The Subaru Forester (2008)

Subaru's widely-acclaimed new Boxer Diesel engine is now available in the new Subaru Forester where it is expected to account for 80 per cent of sales and eventually turn it into Subaru's best-selling model.

First introduced in the Subaru Legacy and Subaru Outback in May, 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.

Meanwhile, the Boxer Diesel Subaru Forester's 186 kph top speed and 10.4 second 0-100 kph time makes it one of the swiftest of SUVs while the extra engine torque allows a full 2,000kg braked towing limit.

Based on the platform of the new Subaru Impreza, the Subaru 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 75mm longer, 45mm wider and gains 110mm in height.

Rear legroom grows by 95mm, the driver's eye-line is 30mm 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 10mm greater at 215mm, the engine itself sits 10mm lower. This, coupled with the inherent low centre-of-gravity of the boxer engine, gives exceptionally agile handling.

Expected to be a strong seller, the Subaru Forester turbo diesel comes with a comprehensive list of standard equipment including four electric windows; 60/40-split rear seats with reclining back-rests; climate-control air-conditioning; 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, cruise-control, roof-rails, 17"x7.0" 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.

Other premium touches 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, the new Subaru 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.