The base Forester with the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine starts at just under $20K, which is a $1,200 drop from the 2008 model. The all-new Forester comes in three versions, X, X with Premium Package ($22,495) and the L.L. Bean Edition ($25,995). The turbocharged Forester comes in XT ($26,195) and XT Limited ($28,195) trims.

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All-New 2009 Subaru Forester Officially Unveiled

PRESS RELEASE:

SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING ON ALL-NEW 2009 FORESTER

-2009 Forester Boasts All-New Styling, Chassis and Added Safety Features.
-Larger Interior Features Improved Comfort, Space and Utility.
-Forester Features Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) Stability System.
-Starting Price of $19,995 is $1,200 Lower Than 2008 Model.

Cherry Hill, N.J. February 26, 2008 - Following its world debut at the NAIAS in January, Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing on the all-new Subaru Forester. The 2009 Subaru Forester will arrive in dealer showrooms beginning in April with pricing starting at $19,995, a full $1,200 lower than the outgoing model. For 11 years, the Subaru Forester has been an icon of functionality, dependability and durability," said Tim Colbeck, vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. "The 2009 Forester now adds greater interior room, improved comfort and more amenities than before, yet with a starting price that is significantly lower than the outgoing model."

The 2009 Subaru Forester is available in both 2.5 liter naturally aspirated and 2.5 liter turbo models. The naturally aspirated models are available with manual or automatic transmission, while the turbocharged models come with automatic transmission.The naturally aspirated model is available in three trim levels; X, 2.5X Premium Package and 2.5X L.L. Bean (L.L. Bean equipped with automatic transmission only). The 2.5XT turbocharged model is available in standard X trim or as a Forester 2.5XT Limited model.

Model Highlights:

The 2.5X, equipped with manual transmission, will have a starting price of $19,995 (before D&D) - a $1,200 price decrease from the comparable 2008MY.

The 2.5X with Premium Package, equipped with manual transmission, has a starting price of $22,495 and includes; Power moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear seat center tray, roof rails, steering wheel audio controls, and reclining rear seat backs.

The 2.5X L.L.Bean Edition with standard automatic transmission starts at $25,995. The L.L.Bean Edition includes: perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, automatic climate control system, AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer and 6 speakers, 10-way power driver's seat, fog lights, all-weather package (heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer and heated exterior mirrors), L.L.Bean embroidered floor mats and L.L.Bean embossed cargo tray.

The 2.5XT model starts at $26,195 and features a 2.5-liter, turbocharged engine that produces 224 HP. The 2.5XT comes with unique 17-inch alloy wheels.

An All Weather Package is an available option ($400) on the Premium Package, and is standard on the L.L.Bean & XT Limited. Satellite Navigation is optional ($1,800) on L.L. Bean and XT Limited models.

Destination and Delivery charge is $665 for all 2009MY Forester models.

2009 FORESTER PRICING

MODEL / Standard Package / Transmission / Total Suggested Retail Price

2.5X (VDC) MT $19,995
2.5X (VDC) AT $21,195
2.5X Premium Package (VDC) MT $22,495
2.5X Premium Package (VDC) AT $23,495
2.5X L.L.Bean Edition (VDC) AT $25,995
2.5XT (VDC) AT $26,195
2.5XT Limited (VDC) AT $28,195

Partial Zero Emissions (PZEV) Models

2.5X (PZEV) (VDC) MT $20,195
2.5X (PZEV) (VDC) AT $21,395
2.5X (PZEV) Premium Package (VDC) MT $22,695
2.5X (PZEV) Premium Package (VDC) AT $23,695
2.5X L.L.Bean Edition (PZEV) (VDC) AT $26,195

The third-generation 2009 Forester is a total re-design of the award-winning crossover utility vehicle (CUV). The 2009 Forester 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.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.