Subaru has launched its Model Year 2015 Forester range, for the first time offering ultra-efficient automatic transmission diesel variants - and further savings across the entire line-up.

In another display of its All 4 the Driver customer commitment, Subaru has realigned the Forester range - offering Manufacturer's List Price (MLP)\* savings of up to $3500.

This is in addition to January's announcement of reductions of $1000 on every Forester.

The revised MY15 range now starts with the mid-spec Forester 2.0i-L, priced from $29,990 MLP, a further saving of $2500 over the superseded variant.

The newly introduced Forester 2.0D-L with Lineartronic+óGÇP-ó Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is $35,490 MLP and the 2.0D-S $41,490 MLP.

Adding the Lineartronic+óGÇP-ó CVT option to the turbocharged Forester 2.0D line-up offers a new level of frugal long-range driving, underpinned by the sure-footed benefits of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and five-star occupant safety.

Engine refinements add to the diesel variants efficiency and every Forester is now compliant with the strict EURO6 emission standard.

New feature-packed infotainment systems in every Forester introduce a wide array of functions, including speech recognition.

Revised interior trim also adds to Forester's fresh appeal.

Among the MY15 Forester highlights:

• Savings of up to 8.2 per cent, or $3500
• All-new infotainment - new level of on board information and entertainment
  
  • Speech recognition across a wide range of key functions
• Gearbox refinements - efficient Lineartronic+óGÇP-ó CVT debuts on 2.0D models
  • Less noise and even better response
  • Benefits fuel efficiency, low vibration, stability, performance and towing
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive advantage - the legendary stability, agility and safety of Symmetrical AWD
• Shark fin radio antennas - across the range
• Interior quality enhanced - heater controls and air vent designs changed
  • Upgraded steering wheel satellite switches

Subaru Australia Managing Director, Nick Senior, said: "The addition of the CVT to the Forester diesel is a huge boost to the range.

"We know through our dealer network that there is significant pent-up demand for Forester auto diesels, not least in regional and rural areas, where the benefits of fuel efficiency in long-range driving really come to the fore.

"Factor in the major infotainment changes and cabin refinements across the range and you have a formidable Forester package underpinned by the renowned Subaru traits of symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, five-star occupant safety, durability, rock-solid engineering and great retained value.

"Since the original Forester was introduced in 1997, establishing the compact Sports Utility Vehicle category, it has also gone on to become one of the most awarded vehicles in the automotive industry, so its credentials are independently recognised too."

Forester 2.5i was again named Best All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) under $45,000 in the Australia's Best Cars awards, in 2014.

Mr Senior predicts sales of around 200 Forester 2.0D CVT automatics per month.

INTERIOR

Model Year 2015 Foresters benefit from enhanced attention to interior detail.

Particular emphasis is placed on the appearance of functional components that occupants use most - the centre panel controls, steering wheel and air vent grilles. Along with their shapes, the contrasting silver/piano black colour scheme coordinates effectively, resulting in a more striking and sumptuous appearance.

The instrument panel has a more integrated appearance by combining both the audio display and, in Forester 2.5i-S, 2.0D-S and XT Premium, factory-fitted satellite navigation system, in the dashboard centre panel.

The panel surface has a piano black finish and the colour of heater control dials is changed to silver, creating a luxurious look.

Steering wheel satellite switches are redesigned to match the upgraded navigation and audio systems, with use of silver highlights.

Dashboard air vent grilles have silver accent ring decorations, producing a high-quality effect.

INSTRUMENT PANEL

OVERVIEW

Centre panel components are re-shaped, adapting to the new-generation infotainment and factory-fitted satellite navigation system in Forester 2.5i-S, 2.0D-S and XT Premium.

MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY (MFD)

The MFD is designed for ease of use and peace-of-mind when driving.

The clock screen, displayed most often, is upgraded to a more casual but impressive visual, blending into the interior design.

