Australia's best-selling compact sports utility vehicle, the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Subaru Forester, offers a new range-topping turbocharged variant for 2011 and refined, torque-enhanced new naturally aspirated engines.

The S-Edition is the most powerful Forester to date, using the legendary WRX's turbocharged 2.5 litre to produce 193 Kilowatts of power and 347 Newtonmetres of torque.

Forester S-Edition is joined by a revised line-up that includes the new FB naturally aspirated (NA) horizontally opposed Boxer engine – replacing the EJ unit first introduced in 1989.

It offers improved low-end torque, increased by six Newtonmetres to 235 Nm at 4100 rpm, while refinement, NVH and drivability are also greatly enhanced.

The engine will become the platform for a range of refinements throughout the Subaru range over the next few years. Emissions of the automatic transmission NA engine are reduced from 227 grams per kilometres to 220 g/km.

Forester S-Edition includes several styling and engineering cues unique to the variant including:

• 193 Kilowatt engine – 14 per cent per cent more powerful than the ongoing Forester XT
• Five-speed STI paddleshift automatic transmission
• Black grille with chrome-style highlight
• Silver roof rails
• Subaru Tecnica International (STI) 17-inch alloy wheels
• WR blue colour option – for a strictly limited period
• Sport interior with a blue tone
• Alcantara and leather seat trim
• S-Edition seat embroidery and blue stitching
• Sporty instrument display
• Blue-tone foot lights
• Special gear shifter
• Unique cargo door logo

Forester S-Edition is priced at $50,990 Manufacturer's List Price (MLP), just $3500 more than the XT Premium automatic. 

New Forester represents outstanding price value across the range, with no change on entry-level and just $500 on most other models.

All Foresters feature a new-look grille, while wing mirrors on XS and above feature integrated indicators.

Inside, all dashboards include a darker finish and darker tone metallic-type highlights for enhanced appearance.

The upgraded specification includes Bluetoothâ wireless technology compatibility* across the range, while reversing cameras are standard in XS and above. Non SatNav models offer USB connectivity.

Foresters with cloth trim offer an upgraded more water resistant material.

XS and XT variants feature a new design 17-inch alloy wheel, while XT has a more aerodynamic rear roof spoiler.

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: "We have had increasing customer interest in a more powerful Forester and are delighted to be the first export market for S-Edition, which made its worldwide debut at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney last October.

"It combines the best of two winning Subaru formulas – WRX and Forester, the latter of which is firmly entrenched as Australia's favourite compact SUV.

"New Forester's also significant for introducing FHI's third generation boxer engine, which offers improved response.

"Interior finish has come under the spotlight too and there are clear refinements to both the look and feel.

"I'm also delighted that Forester XS and above get a reversing camera as standard.

Every Forester features DataDot security and has an independent five-star crashworthiness rating for occupant safety from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

EXTERIOR

All Forester have a new-look grille.

With the exception of S-Edition, they feature a metallic-type finish.

Forester X, XS and XT feature black-finish roof rails, while S-Edition is distinguished by silver finish.

All wing mirrors, with the exception of Forester X, now feature integrated indicators.

The roof spoiler on Forester XT and S-Edition offers improved aerodynamic efficiency.

Forester S-Edition has a 17-inch STI wheel unique to the model, while the alloy pattern on Forester XS and XT is also revised.  

COLOURS

New colours in the range are sky blue and marine blue.

The full Forester colour range is:

• Marine blue pearl
• Satin white pearl
• Sky blue metallic (not available on XT variants or S-Edition)
• Spark silver metallic
• Steel silver metallic
• Dark grey metallic
• Obsidian black pearl
• Camellia red pearl
• World Rally blue (S-Edition-only, for a strictly limited time)

INTERIOR

All Foresters feature a new dark finish dashboard and darker tone alloy-type highlights.

In cloth-trim models, the material offers enhanced water resistance.

Dual zone climate control air conditioning is offered in Forester XT and features revised centre console controls.

XT and S-Edition also include new luminescent instruments.

Cabin noise levels are reduced through use of an enlarged, higher density, under bonnet noise insulator.

ENGINEERING

ENGINE

Naturally aspirated Foresters introduce the third generation horizontally opposed FB Boxer engine, Subaru's first completely new engine design for 21 years.

It produces 126 Kilowatts of power at 5800 rpm and 235 Newtonmetres of torque at 4100 rpm, for improved response.

The FB engine features a long stroke and reduced bore design to aid fuel efficiency. Diagonally split conrods minimize engine width, while enabling the longer stroke.

A chain drive system is introduced, offering maintenance-free operation. Sprocket diameters of the crank and cam are reduced, limiting engine width.  

A new head design features a split structure. This consists of the head itself and the cam carrier. Elimination of cores in the head has decreased metal thickness, simplified structure and reduced weight.

