It seems a little late now that Subaru is finally "officially" unveiling the all-new 2009 Forester since so many photos of the SUV have been leaked on the internet. But here it is...
The 2009 Forester is built on an all-new platform with more a more "SUV-like" design. Subaru also says that the new model has more sport-sedan dynamics. The Forester is going to be powered by an array of turbocharged and naturally aspirated 2.5L Boxer engines. Official stats have not been released. Expect more details to be released next month at the Detroit Auto Show.
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PRESS RELEASE:
North American International Auto Show Preview: Subaru Releases First Photos of All-New 2009 Forester Crossover SUV
- All-New Design with Improved Comfort, Space and Utility
- All-New Platform With Sport-Sedan Dynamics
- Standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
Subaru of America, Inc. today released the first official photos of the all-new, third-generation 2009 Forester, a total re-design of the award-winning crossover utility vehicle (CUV) that will debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January. The 2009 Forester, which arrives in Subaru dealerships this spring, builds upon its predecessor’s reputation as an icon of safety, dependability and versatility. The new-generation 2009 model projects a bolder, more SUV-like design and making a major leap in safety technology, comfort, refinement and driving dynamics.
As with all Subaru models, the 2009 Forester comes equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. An all-new platform featuring a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase (now 103.0 inches) and double-wishbone rear suspension improves crash-worthiness and at the same time provides crisper handling, a quieter ride and increased interior space and cargo room. The 2009 Forester once again blends positive SUV attributes including a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel efficiency.
All Forester models for 2009 feature standard side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard on all models for the first time. With the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3), Subaru optimized all elements of the Forester’s chassis to deliver a better balance of ride, handling response, quietness and overall traction performance than offered by competitive vehicles. A comprehensive array of elements contributes to that goal, including the new, high-strength body structure, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, VDC and four-wheel disc ABS brakes with the Brake Assist safety system.
Manual-transmission models also feature Incline Start Assist, which can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.
Even with its bolder exterior and roomier interior, the new 2009 Forester is only about three inches longer than its predecessor, thus retaining the trim exterior packaging cited by Forester owners as one of this model’s most essential features. A robust body structure, heavy-duty raised four-wheel independent suspension system and up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance help make Forester equally adept at negotiating twisty roads and absorbing ruts and bumps.
IMPROVED PERFORMANCE WITH GREATER COMFORT AND VERSATILITY
The 2009 Forester offers naturally aspirated and turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter Boxer engines, both revised to provide better low-end and mid-range torque for more responsive everyday performance. New interior materials, including double-stitched fabrics and high-grade plastics, impart a feeling of higher quality. As before, Forester is offered in a wide array of models, with the 2009 Forester 2.5 X offering one of the best values in the crossover SUV segment and the range-topping Forester L.L.Bean Edition offering more luxury without compromising the vehicle’s sporty nature.
The 2009 Forester offers a navigation system for the first time as well as advanced audio system upgrade options. The 2009 Forester comes pre-wired for XM(R) or SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio. An auxiliary audio input jack enables connection of an iPod(R) or MP3 player.
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Comments (27)
I must admit that it looks better in that pic than it did in all the leaked/magazine pics.
Posted by SEALBoy | December 25, 2007 9:30 PM
Posted on December 25, 2007 21:30
What's up with the 3rd side mirror jutting out of the front driver side fender?!!?!
All I have to say to Subaru is, "Get some original designers." Come on, this thing is so Ford-esque. At least it's miles better than the Alfy inspired B9 Tribeca and Impreza "shudder"...
You wanna sell some hot cake cars, stick with the current Legacy GT (or bring back and updated 98). Do something besides make the Impreza look as bland and lifeless as a Toyota or Honda, and do not go all 180 on us and make it radically different either. Make a freaking coupe (with STi option). Update the 2.5 engine (COME ON 17 MPG?!). Or just keep making crap and hope to god that GM or Ford doesn't buy you out....(not that Toyota or Honda would be better, maybe Lotus, mmm sexy).
Oh that'd be some hot shiz, a Lotus inspired STI.....drool. Or just build up that 3.0 flat 6 and boost the crap out of it. A 400hp legacy GT 3.0 R Limited, I'd take that over a GTO anyday (of course the GTO would get better gas mileage, well so would 90% of all other cars.)
Posted by Brian | December 25, 2007 11:11 PM
Posted on December 25, 2007 23:11
A two wheel driver version would get better economy. A lot of us don't want to pay to be lugging around extra hardware we never use.
Posted by Bill | December 26, 2007 12:20 AM
Posted on December 26, 2007 00:20
that thing is ugly it looks like a toyota prado cross tribeca ugly
Posted by o | December 26, 2007 2:05 AM
Posted on December 26, 2007 02:05
the 2004 model is by far the best in appereance
Posted by kostas07 | December 26, 2007 5:47 AM
Posted on December 26, 2007 05:47
@ Bill,
I hate to break it to you but there are more than one car manufacture out there making these kind of vehicles with 2WD....
I applaud Subaru for continuing the manufacture and design of AWD vehicles.
Most people who purchase Subaru understand that is what they are buying and would take safety of AWD over fuel economy any day.
Posted by Andrew | December 26, 2007 10:09 AM
Posted on December 26, 2007 10:09
I would have to agree with Brian on his Ford-esque look (especially the front grill).
