse automatic braking, the as-tested price comes to $36,765. Taking into consideration for what you get for the price, the Forester 2.0XT Touring isn’t worth it considering you can get into some luxury crossovers for around the same price. You can get the Forester 2.0XT in the Premium trim which kicks off at $29,295, but you cannot get EyeSight as an option. If you really want a Forester with a turbo engine, wait for 2.0XT Touring to hit the used car lot as it will become a slightly better value. Otherwise, skip the 2.0XT and go with the Forester 2.5i or another crossover. Disclaimer: Subaru Provided the Forester 2.0XT Touring, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2017 Make: Subaru Model: Forester Trim: 2.0XT Touring Engine: Turbocharged 2.0L DOHC GDI Boxer-Four Driveline: CVT, All-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 250 @ 5,600 Torque @ RPM: 258 @ 2,000 - 4,800 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 23/27/25 Curb Weight: 3,686 lbs Location of Manufacture: OTA, Gunma, Japan Base Price: $34,295 As Tested Price: $36,765 (Includes $875.00 Destination Charge) Options: Option Package 34 - $1,595.00 View full article

Like it or not, crossovers are dominating the automotive landscape. This is nowhere more apparent than the compact crossover class as it seems a month doesn’t go by without a new model, redesign, or refresh being announced. Case in point is the vehicle seen here, the 2016 Subaru Forester. Just a few weeks after we drove it, Subaru announced mid-cycle refresh which brings a slightly revised exterior, new interior bits, and an upgraded EyeSight system. Now is that going to stop us from reviewing the 2016 model? No. Here is what we thought of the pre-refreshed Forester. In the spectrum of crossover design, the Forester would be at the boring end. This is a model that doesn’t have any hint of style. It is just a box on wheels. There is a positive to this shape as it gives the Forester a large area of glass. Not only does this improve overall visibility, it also makes the interior feel quite airy and huge. Speaking of which, the Forester’s interior is one of the most spacious in the class. No matter if you’re sitting in the front or back, you’ll have plenty of head and legroom. The seats themselves provide the right the amount of comfort and support for long trips. Cargo space is towards the top with 31.5 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 68.5 cubic feet with the rear seat down. It should be noted models without the panoramic sunroof have a larger cargo area - 34.4/74.7 cubic feet. As for the dash, it is similar to the one you’ll find in the Impreza and XV Crosstrek. On the one hand, it is very simple with a logical control layout. On the other hand, Subaru’s choice in materials is slightly disappointing with a fair amount of hard plastics on the dash and door panels. All models feature Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system that comes with either a 6.5-inch or 7-inch screen. Our tester came with latter via an option package. Starlink is one of the better infotainment systems in the marketplace with a simple interface, quick performance, and touch buttons that actually respond on a consistent basis. Most Foresters will feature the engine found in our tester; a 2.5L boxer-four with 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard on the base model, but most Foresters will come equipped with a CVT. Around town, the 2.5 provides a decent amount of power. We do wish the responsiveness of the engine was a little bit better, but that could be fixed with some tweaks to the CVT. On the freeway, the Forester does take its time to get up to speed. Again, this is likely due to the CVT needing some tweaking. At least the CVT does help with fuel economy. The EPA rates the Forester 2.5i with the CVT at 24 City/32 Highway/27 Combined. Our average for the week landed around 27 MPG. For the daily grind, the Forester’s suspension delivers a smooth and cushy ride. Another plus is how much quieter Subaru has been making their vehicles. Compared to previous Subarus we have driven, the Forester has a noticeable decrease in road and wind noise. Handling can be described as meh. The Forester does show good body control when going around corners, but the steering feels somewhat rubbery. For most people, this isn’t a deal breaker. The Forester may not be the sharpest looking compact crossover in the class. But it does have a number of traits that buyers will find as positives such as a spacious interior, high fuel economy figures, all-wheel drive as standard equipment, and Subaru’s excellent EyeSight system that brings lane departure warning, pre-collision braking, and adaptive cruise control that is available on models such as the Premium. A competent crossover that goes about its business without shouting about it, the Forester in a nutshell. Disclaimer: Subaru Provided the Forester, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2016 Make: Subaru Model: Forester Trim: 2.5i Premium Engine: 2.5L Boxer-Four Driveline: CVT, All-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 170 @ 5,800 Torque @ RPM: 174 @ 4,100 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 24/32/27 Curb Weight: 3,391 lbs Location of Manufacture: Ōta, Gunma Japan Base Price: $24,795 As Tested Price: $28,540 (Includes $850.00 Destination Charge) Options: All-Weather Package - $1,895 Lineartronic CVT - $1,000 View full article

