The All-Wheel Drive Subaru Forester has set a new benchmark to become the best-selling Subaru model ever in Australia, passing the 150,000 mark.

Forester has been Australia's top-selling compact SUV for the past three years.

Launched in 1997, it established a new class of vehicle on the Australian market and has gone on to become a multiple award winner.

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: "Forester in many ways, now reflects Australia's view of the modern family car: flexible, fun, safe and practical.

"And we've moved with the times, introducing new engines, variants and updates along the way.

"The diesel Forester now represents around 20 per cent of its sales and like the newest variant, the turbocharged performance S-Edition, it has added another dimension to the range, attracting even more customers."

The Forester S-Edition shares the same powerful engine as the legendary WRX.

Mr Senior added: "It also puts a smile on my face when I drive around and see how many original Foresters are being driven by P-platers.

"Obviously it is seen as a safe, practical and fun vehicle by these young kids. And their parents would be pleased they are driving a Subaru All-Wheel Drive."

A Forester variant was the first in Subaru's range to achieve an independent five-star rating for occupant safety from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) – a benchmark now achieved by every Subaru model sold in Australia.

In 2003, it achieved what was then the best-ever crashworthiness test rating for a compact four-wheel drive – five stars. It was also the first time any Japanese-built car had achieved a five-star ANCAP rating.

Forester has found a niche with emergency services, including use as a rapid response paramedic ambulance in metropolitan Victoria and NSW, and general ambulance duties in rural locations.

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.

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

Alicia Cannon
Public Relations Executive
Telephone: +61 2 8892 9205
Mobile: +61 414 397 905
Fax: +61 2 8892 9131
Email: alicia.cannon@subaru.com.au