Though I do applaude their efforts to make a safe SUV/crossover vehicle. I have always liked the Forester but the two main complaints I had were the interior space and bad mpg. Well, they solved one problem with the interior space. Hopefully they will solve the terrible MPG (especially for a 2.5L). I mean if nissan can squeeze out 175hp and great gas milage for their Altima 2.5; Subaru should put a little effort and improve their 2.5.
Either way, I give it a thumbs up, with hopes of better gas milage in the near future.
Posted by Al | December 26, 2007 11:51 AM
Posted on December 26, 2007 11:51
To Brian,
That third mirror is actually commonplace in countries outside of the USA.
Posted by Jim | December 26, 2007 1:26 PM
Posted on December 26, 2007 13:26
If a tall guy like me could actually physically get behind the wheel of a Subaru, I would consider it. But, their cars seem to be oriented toward the shorter Japanese market with no considerations for Americans that are much over 6 feet tall (I am 6'5").
Posted by Jake | December 26, 2007 2:29 PM
Posted on December 26, 2007 14:29
I think it's funny that they spilled all that ink talking up the larger size, etc... then "backtrack" with this:
"Even with its bolder exterior and roomier interior, the new 2009 Forester is only about three inches longer than its predecessor, thus retaining the trim exterior packaging cited by Forester owners as one of this model’s most essential features."
Seems like quite a few people said they didn't want a larger vehicle...but Subaru gave them one anyway.
Posted by Larry | December 26, 2007 2:50 PM
Posted on December 26, 2007 14:50
I have owned Subaru's in the past and found them reliable, excellent in all weather and a little quirky. Personally, the new style is rather bland but like all Subaru's of late the interior has improved dramatically. I do agree that bigger is not necessarily better. My Subaru always gave me about 24-27mpg (highway) but that is the tradeoff for awd. However, the boxer engines were reliable and quite easy to work on (except the timing belt).
Posted by longdxcommuter | December 26, 2007 4:17 PM
Posted on December 26, 2007 16:17
eventhough i would not ever buy a subaru i respect them for there AWD cars and also the almighty STI... Subaru needs a higher class lineup like honda/nissan/toyota - Acura/Infinity/Lexus. maby then id be interestedin them.
Posted by dennisil | December 26, 2007 4:21 PM
Posted on December 26, 2007 16:21
dennisil, is that like saying that you'll only date women who have a better looking sister?
Posted by jake | December 26, 2007 5:15 PM
Posted on December 26, 2007 17:15
Best looking Forester ever, but that's not saying much.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | December 26, 2007 8:01 PM
Posted on December 26, 2007 20:01
wat countries could posssibly want that f ugly miror
Posted by o | December 26, 2007 8:21 PM
Posted on December 26, 2007 20:21
Subaru makes great cars that out handle a lot of "sport" cars on dry roads and SUVs in snow. Its too bad they were selling small cars when everybody wanted to buy big SUVs and now they are about to market a bigger car when everybody is thinking green.
Posted by Larry | December 26, 2007 9:52 PM
Posted on December 26, 2007 21:52
Well no Bugs (not the crappy VW vehicle).. wait till they are worked out which is usually 3 model years. The MPG should be able to increase if they provide a better engine and less weight.
Also build them in the USA here now with Record Exports here and a low $USD what a wonderful opportunity to MFG here now. Build a better product with American Technology !
Posted by AAAAmerican.Com | December 27, 2007 12:24 AM
Posted on December 27, 2007 00:24
The "third" mirror is common in Japan. It's just what they do.
Posted by CKV | December 27, 2007 2:25 AM
Posted on December 27, 2007 02:25
@jake
your right i should have been more specific in my coment i would be interested in the "Luxury" Subaru not the ugly sister.
Posted by dennisil | December 27, 2007 11:01 AM
Posted on December 27, 2007 11:01
plain...boring...and borderline ugly.... are thoughts that come to mind. yawn....
Posted by m | December 27, 2007 11:10 AM
Posted on December 27, 2007 11:10
plain...boring...and borderline ugly.... are thoughts that come to mind. yawn....
Posted by m | December 27, 2007 11:10 AM
Posted on December 27, 2007 11:10
plain...boring...and borderline ugly.... are thoughts that come to mind. yawn....
Posted by m | December 27, 2007 11:14 AM
Posted on December 27, 2007 11:14
It looks pretty good... for a Subaru. I'm also wondering what MPG would it get and how it compares to Toyota RAV4. Both cars look quite similar, and Toyota has done wonders with fuel economy on AWD RAV4.
Posted by Alex Greene | December 27, 2007 2:22 PM
Posted on December 27, 2007 14:22
The US version DOES NOT have the third mirror - and looks much better than this shot as a a result. See photos at what i think is the ultimate Subaru info site: http://www.cars101.com/subaru/forester/forester2009.html
Posted by T. Paradise | December 27, 2007 10:04 PM
Posted on December 27, 2007 22:04
I saw this at the dealer before the 25th (here in Japan), and it looks better in person than in a photo. I'm not an SUV persona t all, cars are my thing, but this is pretty nice compared to the last Forrester. I would not buy one, as the Legacy wagon is more useful for me.
And as for specs, here it starts with 170ps, then goes up to 230ps (about 220 hp). But the high HP model is about $27 large ones, plus options.
Posted by JoeyIroc | December 28, 2007 8:16 AM
Posted on December 28, 2007 08:16
Who cares?
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | December 28, 2007 9:52 AM
Posted on December 28, 2007 09:52
One word sums it all up.... A W S O M E !!!!
Posted by Way to go SUBARU | May 7, 2008 11:12 AM
Posted on May 7, 2008 11:12