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. REPORTS RECORD FEBRUARY SALES Record February - monthly sales increase 1.6 percent over February 2015 51st consecutive month of month-over-month growth Best February ever for Forester, Outback, WRX/STI 24th consecutive month of more than 10,000 Outbacks sold 31st consecutive month of more than 10,000 Foresters sold Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc. today reported record sales for February 2016 totaling 42,011 vehicles, a 1.6 percent gain over February 2015. The company also reported year-to-date sales of 83,112 vehicles, a 1.2 percent gain over the same period in 2015. These results build on strong sales from 2015 where Subaru achieved its seventh consecutive year of sales records and exceeded 580,000 annual sales – a first in the company’s history. February marked the 24th consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales for the company. Forester, Outback, WRX/STI sales were notably strong as each carline achieved its best February ever. Legacy sales for February 2016 increased 2.6 percent over the same month in 2015. BRZ also enjoyed gains over February 2015. Earlier in the month, the 2016 Outback made Kelley Blue Book’s 16 Best Family Cars of 2016 for meeting the needs of the modern family with emphasis on outstanding room for both passengers and cargo and excellent off-road capability. “Subaru vehicles continue to be recognized by the press and public alike for their reliability, value and safety ratings,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer for Subaru of America. “Our record sales are the result of focusing on our core strengths, producing safe, reliable and versatile vehicles that are delivered through an outstanding retail network.” We again reported a sales increase in spite of limited inventory levels across the country,” said Jeff Walters, senior vice president of sales for Subaru of America. “Our retailers continue to show dedication and commitment which makes these impressive results possible.” Carline Feb-16 Feb-15 % Chg Feb-16 Feb-15 % Chg MTD MTD MTD YTD YTD YTD Forester 12,239 11,459 6.8% 24,143 22,669 6.5% Impreza 4,432 4,826 -8.2% 8,814 9,922 -11.2% WRX/STI 2,380 2,359 0.9% 4,716 4,790 -1.5% Legacy 4,454 4,342 2.6% 8,927 8,223 8.6% Outback 11,952 11,632 2.8% 23,149 22,983 0.7% BRZ 425 334 27.3% 786 664 18.4% Crosstrek 6,129 6,406 -4.3% 12,577 12,919 -2.7% TOTAL 42,011 41,358 1.6% 83,112 82,170 1.2%

Subaru is planning a new seven-seat crossover for the U.S. marketplace that will be out in the next couple of years. But there is one problem the company is dealing with at the moment: should we go with a Forester-inspired or Outback-inspired look? "How can we differentiate the position of our product? That is the fundamental strategy," said " said Nobuhiko Murakami, senior vice president of global marketing for Subaru's parent company Fuji Heavy Industries. Both options have advantages: the Forester is easily-recognizable as a crossover, while the Outback has the rugged, off-road look. The one option Subaru will be avoiding is the Tribeca - the automaker's first attempt at a seven-seat crossover. The odd looks made the Tribeca a poor seller. But one thing is for certain - the seven seat crossover is a U.S. only affair. "Our resources are limited, and we have to develop our product by putting our major focus on the United States. This is the only way we will survive," said Murakami. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 10, 2013 'It's the most wonderful time of the year.' No, I'm not referring to the upcoming holiday season. I'm talking about the automotive award season which was kicked off today by Motor Trend announcing their Sport/Utility of the Year for 2014. The winner for this go-around was the Subaru Forester. The Forester beat the likes of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Acura MDX, and Buick Encore on value, fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive-ness. "We are honored to receive the MOTOR TREND Sport/Utility of the Year award for the third time. Our product, engineering, sales and marketing teams all work hard to provide the best products and experiences we can for our owners. Receiving this distinction from MOTOR TREND truly adds credence to our mission," said Thomas J. Doll, president, and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. For those keeping score, this is Subaru's third Sport/Utility of the Year award and the Forester's second. Source: Motor Trend, Subaru William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 SUBARU FORESTER SCORES SECOND MOTOR TREND SPORT/UTILITY