The cam cap features a smaller, lighter design, also enabling rocker cover removal and improved serviceability. 

Compact combustion chamber size is achieved, while its surface area/capacity ratio are improved, reducing cooling loss and improving the knock limit.

The intake manifold branch shape is improved to reduce pressure drop, offering better tuning, for increased power output.

Fuel injectors are directly mounted to the head, limiting atomised fuel sticking to the head wall. This also helps fuel efficiency and emissions.  

Power output of naturally aspirated engines is enhanced by reduced exhaust pressure drop and improved equal length ratio.

The engine cooling system includes a bottom bypass circuit to aid warm up after ignition. With a faster increase in oil temperature, friction is reduced earlier and fuel efficiency benefits.  

Separate cooling system circuits are used around the block and head, aiding coolant distribution.

Around the block, flow rate is limited to maintain high liner oil temperature, reducing friction when the pistons slide.

At the head, a completely separate flow system is used to each cylinder.

Cooling is also improved around spark plugs, increasing the knock limit, for power and fuel efficiency gains.

The oil pump is now built into the chain cover and features a modular design.

Oil pump relief valve pressure is reduced and the amount of oil required by the Active Valve Control System (AVCS) is now limited to a small quantity. A two-stage relief mechanism is used for better pump efficiency, vastly reducing friction within the pump itself.

Among the new FB engine highlights:

• Increased temperature of block liners – reduces piston sliding resistance
• Improved block bore distortion – reduces piston sliding resistance
• Roller rockers used in valvetrain  - reduces friction
• Lighter major moving parts – reduces inertial mass
• Higher efficiency oil pump: two-stage relief mechanism – better pump efficiency

TRANSMISSION

Changes are introduced in the four-speed automatic transmission used in Forester X and XS, to suit the new FB engine.

Among the changes:

• New design drive plate and crankshaft bolts, that connect the engine crankshaft and torque convertor
• New anti-pitching bracket (same as that used in turbo models)
• ABS wheel speed signal for a streamlined system – replaces rear wheel rotation sensor
• Special TCU and gear change control

All Forester automatic transmissions include Adaptive Control. This assists in selecting the optimum gear to suit the driver's style and road conditions.

S-EDITION TURBOCHARGED ENGINE

Forester S-Edition uses a re-tuned version of the WRX's turbocharged 2.5 litre horizontally opposed Boxer engine.

It produces 193 Kilowatts of power at 6000 rpm and 347 Newtonmetres of torque between 2800-4800 rpm.

It incorporates a high flow turbocharger for optimum power output and a high-density monolith catalyst. This suits the high power and reduces pressure loss in the exhaust system.

The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is specially tuned to suit Forester S-Edition power, fuel efficiency and emissions.

Forester S-Edition adopts a specially tuned version of the five-speed paddleshift transmission from automatic WRX STI.

It uses a higher gear ratio to suit vehicle characteristics.

The gearbox includes Subaru's Variable Torque Distribution All-Wheel Drive system.

A centre differential with a planetary gear set provides 45:55 front:rear torque distribution and continuous variable control. This enables responsive turning and superior straight line stability.

The transmission also features downshift blipping control (engine speed synchronisation). This directly adjusts engine speed to the gearbox after the driver downshifts in manual mode. 

The new R160-type rear differential aids fuel efficiency and improves vibration and noise suppression.

SUSPENSION

Forester S-Edition features a new valve structure, improving front and rear damping responsiveness, producing more accurate control and stability, and enhanced ride comfort.

Damping is specifically tuned for the S-Edition, providing a sporty suspension setup to suit the high power turbo engine.

In all Foresters, rear bushes are revised for improved control and steering response, while minimising harshness from sudden shocks.

Camber/tread rigidity is also increased.

Brake drag is improved via fitment of return springs to the front brake calipers.

Foresters with the exception of X and 2.0D now offer a reversing camera as standard, regardless of audio system.

All Foresters now offer Bluetooth* wireless technology compatibility and, on non- SatNav models, iPod** compatibility.

Forester X and XS have a new entertainment system head unit that include iPod control. The system also offers pin-jack and, on non-SatNav models, USB connectivity.

Forester XS and XT also add a reversing camera, with the screen integrated in the head unit.

* Depending upon the software in individual mobile telephones.

** iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc. iPod control not applicable to XS and XT when equipped with factory-fitted satellite navigation.

