The latest iteration of the entry-level version of Subaru's Forester sport-cute will carry a smaller sticker price and a bigger list of standard features than its predecessor.
Subaru Canada says the 2003 Forester 2.5 X will start at $27,995, which is $400 less than the 2002 Forester L it replaces and have more features as well as various upgrades.
Forester will also be offered in a 2.5 XS model starting at $32,195, but for $33,895 the customer can add the Premium Package (power moonroof, monotone body color, audio upgrad) and then a second option package featuring leather-trimmed upholstery for $35,495.
The 2003 Foresters were scheduled to start arriving in Canadian dealerships by the end of May.
Norio Osakabe, the chairman, president and chief executive officer of Subaru Canada, says the Forester has always been "an outstanding value", but the 2003 Forester is "better looking and better equipped, with more safety features than previous models -- and at a lower MSRP than 2002."
Osakabe says he expects that this "aggressive strategy will make Forester even more attractive compared to the competition."