Subaru's third-generation 2009 Forester is the latest vehicle in the Japanese automaker's U.S. lineup to undergo an extensive makeover. It arrives in the wake of the recent, much-publicized and scrutinized launch of the Impreza and signature WRX and WRX STI variants.
The Forester, which will make its world debut in a couple of weeks at the 2008 Detroit auto show on its way to U.S. Subaru dealerships in the spring, has gone from a tallish wagon to a vehicle that's now being billed as -- of course -- a crossover utility.
As is the norm with an extensively revised model, the 2009 Forester has gotten bigger (wheelbase grows 3.6-inches to 103.0) and safer (side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, stability and traction control are now standard on all models). But despite its efforts to supersize, refine and otherwise smooth out the new Forester, Subaru has attempted to keep vehicle's sporty, small wagon spirit alive by holding overall length to just three inches longer than the outgoing car.
Subaru's now familiar, normally aspirated and turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter Boxer engines provide the power for the Forester, which should come in at about the same horsepower numbers as the Impreza, 177 for the base engine and 224 for the turbo version. The vehicle employs a four-wheel independent suspension system with a double-wishbone rear setup, features up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance, and, of course, Forester is fitted with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard. Manual-transmission models are equipped with a start assist feature to help keep the vehicle in place in an uphill situation.
A quick look at the first official U.S. spec photos (shots of the Japanese-market Forster have been circulating around the Web recently) shows a vehicle that has grown up on multiple fronts and definitely looks more the part of crossover. It also takes on cues similar to Subie's Tribeca ute, such as the vehicle's grille. A cladded lower front clip area houses prominent fog lamps, wheel arches are pronounced, and dual tailpipes now expel the Forester's exhaust.
As with the Impreza, Subaru is also pushing its interior improvements, touting a cabin that it says is of better quality, and is quieter and more comfortable. Forester is now available with a navigation system for the first time and it also has multiple audio system options. A number of trim levels will be available including the sportier XT, and the automaker is continuing its relationship with clothing maker L.L. Bean.
We'll have more details on the Forester after its world reveal at Detroit. Stay tuned to MotorTrend.com for all the latest leading up to and during the Detroit show press days, Jan. 13-15.