The fuel efficiency display is upgraded to make occupants more aware of economical driving habits.

CLOCK SCREEN

Both digital and analogue formats are now included in a single screen, improving appearance with better readability and a graphical design. Two user-selectable clock design patterns are provided. Both types are updated with functional, fully appointed wristwatch-style designs. BOOST GAUGE XT VARIANTS-ONLY)

To provide more sporty appeal, a composite screen is added with a more prominent needle display. It shows the accelerator position and boost pressure in both analogue and digital formats.

INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM

OVERVIEW

Vast improvements to the infotainment systems provide more intuitive user operation for various media playback and information access functions.

INTERFACE HIGHLIGHTS

• Easy-to-use, uniform Graphical User Interface (GUI).
• Smartphone-like touchscreen operation (supports flick, pinch and double-tap operations)
• List selections (from song or phonebook lists) using steering wheel switches
• Phrase or dialog-based voice recognition

GRAPHICAL USER (GUI)

The easy-to-use GUI screen offers easy-to-understand screen design with grouped buttons and large icon/button layout.

INFOTAINMENT - DETAIL

Forester offers advanced infotainment with intuitive operation of a multiple media.

The new wide and flat display is centrally located. The navigation and audio controls are intuitive, similar to smartphones and tablets. The screen is larger than a traditional multi-function display and positioned for easy viewing and access while driving.

The display offers summaries of relevant information on driving and fuel economy.

The new head unit has a visible, easy-to-use large LCD display, which has smartphone sensing and operational support.

Operation is via an easy-to-understand and unified GUI. It features touch panel operation (flick, pinch and double tap), similar to smartphones.

List selections (such as song list and phone directory) can be made via a steering wheel switch.

The system introduces speech recognition for phrases and dialog.

It offers a raft of new features including:

• Pandora connectivity
• Pinch (zoom in/out)

Entry level vehicles have a simple switch layout and a pressure-sensitive 7-inch touch panel for intuitive operation.

The "Home" and "Source" selection screens are newly created. Buttons are grouped as large icons, making the screens easy to understand.

On range-topping 2.0D Premium, 2.0i-S and XT Premium, the factory-fitted SatNav screen is operated by pinching and double-tapping. The audio list and telephone directory are operated by flicking and sliding.

By pushing the "List Shortcut" steering switch, it is possible to jump to the audio list currently playing and to make selections with cross key operation, improving usability.

Sentence pattern speech recognition works across a wide range of functions including factory-fitted SatNav, telephone and audio.

In navigation, the destination can be set by continuously stating information, from house number to state name.
Hands-free telephone is made easy, through verbal command of numbers or contacts.

INTRODUCTION OF SPEECH RECOGNITION FOR PHRASES AND DIALOGUE

PHRASE-BASED VOICE RECOGNITION

• Navigation - destination can be specified by speaking the address, from house number through to state name.
• Hands free phone calls - call recipient can be selected directly, or searched by spoken phrases.

DIALOGUE -

BASED VOICE RECOGNITION

Spoken song titles can be understood from context, without specifying the artist name.

AUDIO

A six-speaker system features in all Forester variants with the exception of XT Premium, which has the eight-speaker system with harman kardon sound. Both systems have distinct acoustic settings, ensuring optimum playback.

AUX JACKS

Foresters have two USB jacks, enabling the user to listen to music while charging two connected devices.

EXTERIOR

SMART ACCESS KEY - FORESTER 2.5i-S, 2.0D-S AND XT PREMIUM

The smart key features the Subaru six-star logo both as a symbol and a functional button. Metal decorations are added to the left and right sides, improving the feel and appearance.

ANTENNA

To give the vehicle a stylish, sophisticated appearance, a colour-coordinated shark fin antenna is introduced in every Forester. Its height precludes interference with roof loads, or carwashes.