FORESTER MY11 MODEL SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE:

FORESTER X:

SAFETY

• ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs (ventilated front, solid rear), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
• Active headrests
• Automatic transmission lock-out - need foot on brake, key in ignition "on" position, to release lever
• Child seat anchor points including ISO FIX
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Curtain airbags – full length (front and rear)
• Dual front airbags
• Dual range on X and XS manual
• Dual side airbags
• Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Double pretensioners on driver's seatbelt
• Front height adjustable seatbelt anchors
• Hill Start Assist (manual models)
• Rear door child lock
• Safety pedals - shock absorbing brake and clutch pedals
• Seatbelt indicator lights – front seats
• Side intrusion bars
• Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt
• Vehicle Dynamics Control

• AM/FM radio, single in-dash CD, MP3/WMA/USB/Bluetooth compatible, iPod control, four speakers, steering wheel controls
• Bottle holders in each door + two cup holders in auto centre consoles – one in manual
• Cargo area light
• Cargo hooks (four)
• Cargo security blind
• Central locking - remote
• Cruise control – steering wheel buttons
• Driver's footrest
• Height and reach adjustable steering column
• Height adjustable driver's seat
• Immobiliser security system
• Luggage hooks (four)
• Luminescent gauges with blue highlights
• Manual air conditioning with anti-dust filters
• Map lights (2)
• Overhead console
• Multi-information dashboard display
• Power steering, mirrors and windows
• Rear seat centre armrest
• Rear seat recline
• Remote fuel lid release – tethered fuel cap
• Seatback pocket (passenger side)
• Security blind
• Four-speed automatic transmission option
• Two remote central locking keys
• Vanity mirror
• 60/40 split/fold rear seat
• 12V/120W power jacks (three)

• 16-inch steel wheels – full size spare
• Chrome-highlight grille
• Rear roof mounted radio antenna
• Rear wiper
• Roof rails

• Auto hatch unlock on key
• DataDot security technology
• Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
• Three-year unlimited kilometre warranty
• 2.5 litre DOHC horizontally opposed boxer engine. 126 kW/5800 rpm, 235 Nm/4100 rpm

• Alloy matt finish door handles
• Climate control air conditioning with anti-dust filters
• Colour-coded door mirrors with integrated indicators
• Front fog lights
• Privacy glass – rear, rear quarter, tailgate
• Rear seat retractable tray with cup holders
• Reversing camera
• Self-levelling rear suspension
• Seven speakers (including subwoofer)
• Woodgrain-type centre console surround
• 17-inch alloy wheels- full size alloy spare

• Eight-way adjustable power driver's seat 
• Leather trim, including steering wheel and gearshift
• Seat-back pockets – driver and passenger side
• Sunroof

OPTIONS:

• Satellite navigation (XS Premium)

• 2.0 litre DOHC turbocharged horizontally opposed Boxer diesel engine. 108 kW/3600 rpm, 350 Nm/1800-2400 rpm

• Privacy glass – rear, rear quarter, tailgate
• Reversing camera
• Seat-back pockets – driver and passenger side
• Six-stack CD with seven speakers (including subwoofer)
• 17-inch alloy wheels - full size alloy spare
• Eight-way adjustable power driver's seat 
• Leather trim, including steering wheel and gearshift
• Sunroof
• Xenon headlights (low beam) – self levelling with pop-up washers

*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 drive away price of Subaru vehicles consumers should be advised to contact their local authorised Subaru dealer.

Forester X manual                                          $30,990
Forester X auto                                               $32,990
Forester XS manual                                        $34,990
Forester XS auto                                             $36,990
Forester XS Premium manual                        $38,490. With SatNav option: $40,490
Forester XS Premium auto                             $40,490. With SatNav option: $42,490
Forester 2.0D manual                                     $35,990
Forester 2.0D Premium manual                     $40,490. With SatNav option: $42,490
Forester XT manual                                        $39,990
Forester XT auto                                             $41,990
Forester XT Premium manual                        $45,490
Forester XT Premium auto                             $47,490
Forester S-Edition auto                                   $50,990

FORESTER MY11 HIGHLIGHTS

EXTERIOR

• New grille treatment
• XS, XT new alloy wheel patterns
• XS, XS, S-Edition indicators integrated in wing mirrors
• STI wheels, silver-finish roof rails and unique badging on S-Edition

• Bluetooth compatibility and iPod control (non-SatNav models)
• XT dual zone climate control air conditioning
• New entertainment head units – X, XS, XT (non-SatNav models)
• S-EDITION:
• Sport interior with a blue tone
• Alcantara and leather seat trim
• S-Edition seat embroidery and blue stitching
• Sporty instrument display
• Blue-tone foot lights
• Special gear shifter

• WRX engine applied to Forester S-Edition
• New generation naturally aspirated FB engine – improved torque, response
• Revised suspension

• Reversing cameras on all models with exception of X and 2.0D
• Vehicle Dynamics Control across the range
• ANCAP five-star crashworthiness rating for occupant safety; three-star pedestrian rating
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Active head restraints
• Dual front, side and curtain airbags
• Ring-shaped reinforcements around the cabin
• Hill Start Assist (manual variants) – forward and reverse

ABOUT SUBARU
Every Subaru sold in Australia features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a horizontally opposed;Boxer engine, standard Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic stability program, and a five-star rating for occupant safety from the independent Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). The result - driving confidence.