Hot Selling Forester Gets Power Boost
With the new 300-hp Impreza WRX STi taking over flagship duties from the 227-hp 2.5-L Impreza WRX, Subaru is free to exploit its experience with turbochargers in its less sport-oriented models.
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| The first vehicle outside of the Impreza WRX to get the turbocharged treatment is the recently updated Forester XT. (Photo: Subaru) |
The turbocharged horizontally opposed engine's first application outside of the Impreza WRX will be in the bay of the recently updated Forester crossover SUV, dubbed Forester XT. While detuned to 210-hp due to only integrating a single turbo instead of the WRX's two, it's a solid step up from the base model's 165-hp naturally aspirated 2.5-L 4-cylinder.
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| The slow selling Baja will also receive the turbocharged engine, but will that be enough to save it? (Photo: Subaru) |
The same can be said for the new Baja Turbo. While more power will no doubt improve the Baja's less than welcome reception, its higher price will put the model further from the younger set that finds its pickup versatility and unorthodox styling intriguing.
Both vehicles are well equipped though, with 4-wheel discs and ABS, all-wheel drive, interior power accessories, air conditioning and, lest we forget, Subaru's legendary reliability.