COLOURS

• Crystal White Pearl - new colour
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Burnished Bronze Metallic
• Jasmine Green Metallic
• Venetian Red Pearl
• Dark Grey Metallic
• Quartz Blue Pearl
• Crystal Black Silica

TECHNICAL

2.0 LITRE FOUR CYLINDER TURBOCHARGED HORIZONTALY OPPOSED DIESEL BOXER ENGINE

The horizontally opposed turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel engine's lightweight, rigid characteristics benefit from across-the-board improvements starting with the structure.

It complies with the strict EURO6 emission standard while fuel efficiency is improved and vibration reduced, in what is the world's only horizontally-opposed diesel engine.

It produces 108 Kilowatts of power at 3600 rpm and 350 Newtonmetres of torque from 1600-2400 rpm.

CONNECTING RODS

Cylinder bores are changed to an open deck type, improving casting quality and reducing weight. Shape changes accommodate the different fuel pump mount, while oil jets are added to the chain drive. TIMING

CHAIN

A low friction timing chain is used for the fuel pump drive system (reduction gears were previously used). It reduces gear noise and improves fuel efficiency.

PISTONS

The volume of the piston crown is increased and the compression ratio reduced from 16.0 to 15.2, lowering the combustion temperature and reducing NOx, improving emissions. The piston skirt coating is also changed, reducing sliding resistance and improving fuel economy.

FUEL SYSTEM

The fuel system uses a new fourth-generation common rail system, enabling injection pressure to be set higher.

It also allows diesel combustion to be controlled by atomizing the fuel spray, reducing emissions. Fuel pressurizing pump performance is improved too, from 180 to 200 MPa.

INJECTORS

The engine uses new-generation injectors. Their built-in drivers result in less fuel leakage, reducing fuel pump load and improving economy.

By enabling precise control, the injectors improve response and contaminant resistance. GLOW Glow system changes improve the engine's pre-heating temperature at start-up and extends the after-glow time, helping reduce emissions. A new dedicated control unit is also used.

NEW LOW-PRESSURE EXHAUST GAS REGENERATION (EGR) CIRCUIT

A low-pressure EGR circuit and valve are added, plus a cooler and exhaust pressure control valve. These changes enable a reduction in NOx by increasing the EGR rate and lowering the diesel combustion temperature.

HIGH-PRESSURE EGR CIRCUIT

The high-pressure EGR circuit is optimized. It extracts EGR gas from cylinder head ports, and returns it to the intake system.

TURBOCHARGER

The turbocharger is located at the front bottom-right of the engine, improving exhaust gas cleaning performance and lowering the vehicle's centre of gravity. The variable nozzle mechanism is improved too. Optimum control of the vane aperture around the exhaust turbine, in response to various engine operation conditions (such as low-load or low-pressure EGR operation) enables efficient turbocharging across a wide range of operation.

Exhaust efficiency is increased and pumping loss decreased, improving base emissions and providing a higher output characteristic.

EXHAUST SYSTEM

A valve that adjusts the exhaust pressure controls the EGR flow rate of the low-pressure EGR system. It enables the EGR rate to be controlled to the target rate, according to the engine operation range. An electronically controlled throttle valve is placed in the exhaust pipe, controlling exhaust pressure. Its new design benefits heat resistance, handling road conditions such as mud splatters and snow.

DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF)

Optimization of the DPF base material improves regeneration, enabling a shorter DPF length. The types and amounts of precious metal support materials in the oxidation catalyzer and DPF catalyzer are optimized, improving DPF regeneration and exhaust gas purification.

NEW AIR-FUEL RATIO SENSOR

A sensor is added to improve exhaust gas performance.

AUXILIARY BELT

The number of idlers in the auxiliary belt system is reduced, improving fuel efficiency by reducing belt friction.

BATTERY CHARGING CONTROL METHOD STATE SENSOR)

The control performed by the battery state sensor reduces engine load and improves fuel economy by reducing generation voltage when the vehicle is idling or driving at constant speed. It increases generation voltage when the vehicle decelerates. The new current sensor is able to detect the battery's state, enabling more precise generation and power distribution.

