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.

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