OF THE YEAR® WIN -Subaru is first (and only) manufacturer to win SUOTY three times -Most wins in Sport/Utility category -Only automaker with back-to-back wins in category Cherry Hill, N.J. - Motor Trend announced today that the Subaru Forester won Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year for 2014. Subaru is the only manufacturer to win this title three times, the most wins in the Sport/Utility category. In the past six years of competition, Subaru has had three winners – the 2014 Forester, 2010 Outback, and the 2009 Forester. The 2013 XV Crosstrek also ranked as a finalist in 2012. MOTOR TREND editor-in-chief Ed Loh, said, "The 2014 Subaru Forester beat a highly competitive field of SUVs because it best met our award's six key criteria. Smart design, thoughtful engineering, and a compelling performance on road and off were the keys to the Forester's win. Our editors were particularly impressed by the powerful yet efficient turbocharged engines, the intelligent and sporty CVT transmission, and the excellent visibility and interior package found within the Forester. Practical, affordable, efficient and fun-to-drive - Forester truly ticked every box". In addition to the Subaru Forester, the 2014 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year competition included twelve other all-new or significantly updated SUVs: Acura MDX Audi Q5 BMW X1 Buick Encore Dodge Durango Hyundai Santa Fe Jeep Grand Cherokee Kia Sorento Land Rover Range Rover Sport Mini Paceman S ALL4 Mitsubishi Outlander Toyota RAV4 "We are honored to receive the MOTOR TREND Sport/Utility of the Year award for the third time," said Thomas J. Doll, president, and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "Our product, engineering, sales and marketing teams all work hard to provide the best products and experiences we can for our owners. Receiving this distinction from MOTOR TREND truly adds credence to our mission." MOTOR TREND's Sport/Utility of the Year is not a comparison test, and is only open to all-new or substantially upgraded vehicles that have gone on sale in the 12 months from November 1 of the previous year. To judge contenders for the award, MOTOR TREND's editorial staff conducted an exhaustive three-phase testing process. Phase one includes a full tech check and weigh-in, then full track testing to establish baseline data for acceleration, braking, and handling. Phase two involves three days of road loops offering a range of road surfaces and traffic conditions to evaluate ride and handling, engine and transmission smoothness and responsiveness, wind and road noise, and ergonomics. A dirt-track section tests traction, stability, and braking control systems. In the third phase the judges debate and deliberate. The judging criteria include the following categories: Design Advancement - well-executed exterior and interior styling; innovative vehicle packaging; good selection and use of materials. Engineering Excellence - total vehicle concept and execution; clever solutions to packaging, manufacturing and dynamics issues; cost-effective tech that benefits the consumer. Performance of Intended Function - how well the vehicle does the job its planners, designers, and engineers intended it to do. Efficiency - low fuel consumption and carbon footprint, relative to the vehicle's competitive set. Safety - a vehicle's ability to help the driver avoid a crash, as well as the secondary safety measures that protect its occupants from harm during a crash. Value - competitive price and equipment levels, measured against those of vehicles in the same market segment. Priced from $21,995, the Forester is offered with a new 250-horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged BOXER engine or a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder BOXER engine. A Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) is standard in the 2.0XT models and available for the 2.5-liter models, which features a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The Forester jumps to the head of its segment in all-wheel drive fuel economy, with the 2.5i model achieving EPA estimates of 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/ 27 mpg combined (with CVT). The 2014 Forester has received a Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Forester is the first vehicle to ace every aspect of the challenging small overlap front crash test conducted by the IIHS. The Forester is the only one of 13 small SUVs to earn an overall rating of good in the test. The recognition from MOTOR TREND validates the sales success of the 2014 Forester, which is up 46% year-to-date over 2012. Forester's strong sales performance mirrors the growth of the Subaru brand overall, which is on track to achieve its fifth-consecutive year of sales increases and top 400,000 vehicle sales in the US market in 2013. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 3, 2013 The 2014 Subaru Forester has been a great success so far. Last month, Subaru moved 9,366 Foresters, representing a 65.3% increase when compared to last year. However, Subaru is worried they might not have enough stock of Foresters to keep up with the demand. Yasuyuki Yoshinaga, CEO of Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru's parent company) tells the Wall Street Journal the company originally targeted 8,000 monthly sales, but the SUV could eclipse 10,000 this month. "If this situation persists, we'll face a supply shortage," said Yoshinaga. At the moment, Subaru dealers currently have a 16 day supply of Foresters. A low number when you consider that industry average is hovering around 63 days. Yoshinaga said the company has all of its plants in Japan at full capacity to keep up with demand. An increase in Forester production at the moment is a dream. Source: The Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 1, 2012 Yesterday, Subaru revealed the WRX and WRX STI Special Editions. Last night, Subaru revealed somewhat of the new Forester. The official pictures match up to a leaked brochure scan back in September. The Forester gets a more upright front end with a larger grille, more lower fascia cladding, and tauter body lines. Powering the Forester will be either, 2.5L flat-four engine: 170 HP and 174 lb-ft of torque 2.0L turbo flat-four engine: 250 HP and 258 lb-ft A six-speed manual and Lineartronic CVT is available on the 2.5L. The 2.0L turbo only gets the Lineartronic CVT. The new Forester also comes with a new suspension and 8.7-inches of ground clearance. The new Forester will be shown at the LA Auto Show in November. Source: Subaru SUBARU REVEALS ALL-NEW 2014 FORESTER CROSSOVER SUV; NEW MODEL TO MAKE NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW Cherry Hill, N.J.,, Oct 31, 2012 - Subaru of America, Inc. today released the first official photos of the all-new 2014 Forester crossover SUV, which will make its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new Forester combines a bolder profile than before while offering a roomier interior with virtually the same footprint as the previous model. The fourth generation of Subaru’s popular Forester will offer a new 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged BOXER® engine producing 250 horsepower. The standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter BOXER engine debuted in the outgoing Forester model. Fuel economy will be higher across the line with the debut of a new six-speed manual transmission and available Lineartronic® continuously variable transmissions (CVT). The all-new five-passenger 2014 Forester preserves the optimal blend of SUV capability and car-like ride and handling that have made the Forester one of the Subaru brand’s best-selling models for the past 15 years. Refined (or New) suspension system delivers agile handling and a highly compliant ride quality. Generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance enhances off-pavement driving capability. The 2014 Forester will offer an exceptionally roomy interior, featuring increased rear seat legroom, and an enlarged cargo area. In-demand infotainment features will be offered, including smartphone integration, navigation, rear view camera, and harman/kardon® premium audio amplifier and speakers. Basic Vehicle Specifications Engine types and output 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER, naturally aspirated 170 hp @ 5,800 rpm 174 lb.-ft. peak torque @ 4,100 rpm 2.0-liter 4-cylinder BOXER, direct fuel injection, turbocharging, intercooler 250 hp @ 5,600 rpm* 258 lb.-ft. peak torque @ 2,000-4,800 rpm Transmission 2.5-liter models: 6-speed manual or Lineartronic CVT 2.0-liter turbo: high-torque CVT with 6-speed and 8-speed manual modes and Hill Descent Control Drivetrain Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard for all models Wheelbase 103.9 in. Vehicle length 180.9 in. Vehicle height 68.2 in (with roof rails) Vehicle width 70.7 in. Wheels/tires 2.5-liter: 17 x 7 in. aluminum alloy with 225/60 R17 all-season 2.0-liter turbo: 18 x 7 in. aluminum alloy with 225/55 R18 all-season * With premium grade gasoline William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 25, 2012 A few images of what appears to be the new Subaru Forester have made their way onto the web. The images are reportedly from the Forester's Japanese market brochure. The Forester's exterior is now in line with the rest of the Subaru lineup thanks to a new front end , sleeker taillights, and a new sculpted hatch. The interior is lifted form the new Impreza. Under the new skin lies a new platform from the new Impreza. Dimension wise, the Forester has grown in most areas, while retaining a 103 in. wheelbase. Power for the Japanese market Forester will come in the form of 2.0L boxer-four producing 146 HP and a 2.0L turbo boxer-four producing 276 HP. As for the North American market, the engine could be the 2.5L boxer-four producing 173 HP. The new Forester is expected to be revealed sometime later this year, with sales beginning sometime in 2013. Source: CarScoop William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article