Subaru Southern Africa has unveiled the 2022 Forester, with local pricing and specifications.
The “mid-life update” to the SUV will see it offered in four derivatives – which are available from January 2022 in the local market.
These models are:
- Subaru Forester 2.0i CVT – R486,000
- Subaru Forester 2.0i-S ES CVT – R564,000
The 2.0-litre models feature 4-cylinder boxer engines and produce 115kW and 196Nm.
- Subaru Forester 2.5i-Sport ES CVT – R599,000
- Subaru Forester 2.5i-S ES CVT – R649,000
The 2.5-litre models also feature 4-cylinders in the Boxer format and produce 136kW and 239Nm.
“The entire 2022 Forester line-up is driven by Subaru’s signature Boxer engines and symmetrical all-wheel-drive system,” said the company.
Each models includes a 3-year/75,000km maintenance plan and a 5-year/150,000km warranty.
Design
Subaru said the biggest updates to its SUV took place at the front.
“A larger, hexagonal grille takes centre stage with a reduced headlight design. The result is a more dynamic and sturdier stance.”
LED headlights are then included, while on the Sport models you will receive six-bulb LED fog lamps in a black housing.
The mirror caps, A and B-pillar covers, as well as the rear spoiler and tailgate finishes have all been enhanced, too.
“On the Forester Sport, the mirror caps and rear are finished in a geometric textured material, where the Premium Forester is finished in chromed mirror covers and a high gloss black cover.”
The Forester sits on new 17-inch alloy wheels on the base model, and 18-inch alloy wheels on the high-spec models.
Ride and features
To improve the ride of the Forester, Subaru has tweaked the front suspension to enhance steering responsiveness, ride quality, and handling.
X-Mode, Subaru’s all-terrain system, has also been updated with improved hill descent control speed management.
“To enhance driver control, the revised system allows for manual acceleration on descent, with the system re-engaging hill descent control when the driver stops accelerating.”
X-Mode can also re-engage at speeds of 35km/h or below, after the system has dis-engaged beyond that speed.
This system is complemented by EyeSight Version 4.0, which provides a dual-camera system with a wide field of view.
EyeSight Version 4.0 uses the cameras to employ features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, lane departure prevention, sway warning, blind-spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking.
Additionally, drivers will be able to use active lane centering and autonomous emergency steering with the system.
The steering feature works as an accident prevention function and “can steer the vehicle to avoid an accident”.
Stronger roof rails
Topping off the new features on the Subaru Forester is stronger roof rails.
The rails have been strengthened and redesigned to allow for more load, said the company.
“Additional tie-down locations have also been integrated into the rails, as have two additional utility hooks been added to the roof of the rear cargo area.”
Keyword: New Subaru Forester – Pricing and details