ADDED SOUND-ABSORBING MATERIAL

A polyurethane sound-absorbing material is placed on the engine at optimum positions, reducing noise.

TRANSMISSION

All automatic Model Year 2015 Foresters get a new-generation Transmission Control Unit (TCU).

The TCU electronic circuits are integrated and rationalized to reduce size.

LINEARTRONIC CVT - SUPPORTING HIGH TORQUE

The Lineartronic CVT used in Forester 2.0D variants features an oil pump with a new gear shape, while vibration is reduced by re-shaping the sound shield cover and adding Thinsulate.

The step-shifting control method provides coordination with engine speed changes, for linear, nimble road performance.

The new oil pump rotor gear shape reduces oil pump noise, lessening noise on the road.

LINEARTRONIC SHIFTING CONTROL

Driveability is improved by a shift control method that switches between continuously variable shifting and step shifting, in response to the amount of accelerator operation.

If the accelerator is depressed greater than 65 per cent when the transmission is in D-range, a seven-speed step-shift activates.

If the accelerator is depressed less than 65 per cent, step-less CVT operation occurs.

MANUAL MODE

2.0D CVT variants have a seven-speed manual mode that offers, instant, sporty shift feel, with full use of the engine's characteristic.

RADIATOR, AIR-COOLED OIL COOLER, RADIATOR FANS

To augment the air-cooling system for the CVT in 2.0D variants and to adapt to diesel engine EURO6 compliance, new radiator, air-cooled oil cooler and radiator fans are introduced.

RADIATOR FAN

It has a new core and a fin pitch of 1.25 mm. Water-cooled oil coolers are provided in the radiator tank. Both main and sub motors for the radiator fans are 160 W.

AIR-COOLED OIL COOLER

A 150 mm-wide air-cooled oil cooler is added.

12 VOLT BATTERY

The 12 Volt S95 battery improves fuel economy of diesel models by increasing battery performance. BODY

To reduce vibration and noise in Forester 2.0D with CVT, improved bonnet insulators are used. BRAKES
Shims are fitted to the pads of the front disc brakes, improving brake pedal feel.

FORESTER MY15 RANGE PRICING

\*Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited's Manufacturer's List Prices only and include GST on the list price but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. For the actual drive away price of Subaru vehicles consumers should be advised to contact their local authorized Subaru dealer.

FORESTER MY15 MODEL SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE:

FORESTER 2.0i-L:

SAFETY

• ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs (ventilated front, solid rear), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
• Child seat anchor points x 3
• Curtain airbags - full length (front and rear)
• Driver's knee airbag
• Dual front airbags
• Dual side airbags
• Fog lamp integrated daytime running lights
• Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
• Front adjustable seatbelt anchorages
• Height adjustable seatbelt anchors
• ISOFIX child seat anchorages (two rear seats)
• Rear door child lock
• Reversing camera
• Safety pedals - shock absorbing brake and clutch pedals
• Seatbelt indicator lights - all seats
• Side intrusion bars
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt
• Vehicle Dynamics Control

INTERIOR

• 7-inch touchscreen entertainment with Pandora compatibility - steering wheel controls
• Auto Stop Start
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Bottle holders in each door + two cup holders in centre consoles
• Cargo area light
• Cargo hooks (four)
• Cargo security blind
• Central locking - remote
• Chrome-type inner door handles
• Cruise control - steering wheel buttons
• Driver's footrest
• Dual zone climate control air conditioning
• Front puddle lamps
• Height and reach adjustable steering column
• Height adjustable driver's seat
• Immobiliser security system
• Leather steering wheel and gearshift
• Luggage hooks (four)
• Luminescent gauges
• Map lights (2)
• Multi-Function Display
• Overhead console
• Power steering, mirrors and windows
• Rear privacy glass
• Rear seat centre armrest
• Rear seat recline
• Remote fuel lid release - tethered fuel cap
• Seatback pockets
• Security blind
• Steering wheel audio, phone, cruise and MFD controls
• Two remote central locking keys
• USB connection x 2
• Vanity mirror
• 60/40 split/fold rear seat
• 12V/120W power jacks (three)

