The 2006 Subaru Forester

• Bolder, more dynamic new look offers greater road presence
• Upgraded, high-quality interior featuring new, multi-function innovations
• New, four-cam naturally-aspirated ‘boxer’ engine with 33 PS power-hike
• Class-leading 2.0 litre power and performance - 158 PS/122 mph top speed
• Class-leading 2.5 litre turbo (XT) now has 230 PS - 19 PS up on ’05
• Forester 2.5 XT now available with ‘sportshift’ automatic transmission and Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (SVDC)
• Forester 2.5 XT beats both BMW X3 2.5 manual and 3.0 auto for performance and economy
• Forester 2.5 XT manual boasts 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds
• Forester 2.5 XT has braked towing limit of 2,000 kg
• Full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive continues
• Sporty handling thanks to low centre-of-gravity ‘Boxer’ engine
• SUV all-terrain ability and constant 200 mm-plus ground clearance
• Even greater handling agility and roadholding thanks to thoroughly revised suspension and larger wheels and tyres
• On-sale in August from £17,595 (Forester 2.0 X) and £21,995 OTR (Forester 2.5 XT)

A new bolder, stronger look, thoroughly revised engines, interior and suspension plus class-leading power and performance will further enhance the Subaru Forester’s appeal as the best-driving crossover sports utility vehicle on the market.

Already widely praised for its unrivalled combination of performance car handling, estate car practicality and SUV all-terrain ability, the ’06 Model Year Forester enters dealers’ showrooms in August priced from a highly competitive £17,595 on-the-road for the Forester 2.0 X. Meanwhile, the turbocharged 2.5 XT is now available from only £21,995 OTR, replacing the 2.0 XT.

Originally launched in 2002, the extensive facelift includes new front wings, bonnet, bumper, grille and headlamps giving far greater road-presence and visual dynamics.

Larger wheels plus design changes at the rear are all aimed at making the new Forester look taller, more imposing and closer to a conventional SUV.

However the low-centre-of-gravity horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ engine and full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive drivetrain ensure far higher degrees of active safety and driver involvement. Extensive chassis revisions reduce pitch and roll and further improve roadholding and steering precision.

The upgraded, high-quality interior boasts several new ‘surprise and delight’ features such as a multi-function centre console/armrest/table/cupholder plus a new loadbay-restraining system and water-repellent seat trim.