# Class-leading fuel economy at 44.8 mpg Combined (2.0D X)
# Class-leading emissions at 167 g/km (2.0D X)
# Class-leading annual VED of £170
# Class-leading range of 1,000-plus km
# Class-leading (joint) insurance rating – Group 9E
# Outstanding 115.5 mph top speed, 0-60 mph in 10 seconds
# Boxer Diesel gives exceptional refinement and throttle response
# Low centre-of-gravity coupled with all-wheel drive provides superb handling and agility
# New six-speed manual gearbox
# Full, 2,000 kg braked towing limit
# New Forester body closer in size to Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V
# New multi-link rear suspension gives ultra-smooth ride
# Retuned steering and front damping compared to petrol model
# All-wheel drive plus Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control for limpet grip
# Unbeatable standard equipment includes: AWD with Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control, self-levelling rear suspension, alloy wheels, cruise-control, climate-control air-conditioning, radio/CD player, height and reach steering wheel adjustment, leather-covered steering wheel, heated mirrors and windscreen wipers, front and rear electric windows, driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags plus vehicle information display
* Three-model range starts at £20,295 OTR for Forester 2.0D XSubaru's widely-acclaimed new Boxer Diesel engine is now available in the new Forester where it is expected to account for 80 per cent of sales and eventually turn the SUV into Subaru's best-selling model.
First introduced in the Legacy and Outback this February, the 2.0 litre, four-cylinder horizontally-opposed Boxer Diesel engine offers outstanding refinement and throttle-response plus exceptional handling thanks to its light weight and low centre-of gravity.
And in the new Boxer Diesel Forester – itself only launched in April in petrol format – the boxer diesel catapults it to the top of the class for fuel economy and low emissions. It also offers drivers the longest range of any SUV at more than 1,000 km before refuelling.
No other competitor can match the new Forester 2.0D X's Combined 44.8 mpg nor its ultra-low 167 g/km meaning an annual Road Fund Licence of £170.
In addition, only the VW Tiguan can match the Group 9E insurance rating for the Forester 2.0D X and XC models. The Honda CR-V, for example is Group 12, Nissan X-Trail from Group 13 and Toyota RAV4 is classed from Group11 upwards.
Meanwhile, the Boxer Diesel Forester's 115.5 mph top speed and 10 second 0-60 mph time makes it one of the swiftest of SUVs while the extra engine torque over the petrol model allows a full 2,000 kg braked towing limit.
Apart from the much-applauded new engine, key improvements over the 2.0 litre petrol Forester include a new six-speed manual gearbox, uprated front suspension and firmer-feeling steering.
On sale this September, the new Boxer Diesel Forester range comprises three models with their own specific trim levels – the 2.0D X at £20,295, 2.0D XC at £22,495 and 2.0D XSn at £25,495 (all on-the-road).
Commenting on the new Boxer Diesel Forester, Lawrence Good, Managing Director, Subaru (UK) Limited said: “This is the car everyone has been waiting for and places us right in the SUV heartland where it leads in so many crucial areas.
“With the praise already heaped on the new Boxer Diesel as fitted to the Legacy and the favourable comments on the new Forester's improved space, ride and handling, this should be the perfect combination for both loyal Subaru owners and conquest customers.”
SUV In Size But Subaru-Like To Drive
Even more the keen driver's choice, the new Forester launched this April is Subaru's third generation of crossover SUVs but now occupies a similar silhouette to the Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail or Honda CR-V.
Based on the platform of the new Impreza, the Forester features a new multi-link rear suspension, fuel-saving electric power steering and Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control.
Now closer in size to its less agile SUV competitors, the completely new Forester is 75 mm longer, 45 mm wider and gains 110 mm in height (all models except the 2.0D X which lacks roof rails).
Rear legroom grows by 95 mm, the driver's eye-line is 30 mm higher, while the load space is now 450 litres with the rear seat up – 63 litres more than the previous model.
But while the ground clearance is now 10 mm greater at 215 mm, the engine itself sits 10 mm lower. This, coupled with the inherent low centre-of-gravity of the boxer engine, gives exceptionally agile handling.
Equipment And Design
The new Boxer Diesel Forester offers outstanding equipment with even the entry-level Forester 2.0D X featuring: symmetrical all-wheel drive; Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control; self-levelling rear suspension; fuel-saving electric power steering; front, side and curtain airbags and 16 x 6.5 ins alloy wheels with 215/65 tyres.
Other features include four electric windows; 60/40-split rear seats with reclining back-rests; climate-control air-conditioning; radio/CD player; front fog lamps; vehicle information display; height and reach-adjustment steering wheel; leather-covered steering wheel, handbrake and gear-lever; heated front seats, mirrors and windscreen wipers plus cruise-control.
Expected to be the best-seller, the Forester 2.0D XC adds: roof-rails; larger, 17x 7.0 ins alloy wheels with 225/55 tyres; premium audio system featuring a six-stacker CD-player and seven speakers; roof spoiler; HID headlamps and a large, electrically-powered sun-roof.
Finally, the top-of-the range Forester 2.0D XSn adds: satellite navigation with single disc CD/radio; leather seats; electrically-powered driver's seat and Smart-entry with push-button start.
Other premium touches shared by all Foresters include a gas strut-assisted bonnet, flowing fascia design, double-stitched seat cloth, metallic interior decoration and padded armrest cushions.
The instruments are also sporty thanks to their clear design and subtle lighting while the extensive vehicle information display includes a fuel consumption indicator highlighting the new Forester's much improved efficiency.
Now, much more SUV-like in appearance, the new Forester boasts a clean, chiselled appearance with multi-grooved wheel-arches, hawk-eye headlamps and aggressive bumpers. Thought has even been given to the chunky exterior door handles which have deep recesses to allow winter glove-wearers an easier grip.
Boxer Diesel Secrets Explained
* Exceptionally compact, light and strong
* Low friction ‘Boxer' balance cancels out vibration
* Flat four's low centre-of-gravity boosts handling agility
* Punchy throttle response
* Common-rail fuel-injection for greater efficiency
* Solenoid injectors for compactness
* Variable-vane turbocharger mounted under engine for low centre-of-gravity
* Highly efficient, fast-warm catalytic converter also mounted under engine
