2009 Subaru Forester makes room for more

The Subaru Forester has been completely reworked for the 2009 model year, bringing more passenger room and greater cargo space.

Built on a longer wheelbase than previous models, the newest Forester improves passenger comfort and ride quality, and brings more precise driving dynamics, because of a new, firmer chassis design.

The all-new model also has updated crossover utility vehicle (CUV) styling, as well as increased safety features. Available in five trims: the 2.5X base model; 2.5X Premium; 2.5X L.L. Bean edition; 2.5XT base model; and the 2.5XT Limited, it goes on sale in the spring of 2009.

The Forester´s redesign started from the ground up. The re-engineered chassis gave this five-passenger model a longer, wider wheelbase and a body to give it more CUV flavor. On the outside, a higher hood line, wider doors, a bolder grille face and a reworked headlight configuration are all accentuated with bolder character lines.

The slightly flared boxed front and rear quarter panels amp up the side view, and a larger, rear light configuration compliments the large tailgate window that finishes up the rear aesthetics.

A color-keyed rear spoiler with an LED brake light is standard on the 2.5XT models. The 2.5XT increases ground clearance from 8.7 inches to 8.9 inches and adds fog lights, chrome tailpipe tips and a hood scoop, as well.

Inside, the freshly designed contours of the Forester’s dash add visual appeal and are similar in design to the Tribeca. The three-dimensional gauge panel features three gauges in analog format, with other digital gauges tucked below.

An attractive blue-hue backlight illuminates the gauges and adds color to the center console. An information center is integrated into the dash configuration, using an LED display screen to provide information, such as fuel economy and temperature.

An optional touch-screen GPS navigation system with Audyssey MultEQ audio enhancement is available on the 2.5X L.L. Bean Edition and 2.5 XT Limited models.

The seats of the updated Forester have been reworked and now feature double-stitched fabrics, bolstering and new seatback springs, while rear seats bring increased stowage with a 60/40 folding split.

With both rear seats down, the cargo area extends from 33.5 cubic feet to 68.3 cubic feet. Additional storage is provided throughout the cabin in the multifunctional center console, the retractable rear tray and an under-floor compartment in the rear cargo space.

An auxiliary audio jack and pre-wiring allow choice of XM or Sirius Satellite Radio, and an optional iPod Interface Kit also can be installed.

The 2.5X Premium version adds a panoramic moonroof, chrome-accented door handles, tinted privacy glass, roof rails and steering-wheel audio controls. The 2.5X L.L. Bean Edition upgrades the standard stereo system to a six-CD system with MP3 capability and a six-speaker configuration with Circle Surround Sound, and it adds the L.L. Bean emblem to the exterior and brand logos to the embroidered interior floor mats.

The 2.5XT Limited adds a telescoping, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control and the choice of black or platinum leather-trimmed upholstery.

The all-wheel-drive Forester 2.5X Base and Premium both come standard with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder Boxer engine, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox with a hydraulic clutch and Incline Assist.

Standard on the 2.5X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited is a 2.5-liter 224-hp Boxer intercooled/turbocharged engine that has been paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, with SportShift control.

The four-speed automatic is offered as an option for the 2.5X models. Forester models equipped with the four-speed automatic also come with remote-start pre-wiring.

Beefed up and raised, the Forester´s four-wheel independent suspension adds a few inches of ground clearance over the previous generation´s strut suspension. The rear now gets a double-wishbone suspension, which improves driving dynamics. Forester´s engine is also mounted lower on the chassis, which lowers the center of gravity for better road adhesion, as well.

The 2.5X base trim comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with 215/60 R16 all-season tires. The 2.5X Premium, 2.5X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5XT and the 2.5XT Limited come with 17-inch alloy wheels and 225/55 R17 all-season tires. A tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all trims.

The new Forester has standard front airbags, driver and passenger seat-mounted side air bags, and curtain air bags for both rows. A front passenger-side sensor detects the presence of an adult or child and activates/deactivates the passenger airbags accordingly.

A new rollover sensor has been added to all Forester trims that is programmed to activate and automatically deploy the curtain air bags in the event of a dramatic tip of the vehicle. Active safety features include a four-channel/four-sensor ABS braking system, Vehicle Dynamics Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, four-wheel traction control and, new to the Forester, Emergency Brake Assist. Incline Start Assist is standard on five-speed trims.

Exterior color choices are Obsidian Black Pearl, Spark Silver Metallic, Steel Silver Metallic, Dark Gray Metallic and Topaz Gold Metallic. An available all-weather package includes heated front seats, exterior mirrors; a windshield wiper de-icer comes standard on the 2.5X L.L. Bean Edition and the 2.5XT Limited.

The 2.5X models carry an EPA fuel efficiency rating of 20 mpg city/26 mph highway; the 2.5XT models are rated at 19 mpg city/24 mph highway.

Full pricing for the all-new 2009 Subaru Forester will become available closer to its release date; base models will begin at $19,995.