Subaru Canada yesterday announced pricing and detailed trim information for three of its core models, the 2019 Impreza, the 2019 Legacy and the 2019 Outback - click on the links to see their details. But while all three of these will benefit from some revisions and upgrades for the new model-year, they don’t represent any radical departures or leaps forward for the models in question.
As regards the Forester, however, we’re talking about an all-new generation being presented by Subaru Canada. The new Forester represents the model’s fifth generation. Here are its main features:
For starters, the new edition will be more spacious than before, and be offered in the following versions when it debuts at dealerships this fall: 2.5i, Convenience, Touring, Sport, Limited and Premier.
The new Forester is built on Subaru’s new global platform, making it slightly bigger and thus able to offer a larger interior space. Also new is the advanced DriverFocus system, the first in the model’s category, and which helps combat driver fatigue and distractedness.
All 2019 Forester editions are powered by a new 2.5L 4-cylinder BOXER engine with direct injection coupled with a Lineartronic CVT transmission. The X-Mode system is offered standard, while the two-mode X-Mode is available as an option.
The versions
The Forester 2.5i includes automatic climate control, automatic LED headlights, hill descent control and electronic parking brake.
Other standard features include the Subaru SI-Drive selector, the X-Mode descent speed control, heated front seats and a 6.5-inch screen for the infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
New in 2019, the Convenience version of the Forester is focused on comfort and of course convenience, and comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, premium upholstery, 6-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control and a multi-function 6.3-inch colour screen for the dashboard, not to mention paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.
The Touring version gets the EyeSight system as standard equipment, and it includes a proximity key with push-button start, automatic braking when in reverse gear, and assisted headlights. The power hatch (with memory function) and a large glass power moonroof are also included in this trim.
The all-new Forester Sport gets some more standard equipment, as well as improvements to the exterior and the interior - for example a unique grille, rear under-carriage cowl, roof rails, exclusive 18-inch wheels with dark metallic finish and orange exterior accents. There’s more: LED vertical anti-fog lights, LED side-view mirrors and adaptive headlights.
Inside, buyers of the Sport also get an 8-inch screen, two extra USB ports in back (for a total of four), as well as climate control vents on the back of the central console to maximize the comfort of the rear passengers. The Sport version also comes with reclining rear seats and a leather-wrapped gear knob.
The Limited trim of the Forester comes with 18-inch alloy wheels and a premium front grille, while the exterior side-mirror inclines when backing up – a first for Subaru. The interior includes an 8-inch infotainment screen with integrated navigation and an 8-speaker harmon/kardon audio system. Black or platinum leather seating and heated rear seats and steering wheel are other standard features included with this trim.
The all-new top-end Premier version comes with a host of luxury-minded components, such a exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome door handles, exclusive silver-painted front and rear bumpers, chrome side trim, roof rails and side-view mirrors and a steel rear-bumper step.
Also of note are the exclusive brown leather seating, power-adjustable front passenger seat and the all-new DriverFocus system.
Pricing:
2.5i CVT $27,995
Convenience CVT $30,295
Cinvenience with EyeSight CVT $31,795
Touring with EyeSight CVT $32,995
Sport with EyeSight CVT $34,995
Limited with EyeSight CVT $37,695
Premier with EyeSight CVT $39,495