EXTERIOR

• 17-inch alloy wheels - full size alloy spare
• Chrome-highlight grille
• Colour-coded door mirrors with indicators
• Rear roof mounted sharkfin radio antenna
• Rear spoiler
• Rear wiper
• Roof rails

OTHER FEATURES

• Auto hatch unlock on key
• DataDot security technology
• Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
• EURO 6 emissions
• Manual six-speed gearbox
• SI-Drive (two-mode)
• Three-year unlimited kilometre warranty
• 2.0 litre DOHC horizontally opposed Boxer engine produces 110 Kilowatts of power at 6200 rpm and 198 Newtonmetres of torque at 4200 rpm.

FORESTER 2.5i-L ADDS:

• Automatic transmission lock-out - need foot on brake, key in ignition "on" position, to release lever
• Paddleshift Lineartronic+óGÇP-ó Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Sliding centre console
• X-Mode
• 2.5 litre DOHC horizontally opposed boxer engine. 126 kW/5800 rpm, 235 Nm/4100 rpm

FORESTER 2.5i-S ADDS (TO2.5i-L SPECIFICATION):

• Automatic cargo door
• Eight-way adjustable power driver's and front passenger seat
• Electric sunroof
• EyeSight+é-« driver assist with adaptive cruise control
• Front wiper de-icer
• Heated fronts seats and door mirrors
• Xenon low-beam dusk-sensing headlights with pop-up washers
• Leather trim, including steering wheel and gearshift
• Rain sensing wipers
• Satellite navigation - factory-fitted
• Smart key and push button start
• 18-inch alloy wheels

FORESTER 2.0 XT ADDS (does not include EyeSight or Auto Stop Start):

• Engine cover
• Three-mode SI-Drive
• Sports pedals
• Unique front bumper profile
• 2.0 litre direct injection turbocharged horizontally opposed Boxer engine produces 177 Kilowatts of power at 5600 rpm and 350 Newtonmetres of torque at 2400-3600 rpm

FORESTER 2.0 XT PREMIUM ADDS:

• Automatic cargo door
• Automatic dusk sensing headlights
• Factory-fitted satellite navigation
• Eight-way adjustable power driver's and front passenger seat
• EyeSight+óGÇP-ó driver assist system, with steering wheel controls
• Front wipers with de-icers
• harman kardon speaker system - eight speakers
• Heated door mirrors
• Heated front seats
• Leather trim
• Push-button start with smart key entry
• Rain sensing front wipers

FORESTER 2.0D-L (ADDS TO 2.0i-SPECIFICATION.

Does X-Mode, paddleshift HID headlights in manual variants; Stop-Start SI-Drive any diesel variants):

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• 2.0 litre DOHC turbocharged horizontally opposed diesel Boxer engine. 108 kW/3600 rpm, 350 Nm/1600-2400 rpm

FORESTER 2.0D-L (ADDS TO FORESTER 2.0i-L SPECIFICATION):

• Automatic cargo door
• Electric sunroof
• Front wiper de-icer
• Heated front seats and door mirrors
• Xenon low-beam dusk-sensing headlights with pop-up washers
• Leather trim
• Push-button start with smart key entry
• Powered driver and front passenger seat (eight-way adjustable)
• Rain sensing front wipers
• Satellite navigation - factory-fitted
• 18-inch alloy wheels

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For further information, contact:

David Rowley
National Corporate Affairs Manager
Subaru Australia
Telephone: (02) 8892 9853
Mobile: 0418 237 252
Fax: (02) 8892 9121
E-mail: david.rowley@subaru.com.au